I must admit, I am somewhat dumbfounded by this cannabis thing. As an erstwhile Dutchman watching the popularity of pot work its way up from Paris into Amsterdam in the late 50s, I readily admit I had a few joints then but couldn’t decide what the fuss was all about and so that was that.
Cannabis continues to be an illegal drug in the Netherlands. While tolerated – meaning the authorities will turn a blind eye to those in possession of 5g or less – since April of this year, several cities have taken steps to limit the public use of cannabis because of the stench produced by smoking it (one is reminded of a well-seasoned dog turd on fire) as well as the noise generated by its users. The Hague became the first Dutch city to ban it in the city center, the central train station, and major shopping areas.
With this in mind, I am bemused by the anticipatory euphoria towards the imminent legalization of pot in Canada. This includes the gushing enthusiasm displayed by the various media – including the Globe and Mail (Pursuits, August 4th) – in attempting to provide this drug with the sheen of sophistication, by featuring it in a boutique environment, and in the context of stylish cannabis accoutrements and haute dining experiences that have their dishes spiked (sorry “infused”) with it.
Finally – given all this brouhaha around the matter – as well as the billions being invested in it, I can’t get this picture out of my mind: the possibility of massive clouds of pot smoke billowing over this country once this drug is legal here. Probably not, but whatever smoke there will be, it will likely also include folks seeing their financial interest in cannabis going that way.