WEED RULES By: Jay Wexler

We all want to celebrate weed being legal, and we should. But even though we’ve made it this far, we still have hills to climb. The fact that the federal government has yet to lower it on the scheduled drug list means that our celebration could come to an end if the wrong administration is in charge. Even those states that have legalized the herb have monstrous obstructions to get past. We are at a point in cannabis history that it’s necessary to pay close attention to the movement and stay involved. We’ve made it this far- don’t let them push us back and take it all away.

Jay Wexler is here to help us keep the movement alive and guide us to a better…. High. He’s here to help us blaze the way to a just and joyful marijuana policy for all. Jay is currently a Professor of Law at Boston University and in a former life, he was the law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the United States Supreme Court. Jay has authored six books, including Our Non-Christian Nation and The Odd Clauses. But some of you might recognize him from the documentary Hail Satan. Did I mention Jay is a constitution and environmental lawyer? Yah, Jay Wexler is one of the good guys and it goes without saying he knows his shit. A true thought leader we should all be listening to. Plus, he’s a funny as hell guy, and it comes out in his writing.

Weed Rules starts by taking you on a guided tour of cannabis prohibition. It hasn’t been easy to get to where some of us are, with the easy access to our favorite stains a short distance away. Jay points out how some people still perceive cannabis, and he also points out how those same people should try to evolve their perception. In chapter 3, ‘Making a Marketplace’, Jay brings up the issue that most states with cannabis regulation have limiting licenses. He points out that this has created fear. One that we can see happening before our eyes, where Big Corporate Cannabis will come in and dominate and monopolize the industry. Unfortunately, this problem is growing. If we don’t deal with it, we’ll end up with the same low potency, low benefit, crappy weed products produced by two major companies. Sound familiar?

In part 2 of the book, Jay guides us away from grudging tolerance and into careful exuberance. We hear about the restrictions put on marketing, advertising, and promoting your cannabis business and why these restrictions are ridiculous. Even though cannabis is legal, our representatives, who we elect, aren’t going to make it easy for us. Even though we the people voted for it, they really don’t want to see the industry progressing. Many of our representatives still think cannabis is worse than alcohol, and punish the industry for fear that it will corrupt the children and offend the fundamentalists. Now remember when I said Jay Wexler is a constitutional lawyer, he points out in the book that by restricting how a company promotes their product for sale is directly going against the first amendment, and he believes it won’t be long before a cannabis company sues their state.

In chapter 5, Jay focuses on cannabis use and your job. The chapter begins with people who had their career ruined because they had cannabis in their system. A handful of examples, which by no means are isolated incidents. Here, he covers employment law and if a person should be fired, or not hired, if they are a cannabis user. Once again, Jay gives us examples, this time of cannabis users, both medical use and recreational, winning their cases, and others losing. Unfortunately, recreational users lose most cases. All because of drug testing and companies that require them.

In chapter 6, the issue of where to smoke is covered. An issue that we here in Vegas might soon move past, as the cannabis lounges begin to open up. Again, with limited licensing, will these be accessible in your district and will they too, end up being monopolized? We’re also reminded that in legalized states that don’t have a place to consume, many are still forced to smoke out by the dumpsters.

Jay also goes over how, even in states that have legalized, in some of those states’ cities, you can’t get a license for a cannabis business. It seems our elected officials don’t want what the people want. For those cannabis users in the cities without dispensaries or delivery services, a long drive to the nearest cannabis friendly town must be made. Once again, Jay gives us a schooling on the constitutional relationship between state and cities.

So what’s the conclusion? In the final chapter, Jay rolls it all out. He has a list of ten criteria, and although the list might not yet be complete, as the industry continues to evolve, it’s a great place to start.

Weed Rules is a handbook for continuing the progression of cannabis policies and ways we can create a better and even more enjoyable cannabis experience. I highly suggest you spark up and kick back with a copy of your own. This book is positively worth Reading Lit!

You can watch my interview with Jay Wexler at Avantpop Bookstore Presents…. Wherever you stream your podcasts. You can also pick up a signed copy of Weed Rules by Jay Wexler at Avantpop Bookstore in Las Vegas or at avantpopbooks.com.

Lady Led Collabs brought back one of the Vegas community's favorite events in 2023 with their Toke Tour 2.0! Their 420 coach bus brought 50 lucky guests on a 'Toke Tour' of the best stoner spots & dispensary activations on the Highest Day of the Year! Their stops included Sahara Wellness, Jerome Baker Designs, Reef’s Live Art activation, PinDrop Collective’s Spring Fling, and Cultivate’s industry after party!

Photographer: JoVán Johnson - Unik Videographer: Nik Johnson - Unik

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