Stoned suburbanites. The new normal in Colorado.
November 5, 2015 8:20 AM Subscribe
“Should we smoke before we pray?” Cynthia Joye asked, tapping the Bible resting on her lap New York Magazine profile on Centennial Colorado where weed is referred to as cannabis, and you don't get high, you get "lifted"
It's a nice article but with more than a bit of a link-bait title I'm afraid. The impact of the new legalization laws has been very minimal save for the huge tax income bonus it's brought to our State coffers. We definitely don't have stoned suburbanites standing about everywhere. Just as with alcohol there are differing levels of indulgences with different people but, just as with alcohol, most people are very responsible with their intake.
The biggest impact here for me has been that once in a great while I have to knock on someone's door in my apartment building, which has a lot of students in it, to ask them to open up a window because they're stinking up the floor.
posted by AGameOfMoans at 8:50 AM on November 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
The biggest impact here for me has been that once in a great while I have to knock on someone's door in my apartment building, which has a lot of students in it, to ask them to open up a window because they're stinking up the floor.
posted by AGameOfMoans at 8:50 AM on November 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
Good lord, please don't let these people become the poster children for legalization.
posted by Thorzdad at 9:00 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Thorzdad at 9:00 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
You can't beat "Stoner Jesus Bible Study", though, whatever else you think of this article.
posted by clawsoon at 9:03 AM on November 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 9:03 AM on November 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
Those worried about declining church membership: we have found the conditions under which a young person's mind considers religion a logical and pressing matter.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:06 AM on November 5, 2015 [35 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:06 AM on November 5, 2015 [35 favorites]
Suburban housewives trading in their Xanax addictions for marijuana seems like an improvement.
posted by T.D. Strange at 9:06 AM on November 5, 2015 [41 favorites]
posted by T.D. Strange at 9:06 AM on November 5, 2015 [41 favorites]
Having spent a good bit of time in Denver prior to and after legalization, I have seen only a few minor changes in the city.
The smell of burning weed is something you now smell more often while walking down the street or driving.
Stanky, stanky dispensaries. Hoo boy! You can sometimes just follow your nose.
But the behavior of people? Not a single change in the tenor and feeling of the place.
My father in law, who lives in Texas, repeated held the same conversation with me during our family holiday time. he recounted what must have been the talking points from some Fox news program about the horror that legalization had wrought upon Colorado. The great horror was "white kids moving there and working for minimum wage just so they can buy legal pot."
Not sure why that was so horrible. He didn't like my comment that it seemed like the invisible hand of the free market moving labor.
"Stoner Jesus Bible Study" sounds like hell on earth, to me.
posted by Seamus at 9:08 AM on November 5, 2015 [10 favorites]
The smell of burning weed is something you now smell more often while walking down the street or driving.
Stanky, stanky dispensaries. Hoo boy! You can sometimes just follow your nose.
But the behavior of people? Not a single change in the tenor and feeling of the place.
My father in law, who lives in Texas, repeated held the same conversation with me during our family holiday time. he recounted what must have been the talking points from some Fox news program about the horror that legalization had wrought upon Colorado. The great horror was "white kids moving there and working for minimum wage just so they can buy legal pot."
Not sure why that was so horrible. He didn't like my comment that it seemed like the invisible hand of the free market moving labor.
"Stoner Jesus Bible Study" sounds like hell on earth, to me.
posted by Seamus at 9:08 AM on November 5, 2015 [10 favorites]
Previously, on the changes in Colorado regarding legalized cannabis:
* Six months after legalizing cannabis , Colorado is cashing in money while Denver crime rates have suddenly fallen. (July 5, 2014)
* Colorado Supreme Court unanimously confirmed that although medical marijuana is legal, employers have the power to fire workers if they fail company-sponsored drug tests. (June 20, 2015)
Meanwhile, other states are paying attention to the local Colorado drug enforcement agency report, which as of this summer stated:
Also, is weed replacing booze as the legal drug of choice? What are the drunk driving crash records for this same time?
posted by filthy light thief at 9:10 AM on November 5, 2015 [10 favorites]
* Six months after legalizing cannabis , Colorado is cashing in money while Denver crime rates have suddenly fallen. (July 5, 2014)
* Colorado Supreme Court unanimously confirmed that although medical marijuana is legal, employers have the power to fire workers if they fail company-sponsored drug tests. (June 20, 2015)
Meanwhile, other states are paying attention to the local Colorado drug enforcement agency report, which as of this summer stated:
Some tout legalized marijuana's money making abilities, but the report titled, The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact, cites increases in marijuana-related emergency room visits and marijuana-related traffic deaths over the last five years.But if you dig deeper, those figures don't match the Department of Transportation's less grim figures, who also note that the data isn't complete.
Also, is weed replacing booze as the legal drug of choice? What are the drunk driving crash records for this same time?
posted by filthy light thief at 9:10 AM on November 5, 2015 [10 favorites]
Good lord, please don't let these people become the poster children for legalization.
Don't let the mainstream masses get behind legalization?
posted by zarq at 9:12 AM on November 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
Don't let the mainstream masses get behind legalization?
posted by zarq at 9:12 AM on November 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
from post: “New York Magazine profile on Centennial Colorado where weed is referred to as cannabis, and you don't get high, you get 'lifted'”
Geez, seriously? What an idiotic generalization. This is like saying every single person in San Francisco is gay and gay-friendly because a small part of it is historically known as a focal point in gay culture, or that every single person in Texas is a gun-owning white Republican man.
No, the entire city of Centennial, Colorado is not super-happy about marijuana and 100% pro-legalization. In this conservative-skewing city of 100,000 people, suggesting that the whole population is homogeneously a set of weird doofy stoners is likely to get you shot.
posted by koeselitz at 9:16 AM on November 5, 2015 [6 favorites]
Geez, seriously? What an idiotic generalization. This is like saying every single person in San Francisco is gay and gay-friendly because a small part of it is historically known as a focal point in gay culture, or that every single person in Texas is a gun-owning white Republican man.
No, the entire city of Centennial, Colorado is not super-happy about marijuana and 100% pro-legalization. In this conservative-skewing city of 100,000 people, suggesting that the whole population is homogeneously a set of weird doofy stoners is likely to get you shot.
posted by koeselitz at 9:16 AM on November 5, 2015 [6 favorites]
Also, is weed replacing booze as the legal drug of choice?
No data here, but I have no idea how that could even be possible. Too much good beer.
posted by Seamus at 9:17 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
No data here, but I have no idea how that could even be possible. Too much good beer.
posted by Seamus at 9:17 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
My niece in Colorado stated that "it turns out everyone I know smokes weed" soon after legalization there. Since most grocery stores in CO can't sell beer and wine, there is a liquor store on every corner in the state. I wonder if that will change in the next few years?
posted by Bee'sWing at 9:19 AM on November 5, 2015
posted by Bee'sWing at 9:19 AM on November 5, 2015
Pretty much all anyone in Centennial can talk about these days is the ever-escalating price of real estate and the snarled traffic, both of which they blame in part, and with some rationale, on marijuana. People are moving to the state in droves, and over the last year, sales of recreational weed have doubled.
