Last weekend my dad came to Ames for a visit, so my sister and I decided to show him the sites of Campustown. As we walked from store to store, my dad inquired whether or not pipes and bongs were still sold legally, being that he used to be one of those dreaded “hippies.” I had heard that a certain store on Lincoln Way did in fact sell pipes and bongs, so we headed over to the shop to take a look.

Upon entering the “bong room” we were immediately asked for our IDs. While the woman studied our photos, my sister made a comment that we just wanted to show our dad that these items were still sold. The woman glared at us sharply and replied, “Why wouldn’t we sell TOBACCO products?” as if we had just accused her of being part of the drug problem in America.

We smiled at the woman, assuming she was being sarcastic. This was obviously the wrong move, because seconds later we were rudely asked to leave the room, because we were “implying” that these products were used for something other than tobacco.

I feel that any store that’s going to sell 4-foot glass bongs and dug-outs shaped like batteries, cigarettes and lipstick containers IS implying that the products are used for something other than tobacco (as if anyone is going to believe that you are just dying for a drag off that lipstick or usually walk around sucking on a lit battery).

I understand the store can’t say that they’re selling drug paraphernalia, but this woman had no right to belittle us for “implying” anything. Especially when the words marijuana, pot, mary jane, reefer, etc. were never used in the conversation!

One word of advice, when entering the “bong room” in that store, hand over your ID, get on with your business and leave. Conversation or eye contact could mean you are “implying” something, and you will be asked to leave.

I guess I am out of the loop when it comes to smoking the legal stuff and please prove me wrong by entering your favorite bar or cafe with your bong tucked under your arm.

Betsy Christensen

Sophomore

Apparel merchandise, design and production