Be a Good Neighbor
24 states (plus DC) and counting.
Our country is clearly on its way to a coast-to-coast legal cannabis market. It’s nothing short of an inevitability, and only a matter of time before federal regulations are amended to allow adults to make their own choices about whether they consume the plant we know and love. In fact, almost two thirds of US adults are in favor of sweeping legalization of recreational cannabis. This number is high, and gives hope that the whim of the majority notches a win in the near future.
While the numbers are on our side, it’s important to remember that this includes many people who do not, and have no intention to, consume cannabis. They simply are in favor of adults having the right to choose what they put into their body, so long as it doesn’t negatively affect others.
On the other side of the coin, however, are those that do not support the legalization of recreational cannabis (although the may support medical use). This cohort cites many reasons that they do not want cannabis legalized, many rooted in their “reefer madness” stoner stereotypes and perceived negative impact on society. As legalization trickles in state by state, it’s important that, even though our cause may be increasingly victorious, we need to continue to battle lazy, outdated stereotypes.
Destigmatization is well under way, but there is still much to be done. Being a responsible cannabis consumer is important to help further the cause of legalization. It shows the dissenters that it’s not a mistake and cements the notion that all of us who enjoy a joint, bong rip, or gummy are just normal people. To do so, we need to be good neighbors. Here are some ways to think about being a good neighbor as you enjoy your high.
Smoke where You Should
Of course, one of the most classic and enjoyable ways to consume weed is to smoke a joint, however this isn’t always an option. If you’re heading to the beach, park, or other location that prohibits smoking, toke up before hand or bring some edibles along. Keeping non-smoking areas smoke free is essential to maintain a proper image and show a skeptical society that we can make conscientious decisions about where we light up a joint, blunt or bowl. Be courteous!
Don’t Litter
This goes for anything in life, really, so just don’t do it! Make sure all that government required packaging makes it into the trash. Hold onto your roaches until you find a trash can (or carry around an old pre-roll tube as your portable roach coach).
Don’t Drive Stoned
We all have those friends (or are that friend) that claim they’re a better driver after smoking some weed. Unfortunately, that’s, at best, not true and, at worst, dangerous. Driving stoned is driving impaired, full stop. The potential for driving while high is one of the chief arguments against legalization and is one of the easiest arguments to prove wrong just by your actions. Get high, get comfortable, and wait until you sober up before getting behind the wheel. It’s the right thing to do!
Safely Store Your Stash
Every October, the same story graces our news feeds. Tales of kids’ candy being spiked with THC on Halloween, gummies given out and chocolates laced with terps. Of course, none of these are true. No one is giving their weed to children on Halloween, but this hoax still causes outrage every year. What does happen, though, is children (and pets) getting ahold of improperly stored cannabis (read: edibles) and eating them thinking they’re candy or a special treat. Although cannabis generally won’t do any serious harm to a child, it’s still irresponsible to give them an opportunity to ingest something that they should not. Secure your stash, and keep it out of reach of children (and pets!).
Be Your Best Self
At the end of the day, weed is our medicine, whether literally or as a little escape we use to better our lives. Being a kind, courteous, and overall awesome person is the best way to help destigmatize cannabis, especially for those outright against legalization. We can show the world that this plant that has been demonized for so long poses no threat to society. That those who enjoy its effects are just normal, friendly members of our global team here on Earth. The cannabis community is a welcoming, inclusive group. It’s important that as we make our way out of the counterculture and into the mainstream that we don’t forget that. Love your neighbor, pay it forward, and enjoy your toke!