Is there good evidence of this?
...pot patches, which don’t show up on drug tests
Tell me more about this implausible-sounding thing
posted by polecat at 9:20 AM on November 5, 2015 [15 favorites]
Is there good evidence of this?
...pot patches, which don’t show up on drug tests
Tell me more about this implausible-sounding thing
posted by polecat at 9:20 AM on November 5, 2015 [15 favorites]
My niece in Colorado stated that "it turns out everyone I know smokes weed" soon after legalization there.
I know too many federal employees in Colorado. If they didn't have jobs that forbid it, I think I would know more smokers too.
posted by Seamus at 9:21 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
I know too many federal employees in Colorado. If they didn't have jobs that forbid it, I think I would know more smokers too.
posted by Seamus at 9:21 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Incredibly stupid. Centennial is essentially where the Columbine shooting took place and is not at all some stoner enclave. That would be Boulder and Nederland and Colorado stoners have been Colorado stoners forever. People have been moving to Nederland to stock groceries baked since 1998 at least.
I remember over ten years ago reading that Colorado had a high number of daily smokers, like 8% of the population. Centennial is super white bread and upper middle class like say Tustin, California. That doesn't mean that even the preppiest soccer kids aren't trying to sling things harder than weed though, I did a side job for a centennial soccer mom once and her kid tried to sell me an eight ball. I was in my early twenties and politely declined vs turning him in to mommy.
posted by aydeejones at 9:23 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
I remember over ten years ago reading that Colorado had a high number of daily smokers, like 8% of the population. Centennial is super white bread and upper middle class like say Tustin, California. That doesn't mean that even the preppiest soccer kids aren't trying to sling things harder than weed though, I did a side job for a centennial soccer mom once and her kid tried to sell me an eight ball. I was in my early twenties and politely declined vs turning him in to mommy.
posted by aydeejones at 9:23 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
Recreational sales started in Oregon at the beginning of October and nothing's really different here either. No riots in the streets or anything. All in all, it's really a letdown.
posted by chrchr at 9:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by chrchr at 9:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'm glad that state-level legalization is introducing the "mainstream masses" to the pleasures of cannabis, because that helps to destigmatize it and pave the way for federal legalization.
It's odd to me, though. Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right? I mean, you probably shouldn't ignore laws about homicide or tax evasion—but if you're a middle-class, white, suburban, normcore Christian (like most of these folks), and you exercise a modicum of common-sense discretion, then your chances of actually being arrested for marijuana possession are nonexistent. Aren't American conservatives supposed to be skeptical of the Gubmint's authority to tell them what to do?
Related: these stock photos and stock B-roll clips of Respectable People using marijuana. They're actually a smart and useful tool in the propaganda war, but they never fail to amuse me.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 9:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
It's odd to me, though. Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right? I mean, you probably shouldn't ignore laws about homicide or tax evasion—but if you're a middle-class, white, suburban, normcore Christian (like most of these folks), and you exercise a modicum of common-sense discretion, then your chances of actually being arrested for marijuana possession are nonexistent. Aren't American conservatives supposed to be skeptical of the Gubmint's authority to tell them what to do?
Related: these stock photos and stock B-roll clips of Respectable People using marijuana. They're actually a smart and useful tool in the propaganda war, but they never fail to amuse me.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 9:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
What we need is some hard studies showing that alcohol is far more estrogenic in men than cannabis (trust me it is, it basically accelerates the aromitazation of testosterone into estrogen far more than cannabis could ever touch)and that scale will start tipping hard as fuuuuuuuu. It's funny because alcoholic bros often trot out that cannabis leads to estrogen production with zero self awareness of what alcohol and hops can accomplish
posted by aydeejones at 9:26 AM on November 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by aydeejones at 9:26 AM on November 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
I love beer BTW but as I get older its effects on my mood and health are so palpable. Colorado is an excellent place to live for hop and pot heads alike, for sure. It was great in my twenties and I can only imagine what it would be like now. Except I don't have to imagine anything except not feeling train wrecked the day after an IPA binge
posted by aydeejones at 9:28 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by aydeejones at 9:28 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
I don't particularly care about who smokes weed. This isn't particularly new - the white, older, affluent, suburban crowd were just in hiding about their marijuana use, and now they don't have to be. It's not really shocking.
I do care about the face of the emerging marijuana industry being so thoroughly white and affluent, though. Michelle Alexander touched upon this a few days ago, prior to the Ohio ballot initiative, and it's worth reading.
I do care about the face of the emerging marijuana industry being so thoroughly white and affluent, though. Michelle Alexander touched upon this a few days ago, prior to the Ohio ballot initiative, and it's worth reading.
In recent years I have become increasingly concerned by the way capitalist greed has overtaken the drug policy reform movement; it's a sickening spectacle to see privileged white men rushing to get rich quick selling weed without any sense of irony that they will be making their fortune doing precisely what millions of impoverished people, especially black men, have been caged and shamed for doing for the past 40 years.posted by naju at 9:29 AM on November 5, 2015 [26 favorites]
One might think that legal weed might provide some economic opportunity for the families and communities that have been destroyed by the drug war. The revenue might be used for drug treatment on demand, or to help repair families and communities that have been destroyed, or to guarantee jobs for the millions who are unemployed due to criminal records. But instead, we've seen that capitalism -- i.e., the mad rush for profit by people who have capital -- is threatening to transform a movement for compassion and justice into another case study in how easily and quickly the wealthy and powerful adapt to new social norms and find a way to enrich themselves with complete disregard for basic notions of fair play and social justice.
naju, I agree. I watched a news feature on this guy who runs Daisy, which makes edibles and drinks and such. He comes off as so fucking smug and unsavory.
It's odd to me, though. Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you...
I have a gun nut friend who can say in the same conversation that gun laws are pointless because they are ignored and that Colorado driving has become objectively dangerous because of amendment 64. The guy recently got a DUI and also says "fucktard" a lot. Let's say he's an old high school friend that I worry about.
posted by aydeejones at 9:32 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
It's odd to me, though. Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you...
