This week, weed appears on the docket for full legalization in Canada, as a theme for a video game by rapper Wiz Khalifa, in dreamy Icelandic-berry flavored gumdrops from the band Sigur Rós, and it’s even been deemed worthy of worship by a church in Denver. Read on.
Canadian Legalization Bill Introduced
It’s all but official now: Trudeau has introduced the legislation that will legalize marijuana in Canada (and it’s expected to pass with flying colors). The bill removes penalties for personal possession, sets the age limit for consumption to 18 (in US states where it’s legalized, the age is 21), and allows individuals to grow up to four plants in their home.
While the response to this legislation has been mostly positive, it’s not without some critique—Jack Lloyd, known as “Canada’s New Cannabis Lawyer” after defending weed renegades Marc and Jodie Emery, told Leafly that the 30-gram possession limit “will likely need some work.”
New Drug Czar Not Even Down with CBD Oil
Reportedly Trump is tapping Congressman Tom Marino to be the federal government’s new “Drug Czar” (leader of the Office of National Drug Control Policy). Marino has previously taken many ‘hard line’ positions on marijuana related issues. Here’s a slice of his voting record:
Similarly, he voted against a measure to allow Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana to their patients, as well as against a separate measure to loosen federal restrictions on hemp, a non-psychoactive variant of the cannabis plant with potential industrial applications…He also voted against a measure that would loosen some restrictions on CBD oil, a non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant that holds promise for treating severe forms of childhood epilepsy.
And get this—20 years ago, Marino was accused of ‘judge-shopping‘ to try and get his friend’s cocaine conviction expunged. What a pal!
More Musicians Get into the Weed Game
Rapper Wiz Khalifa has released a weed-centered mobile video game that, he claims, is “better than Pokemon.” It’s an educational game where players learn to grow and produce marijuana, and expand their business interests as weed becomes legalized around the world.
Also, the dreamy-sounding Icelandic kings of post rock, Sigur Rós, are releasing “Wild Sigurberry,” a line of medicated gumdrops that are “inspired by the flavors of foraged Icelandic berries.” The gumdrops will be officially released (sadly, in California only right now) at a “sound bath” party a couple days before 4/20, where attendees can enjoy a “fully elevated experience.” Cue visions of elves in a dark green forest dancing in your head.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Is NOT Fucking Around
Ok, not exactly weed-related, but holy shit! This video is terrifying:
A Weed-Worshipping Church Has Popped Up in Denver
It’s called the International Church of Cannabis and it opens officially on 4/20. Known as ‘Elevationists,’ the church-goers use cannabis to “create the best version of themselves,” says founding member Steve Berke.
And Vermont Better Start Praying
For Vermont’s legalization bill to pass, which, due to last-minute tweaks and disagreements between lawmakers, Senate President Tim Ashe said would take “a miracle.”