As Prohibition Wanes

Tomorrow morning when Massachusetts stirs from it's nightly pause, things will be a tad bit different.  This shift will be brought on by the decriminalization of cannabis in all forms for adults over the age of 21.  At first glance, this change should be of little consequence to majority of folks who do not find pleasure in the consumption of this wonderful plant, but to the roughly 900,000 state residents who regularly enjoy a toke this is a monumental moment.

The prohibition of cannabis has created a immense amount of undue stress and anxiety to those who willingly broke the law in the past.  Gone are the days of being in a constant state of fear while riding around with a $20 bag in your glovebox.  In the rearview mirror are those moments of doubt and shame felt while smelling of freshly burnt Blue Dream, OG Kush or Sour Deez in line at the grocery store.  All but eliminated are the fears that come from the sound of a distant helicopter in the September air.  It will take some time before we realize that we are welcome to spark one up after a hard day's work without worrying if the kids might catch us out in the garage.  The legacy of living under the constant threat of my local DARE program getting my kids to rat me out is history.

Now is the time for all of us pause and reflect on this victory.  Let the meaning sink in for a moment and realize the weight of this change but understand that we are not out of the woods yet.  Although you will be free to move from point A to point B within the borders of the Commonwealth, you are still subject to federal prohibition.  The powers that be have made their allegiances to big Pharma and Big Oil crystal clear and cannabis is certainly an enemy to their bottom line.  As long as our federal government ignores the benefits of this plant we will still be subject to a baseline threat to our medicine.

So take a moment to rejoice freely and openly.  Let the freedom wash away the guilt and emotional strain brought about by the negative propaganda of failed war of drugs.  Be a gleaming example for the next generation by being an ambassador of respectful and responsible consumption.   On the eve of legalization, I wish you all the kindest of times in the days to come.