420 in the 508

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420

IN THE 0 5 8

TRAVIS DUDA

The days are getting shorter, the inflatable unicorn has been packed, and it’s time for Worcester to welcome back the college students. I envy what you’re feeling and hope you’re enjoying your time in our City. There was a time when I felt that kind of excitement of going back to school, but now I only complain about the increase in traffic.

I want to take a moment to offer a special welcome to the first year students. If you’re reading this, there’s a chance you’ve broken out of the college bubble and have experienced some of the local culture our beautiful City has to offer. Congratulations. Please tell your friends.

As a recovering college graduate with a column about cannabis, I have the unique opportunity to offer some suggestions about consuming the devil’s lettuce as discreetly as possible. Obviously this advice is only for people of legal age, and who make lawful purchases through a local dispensary. Back in my college days, we didn’t have legal weed, and we especially didn’t have access to most of the edibles that are available. We had to either make them ourselves or convince the friend with baking abilities to whip up a batch. These were always so unreliable that you were either going to have a party night or sink into your friend’s couch and watch them play Grand Theft Auto poorly. Now there are so many options for reliable consumables that you truly have your pick of poison, all of which offer an odor and smoke free experience.

But what if you’re like me and want to steer clear of the edibles but still live neath the law? Obvious choice would be a vaporizer. These really should be consumed outside, but I get it. Winter is coming. They can be used pretty inconspicuously inside, however be mindful of your surroundings. I once set off a smoke detector that was lying on the bureau of a rental house I was staying at. Of course it was linked directly to the fire department so I had to have an awkward conversation with the homeowner about how I’m an idiot. Moral of the story, don’t be like me.

Fans of my column know that smoking flower is my preferred method. My fellow traditional smokers can find plenty of cool areas to enjoy a toke and a walk, or secure a good smoke spot with a unique view of a mural. But we are at a serious disadvantage of trying to imbibe inside. I was able to work magic for years with a box fan pointed out a window and a spoof, which is a water bottle with holes poked in the bottom and 2 packs of dryer sheets shoved inside. This emitted a cloud of noxious freshness the first few times it was used, and would need to be replaced every couple weeks. Nowadays people can go down to a local place like Jay’s Smoke Shop on Maywood St and buy a Smoke Buddy, which is essentially the same thing without the powder cloud and aftertaste. I don’t miss using that rig, and would happily burn one out in the cold than look down the barrel of an ever darkening dryer sheet graveyard again.

I hope the summer was good to you all and that you have plenty of herb in the jar to properly celebrate fall in New England.

Be well, be smart, and happy trails. -Travis (@hunchbacktravis)