The Old and The New

The moment I saw the flashing lights I pulled over and started to shake.  Since Middle School, I’ve suffered from panic attacks.  The marijuana in the front seat of my car was supposed to help me control my anxieties. Now it might land me in jail.

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      I was in Florida visiting my grandparents. At that time, possession of marijuana was a criminal offense in the state. Twenty grams was considered a third-degree felony, with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison.  The two bags I’d purchased a half hour earlier easily exceeded that.  Which meant that I was in deep shit.

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      I grabbed the two bags and threw them under the seat. It seemed like an eternity before the police officer finally got out of his car and motioned for me to roll down my window.

      “License, insurance card and registration,” he said in a gruff monotone that sounded like every other cop I’ve ever seen on television.

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      As I fumbled for my identification cards, I asked lamely.  “I’m sorry officer.  Did I do something wrong?”

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      Rather than answer, he stared at my cards.  “Your license says you’re from New Jersey.  What are you doing in the State of Florida?”

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      “My grandparents live in Sarasota.  It’s spring break so I’m visiting them.”

      “And this is their car?”

      “Yes.”

      “Well son, if I was out driving my grandparents car, I’d be a little more careful.”

      “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

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      “This isn’t New Jersey or New York.  It’s Florida which means you can’t make a right hand turn at a red light.”

      “I’m sorry.  I didn’t know that.”

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      “Most of you kids that come down here don’t,” he said and handed me back my cards.  “That’s why I’m gonna let you off this time with just a warning. But if I catch you doing it again, I’ll impound your car and I don’t think your grandparents are gonna like that very much.”   

    

      “Thank you officer,” I said and lowered my eyes to hide the smile crawling across my face.  “I really appreciate it.”

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      As I sat there and watched him drive away, I couldn’t believe what had happened.  This was Florida.  It might be retirement heaven for people like my grandparents but it was also the Deep South where they put long-haired guys like me in prison and threw away the keys.  Instead, I’d gotten a reprieve.  Maybe there really were guardian angels who watched over us.  More likely, it was just dumb luck.

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      That was twenty years ago.  As I write this book, 23 states have legalized cannabis (the name preferred by marketers) for both recreational and medical use by adults 21 years of age and older.  Another 17 states have legalized it for medical use only.  My old nemesis Florida is one of those states. You can also buy cannabis without fear of arrest in Canada and Mexico as well as various countries across Europe and South America.

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      Gone are the days of smoke-filled head shops and back alleys purchases.  Today, cannabis is sold in brightly-lit dispensaries adorned with modern art and corporate logos.  Depending on your preferences, you can buy the high of your choice in virtually every form and variety from capsules, pills, gummies, drinks and flavored tinctures to pre-rolled joints and flowered buds.  You can also select the potency as well as the desired effect you want to achieve.  And that’s only the beginning.

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      This book is about the brave new world of cannabis. It not only includes a short history of the cannabis plant and its uses, but also everything you need to know about the medical benefits of cannabis, as well as the ongoing development of cannabis products and formulations.

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      The popularity of cannabis isn’t new.  But the way it’s being sold and purchased today is revolutionary.  Which means that its impact on both society and the environment promises to be profound.

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      What does the future hold for cannabis? Predictions are always difficult and usually wrong.  The one certainty is that over the next few years, we can expect to see even more innovation, research, and opportunities for everyone. So buckle your seat belt and get ready for the ride.  The real fun is about to begin.