I have a gun nut friend who can say in the same conversation that gun laws are pointless because they are ignored and that Colorado driving has become objectively dangerous because of amendment 64. The guy recently got a DUI and also says "fucktard" a lot. Let's say he's an old high school friend that I worry about.
posted by aydeejones at 9:32 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
joe walsh the smoker you drink, the player you get
posted by bukvich at 9:33 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by bukvich at 9:33 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
most grocery stores in CO can't sell beer and wine, there is a liquor store on every corner in the state
This is true of Castle Rock for sure. Otherwise it's pretty bogus. Liquor stores are next to grocery stores and in strip malls, in high traffic areas where people run errands. In downtown Denver you'll see quite a few corner stores but "every corner" is an overstatement.
posted by aydeejones at 9:38 AM on November 5, 2015
This is true of Castle Rock for sure. Otherwise it's pretty bogus. Liquor stores are next to grocery stores and in strip malls, in high traffic areas where people run errands. In downtown Denver you'll see quite a few corner stores but "every corner" is an overstatement.
posted by aydeejones at 9:38 AM on November 5, 2015
...once in a great while I have to knock on someone's door in my apartment building, which has a lot of students in it, to ask them to open up a window because they're stinking up the floor.
You should suggest that they get a vaporizer. Smoking weed by actually burning the stuff is like riding a horse to a vaporizer's car.
It would solve everyone's smell problem, it's easier on the lungs, uses less weed to get more high, is smoother than every bong, and it's usually an easier way to consumer the drug.
It's the rare combination of better, faster, AND cheaper (it pays for itself over time by using the plant more efficiently).
posted by VTX at 9:40 AM on November 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
You should suggest that they get a vaporizer. Smoking weed by actually burning the stuff is like riding a horse to a vaporizer's car.
It would solve everyone's smell problem, it's easier on the lungs, uses less weed to get more high, is smoother than every bong, and it's usually an easier way to consumer the drug.
It's the rare combination of better, faster, AND cheaper (it pays for itself over time by using the plant more efficiently).
posted by VTX at 9:40 AM on November 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
your chances of actually being arrested for marijuana possession are nonexistent
I'd say "virtually" nonexistent, but ... yeah. I haven't smoked since the night babyozzy was born (came home too wired to sleep; one-hitter helped with that), but I also haven't disposed of the (very small amount of) weed in the nightstand, either, and I don't really worry much about it.
I would really like legal cannabis everywhere, though, for all the real reasons, and also because I'd like to be able to know whether I'm going to want to clean the house or just watch Netflix before buying a bag.
posted by uncleozzy at 9:42 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'd say "virtually" nonexistent, but ... yeah. I haven't smoked since the night babyozzy was born (came home too wired to sleep; one-hitter helped with that), but I also haven't disposed of the (very small amount of) weed in the nightstand, either, and I don't really worry much about it.
I would really like legal cannabis everywhere, though, for all the real reasons, and also because I'd like to be able to know whether I'm going to want to clean the house or just watch Netflix before buying a bag.
posted by uncleozzy at 9:42 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
It's odd to me, though. Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right?
Doesn't stop the state from throwing the book at you on a whim. There's a huge difference between a small fine for driving 40 in a 35 vs the DA going after felony "with intent to sell or supply" charges because they can and you texted your friend offering to share.
posted by Talez at 9:44 AM on November 5, 2015 [6 favorites]
Doesn't stop the state from throwing the book at you on a whim. There's a huge difference between a small fine for driving 40 in a 35 vs the DA going after felony "with intent to sell or supply" charges because they can and you texted your friend offering to share.
posted by Talez at 9:44 AM on November 5, 2015 [6 favorites]
But his guests knew that even in a world where smoking pot is legal, there are still taboos. When one player wanted to smoke a tobacco cigarette, he went outside.
My main complaint about living here is that an awful lot of people don't seem to categorize pot smoke as smoke. I can't go to most concerts here, indoor or outdoor, because I can't handle the smoke. I could also do without all the people smoking at bus stops and other places I'm essentially required to be and can't get away from easily (and then they board the bus and are offgassing the whole damn ride.)
Vapes for everyone, immediately, please, and even then I'd rather they keep it outside. (And not outside my apartment windows, FFS, I can't afford air conditioning so they're open half the year.)
I voted for legalization in Colorado, and I'd be pleased to see cannabis legal everywhere else, but I wish the people using it here would show a bit more sympathy for those of us who can't use it, have health problems exacerbated by smoke, or just hate the smell.
posted by asperity at 9:47 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
My main complaint about living here is that an awful lot of people don't seem to categorize pot smoke as smoke. I can't go to most concerts here, indoor or outdoor, because I can't handle the smoke. I could also do without all the people smoking at bus stops and other places I'm essentially required to be and can't get away from easily (and then they board the bus and are offgassing the whole damn ride.)
Vapes for everyone, immediately, please, and even then I'd rather they keep it outside. (And not outside my apartment windows, FFS, I can't afford air conditioning so they're open half the year.)
I voted for legalization in Colorado, and I'd be pleased to see cannabis legal everywhere else, but I wish the people using it here would show a bit more sympathy for those of us who can't use it, have health problems exacerbated by smoke, or just hate the smell.
posted by asperity at 9:47 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
You know that you can just ignore laws
To go along with what others have said, for this demographic, I'd say it has less to do with getting arrested than things like maintaining professional respectability / not having your career potentially compromised by this notion that you indulge in marijuana / raising alarms for your employer. I don't think they're concerned about going to jail.
posted by naju at 9:51 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
To go along with what others have said, for this demographic, I'd say it has less to do with getting arrested than things like maintaining professional respectability / not having your career potentially compromised by this notion that you indulge in marijuana / raising alarms for your employer. I don't think they're concerned about going to jail.
posted by naju at 9:51 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right?
The last time I smoked or even saw pot was in 1992 (college). After that, I didn't have any friends who used it (at least around me), and I didn't want it enough to face the social awkwardness of trying to find it. If I could just go in a store and buy some, I might have done that at some point or other.
posted by Daily Alice at 9:52 AM on November 5, 2015 [6 favorites]
The last time I smoked or even saw pot was in 1992 (college). After that, I didn't have any friends who used it (at least around me), and I didn't want it enough to face the social awkwardness of trying to find it. If I could just go in a store and buy some, I might have done that at some point or other.
posted by Daily Alice at 9:52 AM on November 5, 2015 [6 favorites]
Vaporizer is definitely the way to go for economy, health, and discretion. I'm quite happy with my Magic Flight Launch Box—it's a bit of an investment, but it's very compact, well made, easy to use, and effective. The buzz is a little different than the high you get from smoking, and I do occasionally prefer that route—but vaporizing is my standard method.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 9:52 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 9:52 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
i know a lot of people who don't smoke because even with the tiny chance of judicial involvement, it's too high of a chance because they have kids in the house.
posted by nadawi at 9:56 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by nadawi at 9:56 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right?
There is a massive difference between knowing a thing is easily obtainable and actually obtaining it. First, you need to screw up the courage to actually figure out how get your hands on the stuff and then you need to screw up the courage to actually make contact. For the introverts among us, this is a daunting thing and takes some time.
If you're lucky, one of your friends uses so you can just ask them but if they don't you can maybe ask a co-worker. And, while I'm certain that at least one of my co-workers uses, I have no idea which one(s) and it's not something you really want to ask a co-worker about unless you already know the answer.
