Smoking cannabis recreationally provides the user a mild euphoria and sense of well-being. Allowing for a level of detachment, it provides a unique perspective on life's situations. It is important to note that under the influence of cannabis the user never loses the ability to make a rational decision. This is in direct contrast to many other substances including painkillers and alcohol.

The mild euphoria and level of detachment allows the consumer to think more freely and ponder ideas and problems. This is why many consumers believe that cannabis aids in their creativity. Used by musicians, painters, and radical thinkers, cannabis has played a large part in the development of our art and culture.

So why do so many people consume cannabis?

Cannabis is many things to many people. The simplest answer is that it makes you feel good. For some, smoking a joint is a way of unwinding at the end of a busy day, a reward for hard day's work. For others it's a form of meditation, a way of separating themselves from the day-to-day tasks of life. Some would say that we don't need to consume substances in order to enjoy life. If this is so than why do we have so many readily available substances? Outside of the world of cannabis, people consume everything from caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and a whole host of prescription medications for virtually the same reasons.

Cannabis is a plant. It is not some powdered drug produced in some clandestine laboratory. It is something that belongs in your garden alongside your tomatoes and beans. It is organic, natural and intended to be a part of our lives. Scientists have even determined that we have THC receptors in our brains designed specifically for processing cannabis.

Due to cannabis prohibition, it has become a forbidden fruit. Because of this, the use of cannabis in our youth has skyrocketed. It is far easier for a teenager to gain access to cannabis on the street than it is for them to get alcohol.It is quite obvious that by changing the laws surrounding cannabis, we would be able to better control access. By removing the forbidden fruit aspect and providing a regulated distribution model, we would be able to limit access to youth while providing a necessary service to the general public.

The fact that cannabis is illegal has absolutely no bearing on consumption rates. Cannabis consumers will continue to buy and consume cannabis because they believe it is their right as an individual to determine what type of libation they partake of.

Cannabis is consumed by people from all walks of life. They include our doctors lawyers and police officers. From the mailroom to the CEO, individuals are smoking cannabis after work. The big joke is that due to cannabis prohibition, there remains a huge hypocrisy in the workplace. Fear of prosecution continues to separate and segregate cannabis consumers.

Cannabis tourism.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a large consciousness-raising surrounding cannabis, due in part to the Internet and easier access to information, as well as the growing global economy. The reefer madness surrounding the demon weed has all but been dissolved. The general population is knowledgeable in the fact that cannabis is not a killer substance and that those who consume it do not commit murder and other atrocities under its influence. In fact, they now know that not only does it not cause this type of behavior it actually inhibits aggression!

Cannabis is a social lubricator, an ice breaker in a roomful of strangers. Because of this, cannabis consumers traveling on vacation often seek destinations that are cannabis friendly. Currently, there are only a few locations on the globe that are cannabis friendly. The Netherlands and Switzerland are leading the way with the open sale of cannabis. In Holland, you may purchase cannabis across the counter in "coffee shops". In Switzerland, you may buy your herb across the counter in hemp shops. Germany is slowly moving in this direction. Here in Canada, it seems that only in BC can you find cannabis friendly places to smoke. It is important to note the difference in that they do not provide the cannabis but merely allow you to smoke it on the premises.

As more and more cannabis consumers travel the globe, the demand for a legal infrastructure for the distribution of cannabis grows. It is our hope that one day in the near future cannabis will be readily available across the counter in a variety of strains and at reasonable prices. Until that day we will continue to work to educate and raise awareness of the necessity of these changes.

The dangers of recreational cannabis.

The most harmful side effects of smoking cannabis recreationally is the threat of criminal prosecution. Being given a criminal record for smoking a plant is an atrocity of law. The punishment does not fit the crime, because there is no crime. Currently, we have a new diversion program that helps first-time offenders in that they are given community service work and a fine instead of a criminal record. Although this sounds like a step in the right direction, the reality is far from that. We have heard directly from individuals who have been put through this program. Reports have shown that some individuals have received over 100 hours of community service work as well as fines up to $500 for being caught in possession of a joint. What a ridiculous waste of police resources and judicial bureaucracy. Until legislation changes, however, cannabis consumption is best kept indoors and out of sight.

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