MMJ: Think globally, smoke locally.

I’m planning a trip to L.A. (from Sacramento), and wondering the ins and outs of taking cannabis on the plane within the state. Is that a good idea, or would I be better off to visit a dispensary in L.A. once I land? - Very Curious in Sacramento

The TSA doesn’t really care about a small amount of cannabis. Don’t bring a pound, have your letter of recommendation next to your cannabis, and enjoy your flight. But if you are going to be in L.A., why not try a few of the medical cannabis dispensaries and delivery services in the L.A. area? Think globally, smoke locally.

Anything happening with the major cannabis bills in the Cali Legislature? - Willy Wonky

Nope. They are still making the sausage. AB 266 and AB 243 (they are really the same bill, because bureaucracy) are still being discussed and debated. I don’t think anything will happen for at least a week or a month or a year. Politicians take forever, and they all seem to think that weed is more akin to crack than wine. Call your legislator.

So how was the Seattle Hempfest? - Tor Eesta

It was great: 300,000 people, lots of weed, great discussions, good bands and no fights. Vivian McPeak, the director of the event, told me the Seattle Hempfest generates $7 million in revenue (hotel rooms, cab rides, restaurant visits, all that good tourist money) every year. In fact, the city of Seattle granted the Hempfest a special exemption, allowing people to smoke in the park during the event. How modern is that? I was also at a Portland City Council meeting last week to lend support to the Portland Hempstalk. Their permit application had been denied by the parks department, but Mayor Hales and council members Nick Fitz and Dan Saltzman showed good judgment and made good points (the parks department and the police could provide no instances of neighborhood complaints, 911 calls or increased DUI occurrences at the 2014 Hempstalk); about how other events like the Brewfest or the Naked Bike Ride are allowed in Portland; and that it would be unfair, especially in light of the recent legalization of recreational cannabis, to keep the Portland Hempstalk from continuing to bring activists, musicians, cannabis users and advocates (and their tourist dollars) to the Rose City.