So you're basically stuck asking strangers. Advice on the internet is to go to various places (Subway comes up a lot) and start asking around. Again, introverts have problems here and even if you're comfortable asking perfect strangers where to buy drugs, there is a decent chance that you're going to be dealing with people you'd rather avoid. Now, the most likely negative outcome is that you get ripped off rather than anything dangerous happening.
The thing that actually DOES work pretty well is to post an ad on craigslist in the "strictly platonic" section asking for a "420 connection" and then you do all of the same things you would for any other CL transaction but with a little bit more scrutiny. If that all turns out okay (IE: You're convinced that you're not going to be murdered) you have to find someplace to meet that is public enough that you won't murdered and/or raped but not so public that you and the dealer feel exposed. Once you build that relationship, the transactions get a lot more routine but sometimes the dealer will run out and can't get more for a while and you usually don't have any control over which strains you can choose from (if you even have a choice).
Contrast this to liquor stores where I know with 99% certainty that I can go to any store I happen to pass by and pick up a bottle of a specific brand of a specific type of alcohol at pretty much any time, I'll have plenty of other options if I change my mind, I know how about how much it's going to cost, I know it will be safe to consume, how drunk I'm going to get, and if I have to worry about being raped and/or murdered, I'll just go to a different one.
Believe me, even habitual cannabis LOVE the idea of legal recreation pot. Aside from the legal and professional ramifications, it's just a huge pain in the ass compared to going to a store.
The other big advantage is that it becomes much easier to use science to grow the stuff. There are some operations that employ botanists and throw tons of money at their operation but once it's legal those places can stop hiding and a lot of knowledge can get spread around. From simple stuff like growing better pot with fewer inputs to fancy liquid CO2 extraction processes that produce super concentrated stuff like "shatter" and simple stuff like being able to get a well-made candy bar infused with pot that I don't have to make myself.
posted by VTX at 10:11 AM on November 5, 2015 [12 favorites]
There is a massive difference between knowing a thing is easily obtainable and actually obtaining it. First, you need to screw up the courage to actually figure out how get your hands on the stuff and then you need to screw up the courage to actually make contact. For the introverts among us, this is a daunting thing and takes some time.
If you're lucky, one of your friends uses so you can just ask them but if they don't you can maybe ask a co-worker. And, while I'm certain that at least one of my co-workers uses, I have no idea which one(s) and it's not something you really want to ask a co-worker about unless you already know the answer.
So you're basically stuck asking strangers. Advice on the internet is to go to various places (Subway comes up a lot) and start asking around. Again, introverts have problems here and even if you're comfortable asking perfect strangers where to buy drugs, there is a decent chance that you're going to be dealing with people you'd rather avoid. Now, the most likely negative outcome is that you get ripped off rather than anything dangerous happening.
The thing that actually DOES work pretty well is to post an ad on craigslist in the "strictly platonic" section asking for a "420 connection" and then you do all of the same things you would for any other CL transaction but with a little bit more scrutiny. If that all turns out okay (IE: You're convinced that you're not going to be murdered) you have to find someplace to meet that is public enough that you won't murdered and/or raped but not so public that you and the dealer feel exposed. Once you build that relationship, the transactions get a lot more routine but sometimes the dealer will run out and can't get more for a while and you usually don't have any control over which strains you can choose from (if you even have a choice).
Contrast this to liquor stores where I know with 99% certainty that I can go to any store I happen to pass by and pick up a bottle of a specific brand of a specific type of alcohol at pretty much any time, I'll have plenty of other options if I change my mind, I know how about how much it's going to cost, I know it will be safe to consume, how drunk I'm going to get, and if I have to worry about being raped and/or murdered, I'll just go to a different one.
Believe me, even habitual cannabis LOVE the idea of legal recreation pot. Aside from the legal and professional ramifications, it's just a huge pain in the ass compared to going to a store.
The other big advantage is that it becomes much easier to use science to grow the stuff. There are some operations that employ botanists and throw tons of money at their operation but once it's legal those places can stop hiding and a lot of knowledge can get spread around. From simple stuff like growing better pot with fewer inputs to fancy liquid CO2 extraction processes that produce super concentrated stuff like "shatter" and simple stuff like being able to get a well-made candy bar infused with pot that I don't have to make myself.
posted by VTX at 10:11 AM on November 5, 2015 [12 favorites]
It's odd to me, though. Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right?
There are literally thousands upon thousands of people in prison who followed this exact advice about drugs.
posted by sideshow at 10:11 AM on November 5, 2015 [16 favorites]
There are literally thousands upon thousands of people in prison who followed this exact advice about drugs.
posted by sideshow at 10:11 AM on November 5, 2015 [16 favorites]
Pretty much all anyone in Centennial can talk about these days is the ever-escalating price of real estate and the snarled traffic
Oh for fuck's sake. That's all anyone in Denver has been complaining about for years, even before legalization. Colorado is a pretty awesome place to live, even without the weed.
They had, for instance, recast the razor-blade-filled-caramel-apple myth in an alarmist billboard warning about potheads handing out infused gummies.
Ok, so all the drug hysteria in the 80s convinced me that people would be constantly trying to give me drugs. As it turns out, people tend to want you to give them money for drugs. I also can't imagine how expensive handing out edibles would be. Those things ain't cheap.
I admit, I am concerned about how to talk to my kids about marijuana, but I also worry about how I am going to convince them that maybe they should hold off on this amazingly fun substance called alcohol until they're a little older.
On the other hand, when I talk to my mother in North Carolina, she tells me about the constant pain that she's in from her chemotherapy and about how much she wishes she could try marijuana to see if it worked better than the opiates that have managed to both lose their effectiveness and make her completely dependent upon them. When I went to visit her this summer, I debated whether I could hide some candy in a tin of altoids, but there is no way I could justify risking anything of the sort. But between my kids' hypothetical future drug use and my mother's current pain, I am much more concerned over the latter.
Seriously, I wish we could recast this issue in a more nuanced manner beyond "stoners are coming for your kids" and "tee hee, dangerous housewives toking up before pilates." Lots of people could benefit from access to marijuana, others could be hurt by its potential for psychological addiction, but even more, I would argue, are hurt by insane laws and, to a lesser extent, social prejudices about a substance with some clearly defined benefits.
posted by bibliowench at 10:13 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
Oh for fuck's sake. That's all anyone in Denver has been complaining about for years, even before legalization. Colorado is a pretty awesome place to live, even without the weed.
They had, for instance, recast the razor-blade-filled-caramel-apple myth in an alarmist billboard warning about potheads handing out infused gummies.
Ok, so all the drug hysteria in the 80s convinced me that people would be constantly trying to give me drugs. As it turns out, people tend to want you to give them money for drugs. I also can't imagine how expensive handing out edibles would be. Those things ain't cheap.
