In response to the discussion on legalization - 'Weed Wars' Episode 4 on the Discovery Channel

Steve DeAngelo & Harborside Health Center would like to go on record to clarify some of the discussion from the cannabis industry on legalization positions that were aired on 'Weed Wars' - Episode 4 on The Discovery Channel last week.  There are many inaccurate postings from some of the industry sites, including Celeb Stoner that make assumptions that are clearly untrue and unfounded.  We hope those of you that are active in the industry, and those who are interested will  take the time to read the statements from Steve DeAngelo about the discussion of legalization.  This is a complex and an emotionally charged industry with leaders from across the country that have various opinions about the subject of legalization.  Steve believes criminal laws against cannabis are unjust and immoral, and should be ended. However, he also believes our movement is better serve by an emphasis on wellness, as opposed to recreational use.

For a more complete explanation of Steve's views on cannabis and recreation, please see "Recreation and Wellness" below and "Wellness Not Intoxication."

You can also find a response to the Celeb Stoner posting, here.

-=Wellness and Recreation=-

Recreation is something you do, not something you ingest. You cannot smoke recreation, or swallow it, or rub it on your skin. It is an experience, not a commodity. The act of ingesting cannabis does not in itself produce recreation. It can produce relaxation, and thereby facilitate a transition from the world of work to a recreational experience. Or it can help manage pain or anxiety or nausea, and thereby enable recreational activities that might otherwise be impossible. But the ingestion of cannabis alone is not sufficient; some other additional step is required to attain recreation.

I prefer to describe cannabis in terms of wellness, than recreation.  I don't like the term "recreational cannabis" because it does not accurately describe my own experience. I use cannabis to facilitate and enhance a variety of mental/psychic/physical states. It can and does facilitate and/or enhance a variety of recreational activities like taking a walk, or enjoying a piece of music, or a satisfying meal. On the other hand, it  can also help me go to sleep, stay calm, keep my patience, or manage my pain. Some of the ways I use cannabis promote my recreational activities; some promote my work life; and some promote my rest. Not all of them are about recreation, but they are all about wellness. I think it is the same for every cannabis user I know.

The distinction is important because the term "recreational cannabis" enables our opponents to argue that our movement advocates the replacement of recreational activities with the ingestion of cannabis. This idea is profoundly scary to parents, even parents who use cannabis. Public opinion poll after public opinion poll show far more Americans support medical cannabis, than recreational cannabis. Since it is inaccurate in the first place, why cling to this troublesome terminology?