Marijuana passed security, too. Teens rolled joints openly and the odor of pot permeated the ''chill out'' room off the main dance floor, where the ravers cool off after dancing. The crowd was middle class, overwhelmingly white and unfailingly polite. Most were teenagers or in their early 20s. Many said they don't take drugs but relish the atmosphere of acceptance at raves that they do not find among the cliques at school.
Drugs are everywhere.
It's all about the music, the love, the vibe.'' Even those who shun the drugs admitted that an Ecstasy undercurrent defines the party, the music and even the fashion. The concession stand catered to Ecstasy users. The drug causes involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, and nonstop dancing leads to dehydration. Ravers suck pacifiers to unclench their jaws and lollipops to lubricate their mouths. As the night wore on in North Bergen, teenagers huddled cross-legged in clumps, knees and shoulders touching or bodies intertwined like nesting hamsters.