As the legal cannabis industry continues to grow, it’s becoming increasingly clear that stoners are both helping and hurting the cause. On one hand, they’ve been at the forefront of the 420 culture since Cheech and Chong were making movies about getting high. On the other hand, their antics can sometimes make it difficult for legalization efforts to be taken seriously.
So why are stoners both a blessing and a curse for legal cannabis? Let’s take a look.
First of all, stoners have been instrumental in creating the 420 culture that surrounds cannabis use. From music to movies to fashion, stoners have influenced the way we think about and consume cannabis. Without them, we might not have such classics as “Up in Smoke” or “Dazed and Confused.”
But at the same time, stoners can also be a liability for the legal cannabis industry. When they’re out there smoking in public, driving under the influence, or otherwise breaking the law, it makes it harder for the industry to gain mainstream acceptance. It’s tough to convince lawmakers and the public that cannabis is a legitimate medicine or a harmless recreational substance when there are people out there acting like idiots.
So what’s the solution? Should we try to distance ourselves from stoners and disavow their behavior?
Absolutely not.
Stoners are a vital part of the 420 culture, and they deserve to be included. But at the same time, we need to encourage responsible behavior and help them understand the impact their actions can have on the rest of us.
We can’t let a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. Instead, we should work to educate stoners on the importance of responsible cannabis use. We should encourage them to be ambassadors for the industry, to show the world that cannabis can be used safely and responsibly.
So the next time you’re at a cannabis event and you see some stoners acting out, don’t roll your eyes and try to distance yourself. Embrace them, educate them, and show them that they can still be a part of the 420 culture without hurting the legal cannabis movement.
In the end, we’re all in this together. Whether you’re a casual cannabis user or a die-hard stoner, we all want the same thing: for cannabis to be accepted and respected as a legitimate substance. So let’s work together to make that happen. And hey, maybe we can all share a joint and laugh about it along the way.