I admit, I am concerned about how to talk to my kids about marijuana, but I also worry about how I am going to convince them that maybe they should hold off on this amazingly fun substance called alcohol until they're a little older.
On the other hand, when I talk to my mother in North Carolina, she tells me about the constant pain that she's in from her chemotherapy and about how much she wishes she could try marijuana to see if it worked better than the opiates that have managed to both lose their effectiveness and make her completely dependent upon them. When I went to visit her this summer, I debated whether I could hide some candy in a tin of altoids, but there is no way I could justify risking anything of the sort. But between my kids' hypothetical future drug use and my mother's current pain, I am much more concerned over the latter.
Seriously, I wish we could recast this issue in a more nuanced manner beyond "stoners are coming for your kids" and "tee hee, dangerous housewives toking up before pilates." Lots of people could benefit from access to marijuana, others could be hurt by its potential for psychological addiction, but even more, I would argue, are hurt by insane laws and, to a lesser extent, social prejudices about a substance with some clearly defined benefits.
posted by bibliowench at 10:13 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
There are literally thousands upon thousands of people in prison who followed this exact advice about drugs.
The vast overwhelming majority of them not white, affluent, suburban (the subjects of this FPP/thread)
posted by naju at 10:14 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
The vast overwhelming majority of them not white, affluent, suburban (the subjects of this FPP/thread)
posted by naju at 10:14 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
I've definitely noticed some subtle but important changes just based on people not having to worry about getting arrested, and being more comfortable just talking about it and researching and making better consumer choices.
Before decriminalization, Hickenlooper said something about being worried that Colorado was going to be known as a pothead state, and I thought, "Oh, honey." It's never been considered a universal, but it's always kind of been a thing. We're known for being laid back and friendly, and yeah, in certain circles, for being potheads.
I'm not much of a smoker myself, but some people understandably assumed I was based on how completely, 100% overjoyed I have been over the creeping legalization. I never ever want to see someone railroaded and criminalized and ruined by some stupid possession charge again, and I'm genuinely proud to live in a place that got the ball rolling on that.
I was just looking around on leafly last night, because one thing I've learned from my minimal smoking is that, if I get the right strain and just take a leetle puff before bed, I can fall asleep and stay asleep all night. I have had low-level but lifelong intractable problems sleeping all my life, and discovering something like that could be life changing. And without open, legal discussion and useful information about various strains and their effects, I probably wouldn't be able to even nail down something that works. When I was a kid, there was 'regular weed,' 'ditchweed,' and every now and again Maui Waui, and you just got what was available from whoever was selling. Most of us probably didn't even know the difference between indica and sativa, much less had anything like the sort of information available now that people can talk about it out in the open.
And medical or not, a lot of people are using it to treat things like pain, insomnia, eating disorders, anxiety, and sometimes for other, more nebulous therapeutic effects like creativity and relaxation.
Admittedly, the smell and smoke don't bother me, so I either haven't encountered or maybe noticed people smoking rudely (maybe a little bit at Riot Fest, but for some reason, just about everyone seemed to be chainsmoking cigarettes there, so that's what I noticed). That does suck.
Overall, though, there are things we still need to work out, but I'm just thrilled to see pot possession not be a life ruiner anymore.
posted by ernielundquist at 10:15 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Before decriminalization, Hickenlooper said something about being worried that Colorado was going to be known as a pothead state, and I thought, "Oh, honey." It's never been considered a universal, but it's always kind of been a thing. We're known for being laid back and friendly, and yeah, in certain circles, for being potheads.
I'm not much of a smoker myself, but some people understandably assumed I was based on how completely, 100% overjoyed I have been over the creeping legalization. I never ever want to see someone railroaded and criminalized and ruined by some stupid possession charge again, and I'm genuinely proud to live in a place that got the ball rolling on that.
I was just looking around on leafly last night, because one thing I've learned from my minimal smoking is that, if I get the right strain and just take a leetle puff before bed, I can fall asleep and stay asleep all night. I have had low-level but lifelong intractable problems sleeping all my life, and discovering something like that could be life changing. And without open, legal discussion and useful information about various strains and their effects, I probably wouldn't be able to even nail down something that works. When I was a kid, there was 'regular weed,' 'ditchweed,' and every now and again Maui Waui, and you just got what was available from whoever was selling. Most of us probably didn't even know the difference between indica and sativa, much less had anything like the sort of information available now that people can talk about it out in the open.
And medical or not, a lot of people are using it to treat things like pain, insomnia, eating disorders, anxiety, and sometimes for other, more nebulous therapeutic effects like creativity and relaxation.
Admittedly, the smell and smoke don't bother me, so I either haven't encountered or maybe noticed people smoking rudely (maybe a little bit at Riot Fest, but for some reason, just about everyone seemed to be chainsmoking cigarettes there, so that's what I noticed). That does suck.
Overall, though, there are things we still need to work out, but I'm just thrilled to see pot possession not be a life ruiner anymore.
posted by ernielundquist at 10:15 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Jah knows lambsbread will get you lifted.
Nicely lifted.
posted by clvrmnky at 10:21 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Nicely lifted.
posted by clvrmnky at 10:21 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
I read this part:
I did enjoy the multiple women who admitted to having an edible or smoking pot before doing housework. At long last, the housekeeping secrets of college students go mainstream!
posted by sobell at 10:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
“Some people aren’t going to change their mind,” Honderd said. “But, okay, you’re sitting there in the carpool line, you popped your Xanax last night to go to sleep, you popped your Prozac this morning to wake up, and you’re drinking vodka-and-soda out of your Starbucks cup. So, who’s going to hell?”This is hyperbole, right? The stay-at-home moms of suburbia really aren't that dependent on chemical pick-me-ups in this day and age, are they?
I did enjoy the multiple women who admitted to having an edible or smoking pot before doing housework. At long last, the housekeeping secrets of college students go mainstream!
posted by sobell at 10:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
as a housewife, who doesn't live in the suburbs but certainly doesn't live in a city center, um, we've been getting high for a long time. some people can just be open about it. and some people can try it who were scared abut the legalities before. hopefully this trend will go nationwide.
posted by nadawi at 10:35 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by nadawi at 10:35 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
It's odd to me, though. Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right? I mean, you probably shouldn't ignore laws about homicide or tax evasion—but if you're a middle-class, white, suburban, normcore Christian (like most of these folks), and you exercise a modicum of common-sense discretion, then your chances of actually being arrested for marijuana possession are nonexistent.
One positive drug test reported to the Feds for this Resident Alien with a green card and I can be hustled off to be held in a detention center while awaiting deportation. It's not an arrest I am worried about. It is the catastrophic destruction of my entire life.
So you might want to be sure and include citizen in your list of characteristics that moderate your risk.
posted by srboisvert at 10:41 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
One positive drug test reported to the Feds for this Resident Alien with a green card and I can be hustled off to be held in a detention center while awaiting deportation. It's not an arrest I am worried about. It is the catastrophic destruction of my entire life.
