

Marijuana and Time, Place, and Manner. The Hempfest 2014 Theme.


The phrase: “time, place, and manner”, exists as a legal concept that American courts apply to potential limitations of free speech.

The government cannot abridge the free speech of its citizenry, although it can regulate the time, place, and manner of free speech as long as it is in the interest of public safety and certain interests of the state.

But time, place, and manner are also appropriate considerations to examine when addressing the issue of consumption of cannabis, especially public consumption in this new time of transition while reforming America’s pot laws.

Most Americans imbibing in cannabis have done so under the specter of prohibitionist policies their entire lives. In order to purchase, produce, or consume cannabis people have been forced to break the law. Now, in some places, the laws are changing.

Some cannabis enthusiasts are wondering how best to navigate the changing waters of cannabis policy when it comes to public consumption. They are asking questions about how to show the proper respect to people who do not use cannabis, and what time, place, and manner restrictions do common courtesy indicate when consuming the kind herb?

People who do not smoke tobacco are routinely irritated, if not repulsed, when being forced to inhale dangerous second-hand tobacco smoke. While cannabis smoke is arguably less dangerous than tobacco smoke (look at the science), why should pot use be any different for non-tokers? While we may know that outdoor second-hand pot smoke cannot get anyone high, some non-tokers may feel very uncomfortable being subjected to pot smoke against their wishes.

Of course, the fact that people can smoke carcinogenic cigarettes in public makes it seem silly not to be able to smoke cannabis in public as well. The difference is that tobacco has been culturally mainstreamed in America, and cannabis is still a symbol of the counter-culture and the black market, and heavily socially stigmatized. There are also political realities that are fueled by cultural associations and stereotypes that play a big role in public consumption policy, and will for some time. Lapses in academically accepted scientific data also factor in to decisions about public smoking.

I think it is wrong to allow people to consume alcohol in beer gardens in view of children, and allow tobacco smokers to pollute the immediate atmosphere with tobacco smoke, clearly in the presence of children and non-smokers, while simultaneously prohibiting pot smokers from consuming in public. One more glaring double standard in a long line of many when it comes to us cannabis users.

One important issue to consider is exposure to children. Shielding children from exposure to cannabis is a good reason for spaces to be made available in public settings where legal adult cannabis consumption can take place. Children benefit from not being exposed to people who are in the acts of consuming any mood-altering substance, including alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis. There exist many places where adults can purchase and consume alcohol or tobacco, and the same should be available for cannabis where legal. Of course, I feel cannabis should be legal for adults anywhere, and that you should be able to imbibe as long as you are not bothering anyone else. But that is not the case.

So, where IS it legal to imbibe cannabis?

When Washington voters enacted I-502 they greatly decriminalized cannabis possession and consumption in Washington State. It became legal on the state level to possess up to one ounce of usable cannabis. However, I-502 only legalized consuming cannabis out of public view. It is not legal to smoke pot walking down a public street, at a bus stop, or in a public park.

At Hempfest this year you will see two 21 and over Adult Lounges; “Liberty Lounge” and “Winterlife Lounge,” where people 21 and over who show their I.D. can imbibe cannabis without fear of city citation, well out of public view. No minors will be allowed inside these lounges, which will be located in the Myrtle Edwards Park section of the event.

The city expressed concerns about youth use at Hempfest, and we share that concern. So the 21 and over lounges are part of a pilot program aimed at reducing youth exposure to pot smoking and providing cool spaces with education, refreshments, and ambiance for adults to take some chill time out of the sensory overload at Hempfest. These areas will be in compliance with I-502.

If we can make this model work, over time, it will be the first step to having adult toking areas in every public event in Washington.

Hempfest shares concerns that parents and community leaders have about youth use and abuse of cannabis. Nobody wants to see children or young teens using cannabis any more than they want to see them using alcohol, tobacco, or other adult substances until they have fully developed physically, mentally, and emotionally. Doping skills that are developed before coping skills can derail a person’s life and hold them back in their development as a functional, contributing adult.

Youth are better served when adults have appropriate places that they can go to imbibe. While these adult lounges may feel a little odd to attendees that have experienced the culture of past Hempfests, we ask you to partner with Hempfest as we transition to a model that supports broader community values while catering to the needs of the adult cannabis community. In the meantime I personally will be advocating equality for pot smokers in regard to the freedoms that those who consume alcohol and tobacco enjoy.

It is in the interest of the cannabis community to consider how best to respond to the changing course of events as the process of legalization takes hold, and re-examine some routine practices when it comes to consuming pot in public. By respecting others and considering the interests of young folks we can find a sustainable balance that also protects the interests of the cannabis using community as our society gradually relaxes its cannabis laws.

Over time the negative conditioning that the public has endured over cannabis will give way to a better understanding of the world’s most misunderstood and maligned plant, and, hopefully, greater freedom to imbibe will result from continued exposure and the demystification of cannabis for the general public. Please patronize the pioneering vendors and sponsors in the adult lounges while enjoying the unique ambiance and atmosphere they are providing for your historic adult experience there.

Also, manner is important. Now there are new vaporization techniques that protect the lungs from hot air, soot, and particulate matter that can be an issue for people with respiratory conditions. Smoke is not great for the lungs, and while cannabis does not cause emphysema like tobacco, which is a broncho-constrictor, hot pot smoke can cause problems in some people, especially after chronic use (no pun intended).

According to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Assoc., “Vaporization is an effective way to deliver the therapeutic components of marijuana without the toxic byproducts of combustion. The vegetable material is placed in the vaporization device and heated to a temperature of 180° to 200° C (356° to 392° F). This causes the essential oils to volatilize, or evaporate, into a pure vapor, which is then collected and inhaled. The resulting vapors contain no tars, hydrocarbons, benzene, carbon monoxide or other toxic pyrolytic gases and by products of combustion. Respiratory risks associated with smoked marijuana are eliminated.”

Cannabis can also be eaten, taken in tinctures, and extracted into oils and other concentrates. People eating cannabis should take some important points into consideration. Eating cannabis delivers a delay in onset. It takes a while to feel the effects, so it is easy to get impatient and take too much, thinking it is not taking effect. There is also a prolonged effect, so take it easy and self-titrate. It can be very uncomfortable eating too much. While it will not hurt you to overdose, you may feel pretty sick after taking too much pot foods.

The same goes for concentrates like dabs, oil, and other extractions. Go light, take it slow, and know your limits. And always keep cannabis away from the reach of children, especially when it is in the form of foods that kids usually like, such as candies, brownies, cookies and the like. One of the most important things you can do to help legalization efforts is to use responsibly, use your head, and know your limits. If you do eat, smoke, or vape too much pot you should relax. You will not die. Simply be patient. It will wear off and you will be OK. Other than driving and things like operating heavy machinery, the biggest danger from too much cannabis is simply your own anxiety.

Never drive impaired, however. This is the most important thing to remember when imbibing anything, pot included. Lives are at stake. This may be the single most important aspect of time, place, and manner considerations. While alcohol is clearly more dangerous than cannabis, if you are killed by a stoned driver you are just as dead as you would be if the driver was drunk. Driving is the most dangerous activity most people engage in on a regular basis and there are often no second chances. Once again, know your limit.

If we, as adults, use cannabis responsibly we have every right to do so legally. That’s why Seattle Hempfest exists, to educate about responsible uses and applications of cannabis, and to advocate changing the law. I-502 was a start. Let’s take it to the finish in the most aware, responsible manner possible.

Categories: Uncategorized
Vivian McPeak

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