The Potent Mix
of Culture and Consumption of Marijuana in the West
Introduction
The
West and marijuana are two things that go together. Perhaps it's because of the
freedoms we enjoy or our relaxed attitudes about what constitutes a
"healthy lifestyle," but whatever the case, cannabis consumers have
long been part of western culture.
We've
seen it in movies like The Big Lebowski and even touched on by other writers
here at Culture Trip.
How
much do you know about the potent mix of culture and consumption that makes up
this phenomenon?
Many Westerners
Many
Westerners view the Union of India as a spiritual land where cannabis has long
been traditionally used.
For
some, this means they see marijuana as something they can use to connect with
God.
Others
believe that smoking marijuana helps them find their true selves, helping them
get in touch with inner peace and happiness.
Westerners see marijuana as a gateway to spiritual enlightenment
Marijuana
has been used for many purposes in its long history. In the West, it is
primarily a spiritual tool because it helps people relax and open their minds
to new ideas.
Those
who use marijuana for this purpose can be found at meditation centers, yoga
studios, or even on their own in quiet places where they can sit quietly with
their thoughts.
But
marijuana's soothing effects can also help with pain relief and sleep problems,
making it helpful if you have an injury, illness, or insomnia that requires
medical attention.
Marijuana
might also be an appetite stimulant if you have trouble eating due to nausea or
other digestive issues.
There are a few western
states where recreational marijuana is legal.
The
legal status of marijuana varies from state to state. Some states have
decriminalized marijuana, but it is still illegal. In other states, medical
marijuana is legal, but recreational use is not.
A
few western states have legalized recreational use: Alaska (2014), California
(2018), Colorado (2001), Oregon (2014), and Washington State (1998).
Some westerners
use medical marijuana to aid in dealing with arthritis, depression, and other
conditions.
Marijuana
can help treat many conditions. Among the common uses is to treat pain, but it
may also help those dealing with depression and anxiety are two examples of
specific mental health issues.
Marijuana
can also help people deal with conditions like arthritis or even something as
simple as a lack of appetite.
Marijuana
has been shown to have some positive effects on these problems, and many
strains target specific symptoms associated with these conditions.
Cannabis is
popular among people who visit or live in the West.
In
the West, cannabis is popular among people who visit or live in:
- Recreational
marijuana use is now used legally in Colorado and Washington.
- Oregon, where adults
can possess it without a prescription.
- Nevada, where adults
can possess it without a prescription.
- Medical marijuana has
been legalized in California since 1996 and was approved for recreational
use by adults in 2016.
Many
cities in Nevada also allow cannabis consumption at specific venues such as
casinos and resorts (but smoking isn't allowed inside).
Conclusion
The
potheads of the West are a diverse group, but they have something in common:
they all enjoy marijuana.
For
Westerners, cannabis is an integral part of their culture and lifestyle. It has
helped them to find balance and happiness through meditation, yoga, or other
practices that require focus and self-awareness. For some users, relaxing after
work or on weekends is also fun.