So you might want to be sure and include citizen in your list of characteristics that moderate your risk.
posted by srboisvert at 10:41 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
sobell: Yes, it's hyperbole. Substance dependency exists in pretty much every demographic, but I'm pretty sure that all middle class suburban women or parents are not heavily and universally dependent on drugs.
And just FYI because people keep conflating a demographic with a profession: The terms 'housewives,' 'housewife,' and 'stay at home mom' do not appear anywhere in that article.
posted by ernielundquist at 10:59 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
And just FYI because people keep conflating a demographic with a profession: The terms 'housewives,' 'housewife,' and 'stay at home mom' do not appear anywhere in that article.
posted by ernielundquist at 10:59 AM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
So, anyone who has partaken knows that certain kinds of music sound especially nice while under the influence. It's hardly an accident that so many fans of dub, drum & bass, hip-hop, ambient, etc. are also smokers—the stoned mind is uniquely receptive to syncopated rhythms, bass, spacey sounds, and experimentalism.
So I'm curious to see how legalization (and the accompanying increase in marijuana use) will affect popular music. Much of the music you hear at bars and clubs could fairly be called "alcohol music"—it's designed to complement a social environment based on alcohol intoxication. If cannabis bars become a thing, will we see a shift toward "weed music"?
I sure hope so, because weed music is better.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 11:09 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
So I'm curious to see how legalization (and the accompanying increase in marijuana use) will affect popular music. Much of the music you hear at bars and clubs could fairly be called "alcohol music"—it's designed to complement a social environment based on alcohol intoxication. If cannabis bars become a thing, will we see a shift toward "weed music"?
I sure hope so, because weed music is better.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 11:09 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Not-really-desperate Housewives
posted by yoHighness at 11:23 AM on November 5, 2015
posted by yoHighness at 11:23 AM on November 5, 2015
I have read about very few cultures that seem this alien to me.
That's how I feel when I read Faulkner. This at least makes sense to me. Maybe the Bible would finally make sense to me if I were stoned.
Suburban housewives trading in their Xanax addictions for marijuana seems like an improvement.
Not if you're Pfizer.
... people don't seem to categorize pot smoke as smoke.
One time I was with a group of people who had just checked into a motel and were quite upset because their room smelled like cigarette smoke and they demanded a non-smoking room.
As soon as they got it, they went inside and fired up a joint. So at least this is not a new idea.
posted by MtDewd at 11:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
That's how I feel when I read Faulkner. This at least makes sense to me. Maybe the Bible would finally make sense to me if I were stoned.
Suburban housewives trading in their Xanax addictions for marijuana seems like an improvement.
Not if you're Pfizer.
... people don't seem to categorize pot smoke as smoke.
One time I was with a group of people who had just checked into a motel and were quite upset because their room smelled like cigarette smoke and they demanded a non-smoking room.
As soon as they got it, they went inside and fired up a joint. So at least this is not a new idea.
posted by MtDewd at 11:25 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Metafilter : if I have to worry about being raped and/or murdered, I'll just go to a different one.
posted by symbioid at 11:28 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by symbioid at 11:28 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
So, anyone who has partaken knows that certain kinds of music sound especially nice while under the influence.
Yep. It's called "the music that I already like and occasionally some new stuff that catches my ear."
posted by Seamus at 11:32 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
Yep. It's called "the music that I already like and occasionally some new stuff that catches my ear."
posted by Seamus at 11:32 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
"They had, for instance, recast the razor-blade-filled-caramel-apple myth in an alarmist billboard warning about potheads handing out infused gummies."
I mean, this might just very well happen, but if it doesHanlon's Razor Sym's Pot Infusor applies:
Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained bystupidity being stoned off your ass and grabbing from the wrong bag of goodies to hand out.
posted by symbioid at 11:32 AM on November 5, 2015
I mean, this might just very well happen, but if it does
Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by
posted by symbioid at 11:32 AM on November 5, 2015
I have a couple questions for you Colorado people:
Can you smoke in public? Is it not treated like drinking in public, which seems to be "ok at festivals and concerts" and not ok just walking down the street?
Can you smoke in bars? I much prefer smoking to drinking and would love to be able to go to a bar with friends and light up.
Can you get packs of joints like you can packs of cigarettes? That's really what I've been looking forward to: pre-rolled ready to go marijuana cigarettes.
Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right?
I credit the fact that I am a white woman who always drives the speed limit, uses turn signals, stops completely at all required stops, etc. for why I have yet to be caught. But I could do all those things and wouldn't have that luck if I wasn't white.
posted by LizBoBiz at 11:34 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
Can you smoke in public? Is it not treated like drinking in public, which seems to be "ok at festivals and concerts" and not ok just walking down the street?
Can you smoke in bars? I much prefer smoking to drinking and would love to be able to go to a bar with friends and light up.
Can you get packs of joints like you can packs of cigarettes? That's really what I've been looking forward to: pre-rolled ready to go marijuana cigarettes.
Like, the law was the only thing preventing you from trying it before? You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right?
I credit the fact that I am a white woman who always drives the speed limit, uses turn signals, stops completely at all required stops, etc. for why I have yet to be caught. But I could do all those things and wouldn't have that luck if I wasn't white.
posted by LizBoBiz at 11:34 AM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
One time I was with a group of people who had just checked into a motel and were quite upset because their room smelled like cigarette smoke and they demanded a non-smoking room.
As soon as they got it, they went inside and fired up a joint. So at least this is not a new idea
Vapers have this same silly inclination. "Relax bro its just water vapor!"
posted by Talez at 11:39 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
As soon as they got it, they went inside and fired up a joint. So at least this is not a new idea
Vapers have this same silly inclination. "Relax bro its just water vapor!"
posted by Talez at 11:39 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Can you smoke in public? Is it not treated like drinking in public, which seems to be "ok at festivals and concerts" and not ok just walking down the street?
Where am I allowed to consume retail marijuana?
Answer - Retail marijuana is intended for private, personal use. Such use is only legal in certain locations not open or accessible to the public. Marijuana may not be consumed openly or publicly.
I believe that it has been litigated that you can smoke in your house, on your porch or in your fenced backyard but not your front yard. I have no source for that besides having conversationswith Colorado residents who are lawyers and pay attention to such things.
posted by Seamus at 11:40 AM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Can you get packs of joints like you can packs of cigarettes? That's really what I've been looking forward to: pre-rolled ready to go marijuana cigarettes.
I haven't seen "packs" but you can definitely purchased pre-rolled joints.
posted by Seamus at 11:41 AM on November 5, 2015
I haven't seen "packs" but you can definitely purchased pre-rolled joints.
posted by Seamus at 11:41 AM on November 5, 2015
From the FAQ link I posted above:
Can I consume marijuana in a licensed retail store?
