Come out of the cannabis closet.
Do fears of controversy and offending other people’s sensibilities keep you from talking about your cannabis consumption? With 7 states ready to legalize recreational cannabis, now is the time to open up to people inclined to clutch their pearls at the thought of you packing a bowl and lighting up before bed (or in the morning, or before dinner, or after breakfast, whatever). Again, it’s all part of dismantling stereotypes. We live in a society where it’s normal to drink eight Bud Lights, three Jagerbombs, and a partridge in a pear martini in one evening. It’s even normal to brag about your hangover with coworkers at your employer’s office, who is probably legally allowed to fire people for testing positive for weed.
Change starts at the bottom. We all want cannabis to be legal, but we also want people to understand it’s used by more than just unemployed 23-year-old dudes. Don’t be afraid to tell your story.
Get involved with local cannabis campaigns.
Michigan, Vermont, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ohio, Oklahoma, Kentucky, South Dakota, Utah, and Missouri all have either recreational or medical initiatives happening this year. Donate your time and/or money, sign petitions, call your senators, attend city council meetings, and support the local organizations fighting the green fight in any way you can. Have honest conversations with anyone who’s interested in hearing how cannabis has impacted your life. Shatter anachronistic stereotypes with your grit and grace. Make it personal but keep it kind. Inspire stiff-suited contrarians to light up and chill out.
Reframe your relationship with cannabis.
I haaate doing the dishes. I dread them. I see the stack of plates and mugs as a growing reminder of how easy life could be if I’d just wash a dish after using it. Does anybody actually do that, though? Probably the same people who balance their checkbooks. Not me.
Anyway, have you ever done the dishes while stoned? It’s fantastic, especially in the winter. Warm soapy suds, lemon-fresh smells, and 15 minutes to step away from my computer and listen to a Podcast or brainstorm a project. It’s actually quite pleasant. If you’re only consuming cannabis when you want to be lazy, its positive impact will only last so long and you’ll probably end up with some bad habits. Experiment with it in other areas of your life and see what it can do. I didn’t think it was possible for dishwashing to be enjoyable (ugh why am I washing dishes when I’m trying to LIVE my LIFE, man) but if anything can make that happen, I guess it’s weed.
Get some education.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a cannabis entrepreneur or you just want to know more about weed than all your friends, it’s fascinating to dive into the complex world of the cannabis plant. I don’t plan on becoming a grower anytime soon, but my husband got a copy of The Cannabis Grow Bible for Christmas and we’ve both been obsessed with it ever since. There is so much to discover, even if you don’t plan on growing and just want to learn about horticulture. If you’re serious about becoming a grower, budtender, or cannabis entrepreneur in any capacity, check out these 11 online and in-person classes available for cannabis education and job training.
Stop roasting the bowl.
Your weed will last longer if you burn a corner of the bowl at a time rather than burning the whole top in a single hit. If you’re smoking in a group, this is good manners.
Stop stealing lighters.
PUT MY CLIPPER DOWN.
Drink more water.
This goes for everybody in the world. Keep your cotton mouth and crusty eyeballs under control. Amen.