{crossroads } by R I C A R D O B A C A
WHERE IN THE WORLD Exploring the grittier, more rewarding side of cannabis tourism.
Want to know how spoiled we are in Free America?
together as they make a similar hand gesture, mimicking
Here’s how spoiled: When we think of cannabis tourism,
the ancient hash-making technique. The modified cigarette
we think of bud-and-breakfasts in century-old Victorian
makes one more round before you and your new friends
homes, guided garden tours via swank limo buses, and
head back inside for more tea, maybe a few beers and a
Friday nights spent learning the intricacies of rolling both
more elevated conversation. Not a bad vacation, right?
sushi and joints—before consuming said sushi and joints.
Or maybe you’re reading a book inside a canal-side cof-
Not a bad vacation. But as many of us know, marijuana
feeshop in Amsterdam when a young couple asks if they
tourism throughout most of the world is less glam and more
can share your table. They’re sharing their stash from
glum. Sometimes we need to check our state-legal privi-
home, a far superior product to the dried-out garbage you
lege at the door and remind ourselves how lucky we are to
just bought from the counter, and an hour later you’re fol-
be alive right now in these sky-high times (Hamilton refer-
lowing them back to their flat, which is home to a surpris-
ence intended, weed pun definitely not).
ingly sophisticated 10-plant grow.
Most of the world still lacks access to safe cannabis prod-
They pour you a glass of wine before the tour, and when
ucts, a regulated retail environment, and sensible drug laws,
they open the door you squint your eyes to let them adjust.
and so the concept of cannabis tourism takes on an entirely
When you ask them why their flower is so much better
different meaning in Morocco, India, and even the Nether-
than the coffeeshop’s, they tell you that, while the Dutch
lands—all legitimate cannabis heritage communities.
government tolerates limited retail sales and permitted
Though let me tell you: This grittier, more dangerous side of
use, it is still illegal to cultivate cannabis in the Nether-
cannabis tourism is infinitely more rewarding than its coun-
lands, a policy regulators are contemplating changing.
terparts in Free America, hot-boxed limo bus be damned.
An intense chicken-and-egg conversation follows before
Imagine with me: You’re in a trendy Mumbai bar chat-
they bid you a lovely evening by pointing out the near-
ting up some locals over chais when one of them asks,
est tram line and sending you on your way with a week’s
“Would you like some charas?” You recognize the word as
worth of homegrown herb. Totally not a bad vacation.
the local handle for hash and nod yeah, and a few minutes
As someone who loves to travel I must add: I am not
later you’re passed a hand-rolled cigarette with the waxy
recommending you break local laws while traveling.
charas spread generously throughout.
Many of us have seen Brokedown Palace and read Mid-
The familiar sting immediately hits the back of your throat upon your first inhale, but the aftertaste is as unique
night Express, and we all know how this scenario sometimes tragically ends.
as the subcontinent itself. Your new friends tell you about
But I am telling you to live a little—and if your partner
the Himalayan tradition of charas, and you rub your hands
were to ever forward you an article about hiking among
18 MAY 2019 Emerald Triangle