Answer - No, it is illegal to consume marijuana in or around a licensed store. It is also illegal to smoke at indoor-but-public locations such as bars, restaurants and common areas in buildings.
Are marijuana “social clubs” or “coffee shops” permitted?
Answer - No. These businesses are not permitted.
posted by Seamus at 11:45 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Can I consume marijuana in a licensed retail store?
Answer - No, it is illegal to consume marijuana in or around a licensed store. It is also illegal to smoke at indoor-but-public locations such as bars, restaurants and common areas in buildings.
Are marijuana “social clubs” or “coffee shops” permitted?
Answer - No. These businesses are not permitted.
posted by Seamus at 11:45 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
i know a lot of people who don't smoke because even with the tiny chance of judicial involvement, it's too high of a chance because they have kids in the house.
That would be me. Also the fact that most of the software engineering jobs I've had have had urine test requirements.
posted by octothorpe at 11:45 AM on November 5, 2015
That would be me. Also the fact that most of the software engineering jobs I've had have had urine test requirements.
posted by octothorpe at 11:45 AM on November 5, 2015
Actually, thinking about the normalization of cannabis, I can't help but think about Rick Steves, PBS travel guru, who also happens to be a longtime NORML board member. An ultimate white-bread dorky Lutheran who openly campaigns for (least among other worthy causes) marijuana law reform. He's a guy who openly talks about sharing a joint with friends after the kids go to sleep (in Spain) not as some illicit activity, but as a simple pleasure. A travel guide who contends that "high" is a place that he sometimes wants to visit. He's everybody's neighbor, and he smokes pot.
posted by uncleozzy at 12:18 PM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by uncleozzy at 12:18 PM on November 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
Now, imagine the headline of that article if the subjects were black or brown people.
posted by RedShrek at 12:43 PM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by RedShrek at 12:43 PM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
Also the fact that most of the software engineering jobs I've had have had urine test requirements.
Really? Huh. I haven't had a drug test since I became a developer. Granted, I'm kind of an unambitious slacker, as developers go.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 12:48 PM on November 5, 2015
Really? Huh. I haven't had a drug test since I became a developer. Granted, I'm kind of an unambitious slacker, as developers go.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 12:48 PM on November 5, 2015
It depends on the state in which you live. In Nevada you literally can not get a job at a 7-11 without a drug test. How one can work at a 7-11 without being on drugs I have no idea.
posted by AGameOfMoans at 1:29 PM on November 5, 2015
posted by AGameOfMoans at 1:29 PM on November 5, 2015
I currently do software development for a hospital system which has universal drugs tests for new employees. I previously worked for three different multi-national corporations who all also required drug tests. I've never been tested by startups but it seems to be a standard when you're working for a large company.
posted by octothorpe at 1:36 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by octothorpe at 1:36 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Are marijuana “social clubs” or “coffee shops” permitted?
They are in Colorado Springs. I can think of at least three pot lounges I've driven by in the south central area of the city --- which is funny, because recreational dispensaries were voted down in highly conservative El Paso county, so all we have are the lounges and the (fantastic, legion) medical dispensaries.
posted by dissolvedgirl22 at 1:45 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
They are in Colorado Springs. I can think of at least three pot lounges I've driven by in the south central area of the city --- which is funny, because recreational dispensaries were voted down in highly conservative El Paso county, so all we have are the lounges and the (fantastic, legion) medical dispensaries.
posted by dissolvedgirl22 at 1:45 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I've never been tested by startups but it seems to be a standard when you're working for a large company.
Yep. In my case getting hired as a lawyer at firms vs. in-house counsel at corporations - law firms don't care, they really don't. It's the big corporations. And they'll just have the blanket policy for everyone, whether you're lowest on the totem pole or a big executive.
posted by naju at 2:40 PM on November 5, 2015
Yep. In my case getting hired as a lawyer at firms vs. in-house counsel at corporations - law firms don't care, they really don't. It's the big corporations. And they'll just have the blanket policy for everyone, whether you're lowest on the totem pole or a big executive.
posted by naju at 2:40 PM on November 5, 2015
"Stoner Jesus Bible Study"
I'm thinking of that Simpsons episode where they all sing "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" in church and mentally replacing it with Billy Breathes.
posted by octobersurprise at 2:52 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm thinking of that Simpsons episode where they all sing "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" in church and mentally replacing it with Billy Breathes.
posted by octobersurprise at 2:52 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
The whole "its legal but you can still be fired for it" thing makes it still only sort-of legalization to me. I mean, great that you can't be thrown in jail, but losing your job can be almost as bad for many people.
I've never been tested by startups but it seems to be a standard when you're working for a large company.
One exception to that is the large Silicon Valley (and Seattle) tech companies. I don't know of any who test and they would lose a significant portion of their devs if they started.
posted by thefoxgod at 3:09 PM on November 5, 2015
I've never been tested by startups but it seems to be a standard when you're working for a large company.
One exception to that is the large Silicon Valley (and Seattle) tech companies. I don't know of any who test and they would lose a significant portion of their devs if they started.
posted by thefoxgod at 3:09 PM on November 5, 2015
I know of one law firm that considered adopting a drug testing policy in anticipation of the Cannapocalypse of decriminalization, but they were advised not to because the results might surprise them.
In fact, that's one of the other really big attitude changes I've seen. The people I know who work for very large companies that have drug testing policies have mentioned that they or their employers are much more hesitant to order random drug tests, based largely on the realization that there are a lot more pot smokers than they'd previously thought, and that most of them aren't the caricature of a lazy, unmotivated stoner that they might have thought.
(Of course, the companies still use drug testing to successfully avoid workers' comp claims, but that's not going to change until it is explicitly prohibited and the prohibition is reliably enforced.)
posted by ernielundquist at 3:10 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
In fact, that's one of the other really big attitude changes I've seen. The people I know who work for very large companies that have drug testing policies have mentioned that they or their employers are much more hesitant to order random drug tests, based largely on the realization that there are a lot more pot smokers than they'd previously thought, and that most of them aren't the caricature of a lazy, unmotivated stoner that they might have thought.
(Of course, the companies still use drug testing to successfully avoid workers' comp claims, but that's not going to change until it is explicitly prohibited and the prohibition is reliably enforced.)
posted by ernielundquist at 3:10 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
MAN. I guess I'm starting to take it for granted -- here in SoCal it's a completely normal thing for me to just swing by the dispensary, on the same day as I get my other medication filled at the traditional pharmacy. You know, the other medication that isn't doing anything at all to reduce my inflammation or attenuate my crippling pain, while a single puff of a lively hybrid through Mount Kushmore (that's what I named my Volcano) has me guardedly, awkwardly dancing around like a teenager, doing impossible amounts of chores and housework, bending down, reaching, giving no fucks, bothering nobody. Yep, I get SUBSTANTIALLY MORE done when I'm high, not less, because I don't feel like my spine and ribcage are being torn out of me.
