Feature – Cannabis Today

Anne-Marie Fischer - APR 04, 2017
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On April 20, millions of marijuana enthusiasts around the world will unite in celebration of the cannabis plant the international day of festivities commonly known as “4/20”.

While usually associated with public smoke sessions and legalization advocacy efforts, the origins of “420” is generally attributed some San Rafael, California high school kids in the 1970s who called themselves “the Waldos” and popularized 4:20pm as the ideal time to “smoke up” after school. The term 420 lit up and soon became code for cannabis. “Deadheads” may foggily recall the number as a recurring motif of the psychedelic band The Grateful Dead’s music and road stories.

420 has become the international moniker for weed, grass, marijuana, cannabis, ganja, pot, crip, creepy, or whatever you may have heard it called. April 20 remains a significant day of celebration for those who appreciate and advocate for cannabis freedoms.

The world has recently seen more progress on the (re-)legalization of cannabis than ever before. In the United States, legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana is catching on like wildfire, despite the Trump Administration’s threats.

In 2016, the U.S. marijuana industry generated an estimated $7.2 billion. By 2020, the projected number of jobs in the cannabis industry will surpass those of manufacturing. Canada has its own legalization efforts underway. In Costa Rica, cannabis remains illegal for any commercial activity, but it has become decriminalized and actions towards legalizing medical marijuana are currently burning through Costa Rica’s Congress.

Medical marijuana, specifically cannabidiols (or CBDs), a compound of cannabis, has found a secure place in medicine. As cannabis mainstreams, more research supporting its medical benefits emerges. From pain management to treatment of epilepsy, sleep issues, spasms, neurological disorders, mental health issues, and more, cannabis is making its way onto more prescription pads. More than 2.5 million people in the U.S. are estimated to use medical marijuana, with 19% of some states’ populations under prescription.

Eight U.S. states, Canada, The Netherlands, and Uruguay are a few areas in the world at various stages of recreational marijuana legalization. While recreational legalization is not quite in the cards for many countries around the world just yet, there has been an overwhelming liberalization in terms of marijuana attitudes and decriminalization. In countries such as Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, you likely won’t face any criminal charges for smoking marijuana or even possessing small amounts. On the flip side, weed is still serious business in some places. In some Eastern European countries as well as India, Indonesia, and many countries in Asia and the Middle East, there are very strict laws controlling use, possession and especially sales that you don’t want to mess with.

In Costa Rica, cannabis culture thrives. In Tamarindo and surrounding areas, stores proudly display their various fashion options featuring the marijuana leaf. There are more whittled-wood penis-shaped pipes in this country than I can count. You’ll often get whiffs of cannabis when walking the beaches of the Pacific Coast and may even be approached with (illegal) purchasing opportunities. That’s not to say we should all just light up wherever we are.

Despite liberal attitudes on marijuana, it’s still not a good idea to blaze in front of an officer of the law and generally, no matter where you are, marijuana etiquette suggests that use should be discreet, and away from children. In Costa Rica, since marijuana is still illegal, criminal charges could be faced if there is suspect of possession beyond personal use.

All things considered, the truth is that in Costa Rica, cannabis culture is alive and thriving among locals and expats alike. I’m willing to bet that it’s more common than we all think. Since the waters have always been murky on the legalities of marijuana, it’s just not something people openly talk about. Yet, I’m certain that cannabis culture is not restricted to one demographic, age or culture here in Costa Rica.

Even more good news is that with increased legalization efforts, the marijuana industry and cannabis culture are becoming more sophisticated worldwide. Growers and product manufacturers are producing edibles, oils, and vapes that are going well beyond the usual association of “ripping bongs” or “blazing doobies” and are making real impacts on human health. 4/20 is no longer about those California kids rebelling in the 1970s; it’s becoming an increasingly large part of liberal culture, and cannabis enthusiasm and advocacy don’t show any signs of waning.

Enjoy a safe and responsible 4/20!