Zumwalt Campground is a place where boundaries are challenged. Many people augment their experience with various substances. Officially, ZCG is a drug free event, but you will be camping with people in various states of intoxication from stone-cold sober to howling at the moon. There are some important things to keep in mind as you navigate the cosmic weekend:
hydration
The single most important thing you can do all weekend is to ensure you have had adequate water intake. Dehydration will wreck your good time in a big way and could result in loss of consciousness and heat injuries. Even when the sun goes down, it is still important to maintain adequate hydration. Find a system that works for you...alternate drinks...whatever. Hydration: not just a good idea, it’s the law!
know your limits
Know your limits: Keep your own trip together by not overindulging. Know what you can have and how much of it before you put it in your body. If you are over intoxicated you make yourself a potential target for sexual assault. Besides, when you’re passed out you’re no fun for everyone else. With the legalization of possession and recreational use of marijuana in Oregon there has been an abundance of cannabis infused baked goods.
"DON'T EAT THE WHOLE BROWNIE."
For those who are unfamiliar with cannabis products these baked goods can lead to a temporary condition called TMB (Too Much Brownie). TMB will not hurt you, but can cause you to retreat to your tent and take a long nap. To combat TMB, have a frank conversation with the baker to get a sense of the potency of the product. When in doubt, DON’T EAT THE WHOLE BROWNIE or other baked good. Eat a quarter or a half and wait and hour or two so that you can get a feel for the strength of the infusion. Then enjoy!
kindness
Approach the weekend with an open heart. You will encounter people who will have had too much. Assist them in getting the help they need. Make sure they’re hydrated. Get them back to their camp if that’s where they need to be. If the person is unresponsive, access emergency services.
getting help
Like anywhere else, you can always call 911 in the event of a medical emergency. You should access emergency medical services (EMS) immediately if a person is unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli. People who volunteer at ZCG and event security are there to help if trouble arises. In the event of an emergency, it is CRITICAL that you send a person to camp registration to let staff know about the situation so EMS CAN FIND THEIR WAY TO THE PERSON IN TROUBLE.
cannabis in Oregon
In July of 2015 the possession and recreational consumption of marijuana became legal in the State of Oregon. There are limits to how much you can possess and driving under the influence of intoxicants is still illegal. DO NOT light up when you line up to get into ZCG or make a run into Veneta. Local police and the county sheriff always have a strong presence around the Fair. Don’t risk getting a DUII. Take the bus or get a ride. Everything you need to know about cannabis laws in Oregon can be found on the OLCC website.