There is the issue that I sometimes find my dog's water bowl (full) in the linen closet or light myself on fire, but hey, live a little! Put on some Lakeside - It's All the Way Live, shake out your worries and get pain-free with me. The sooner this idiotic prohibition / social stigma / vibe-harshing is behind us, the better.
posted by jake at 3:15 PM on November 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
There is the issue that I sometimes find my dog's water bowl (full) in the linen closet or light myself on fire, but hey, live a little! Put on some Lakeside - It's All the Way Live, shake out your worries and get pain-free with me. The sooner this idiotic prohibition / social stigma / vibe-harshing is behind us, the better.
posted by jake at 3:15 PM on November 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
Seamus: "No data here, but I have no idea how that could even be possible. Too much good beer."
Most people don't drink good beer.
posted by Mitheral at 4:59 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Most people don't drink good beer.
posted by Mitheral at 4:59 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I love good beer! The heavier the better. But it's addictive and absolutely awful for my health and waistline, and makes me feel like shit the next day. I really can't say the same for weed (the idea of "munchies" is overstated - I'm rarely hungry when I'm high, whereas when I have a few drinks in me, I'm RAVENOUS. Like a gnawing hole in my stomach that needs to be filled with 2 dinners worth of fried foods.)
posted by naju at 5:58 PM on November 5, 2015
posted by naju at 5:58 PM on November 5, 2015
the idea of "munchies" is overstated
It depends on the strain and the individual. The other day, I had a handful of trail mix which quickly became the entire bag of trail mix. Papaya and sunflower seeds and cranberries and holy shit that was good trail mix.
But when I drink, I usually eat a ton of fatty/salty/carby food the next day to help with the hangover, and I certainly don't get any exercise that day. Herb is definitely better in this regard—I can thoroughly enjoy, like, a veggie-and-hummus plate and some hiking after a few puffs, and I'm much more functional the next day.
On doing housework while stoned, stereotypes of lazy slackers, etc.: I'm a big proponent of getting a little buzz on, and then doing stuff. I hate getting high with people who just want to stay glued to the couch and stare into space. Make a nice meal, play musical instruments, go for a nature walk, show cool art to each other, something.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 6:45 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
It depends on the strain and the individual. The other day, I had a handful of trail mix which quickly became the entire bag of trail mix. Papaya and sunflower seeds and cranberries and holy shit that was good trail mix.
But when I drink, I usually eat a ton of fatty/salty/carby food the next day to help with the hangover, and I certainly don't get any exercise that day. Herb is definitely better in this regard—I can thoroughly enjoy, like, a veggie-and-hummus plate and some hiking after a few puffs, and I'm much more functional the next day.
On doing housework while stoned, stereotypes of lazy slackers, etc.: I'm a big proponent of getting a little buzz on, and then doing stuff. I hate getting high with people who just want to stay glued to the couch and stare into space. Make a nice meal, play musical instruments, go for a nature walk, show cool art to each other, something.
posted by escape from the potato planet at 6:45 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
There are some people for whom one of the long-term affects of habitual cannabis use is a suppressed appetite.
posted by VTX at 7:04 PM on November 5, 2015
posted by VTX at 7:04 PM on November 5, 2015
You know that you can just ignore laws if you think they're stupid, right?
There's a world of difference between ignoring laws and not obeying them. The latter may be alright. The former is foolish.
There are some people for whom one of the long-term affects of habitual cannabis use is a suppressed appetite.
I've not met any. Out of a few hundred long-term habitual users. This must be pretty uncommon. I know a few people who very consciously got into the habit of not eating after smoking. (The maxim is: eat first, smoke second). They are a slim minority.
posted by holist at 3:46 AM on November 6, 2015 [1 favorite]
There's a world of difference between ignoring laws and not obeying them. The latter may be alright. The former is foolish.
There are some people for whom one of the long-term affects of habitual cannabis use is a suppressed appetite.
I've not met any. Out of a few hundred long-term habitual users. This must be pretty uncommon. I know a few people who very consciously got into the habit of not eating after smoking. (The maxim is: eat first, smoke second). They are a slim minority.
posted by holist at 3:46 AM on November 6, 2015 [1 favorite]
There is a guy I know for whom it's true and I know at least one other habitual user who has felt a similar effect.
He still gets the munchies when he's high, but the rest of the time, he's a LOT less hungry. A little googling turns up similar experiences on some stoner forums (which I won't link to here but they're easy to find).
Last I had read, the thinking was that the appetite receptors in the brain get so bombarded when you're high that they're a little less sensitive when you're sober.
This article suggests that it's just slightly more complicated than that but not far off. The guy I know has lost 40Lbs over the last 18-months or so. If he isn't hungry, he doesn't eat and when he is hungry, he doesn't eat much. The appetite suppressant affects of long-term use have made it a lot easier to make some of the lifestyle changes he needed to make to finally get in decent shape for good after being borderline obese for his whole life.
A more subtle effect is that he goes out to eat a lot less so he ends up eating healthier food at home while spending less money. So his daily habit has ended up letting him lose weight and it's still a net GAIN financially.
posted by VTX at 6:21 AM on November 6, 2015 [2 favorites]
He still gets the munchies when he's high, but the rest of the time, he's a LOT less hungry. A little googling turns up similar experiences on some stoner forums (which I won't link to here but they're easy to find).
Last I had read, the thinking was that the appetite receptors in the brain get so bombarded when you're high that they're a little less sensitive when you're sober.
This article suggests that it's just slightly more complicated than that but not far off. The guy I know has lost 40Lbs over the last 18-months or so. If he isn't hungry, he doesn't eat and when he is hungry, he doesn't eat much. The appetite suppressant affects of long-term use have made it a lot easier to make some of the lifestyle changes he needed to make to finally get in decent shape for good after being borderline obese for his whole life.
A more subtle effect is that he goes out to eat a lot less so he ends up eating healthier food at home while spending less money. So his daily habit has ended up letting him lose weight and it's still a net GAIN financially.
posted by VTX at 6:21 AM on November 6, 2015 [2 favorites]
oh yeah - hella munchies when lifted, can be hard to eat when sober. it's one of the reasons i started smoking actually - helped me get over an eating disorder. when i have to go long stretches without it's a fight to eat every day because of how not hungry and nauseated i am.
posted by nadawi at 6:15 PM on November 7, 2015
posted by nadawi at 6:15 PM on November 7, 2015
“I’d rather stick with vegetables,” she said.
No matter how many times I read this, it gets funnier. I swear I am not lifted.
posted by SassHat at 2:48 PM on November 10, 2015
No matter how many times I read this, it gets funnier. I swear I am not lifted.
posted by SassHat at 2:48 PM on November 10, 2015
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posted by Seamus at 8:49 AM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]