MMJ: Craft farming blows smoke along an enjoyable journey.

Will legalization turn weed culture into a joyless corporate wasteland of Marlboro joints? - Wallmar McDonald

Nope. While the new legalization will definitely create an uptick in mass-produced, inexpensive, mid-grade weed, there will always be space for top-shelf cannabis. Think about craft beer. Sure, folks might bring a case of Budweiser to a party, but mostly, we drink fancypants artisanal beer. I would expect similar things to happen with cannabis. The way the new rules are supposed to be set up, growers aren’t allowed to have gigantic mega-grows. Craft farmers and smaller businesses are supposed to get a five-year head start.

A friend of mine insists that, contrary to pro-cannabis apologetics, smoking pot is harmful to the lungs. He challenged me to blow smoke through a damp cheesecloth. Sure enough, it left an ugly smudge of tar. Can this tar possibly be harmless? - Bronk S. Alveoli

Meh. Cigarette smoke and tobacco smoke aren’t the same thing. A study done at Harvard (www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/pot-smokers-can-maybe-breathe-a-little-easier) shows that moderate cannabis smoking can even improve lung function. So there.

Yes, any kind of smoke can irritate the lungs, but cannabis does no lasting harm. I really wish folks would check the latest science before spouting all kinds of anti-weed ridiculousness. Maybe your friend should do some research instead of just blowing smoke.

I am a practicing Buddhist. One of the insights I got from meditation was that true happiness cannot come from outside me, only from within. I realized that relying on marijuana to feel good ultimately had the opposite effect. How do you respond to those who say, “What goes up must come down”? -Nona Tashment

I say, anything can be used as a crutch. Mindful, responsible cannabis use is possible and prevalent, and cannabis addiction is rare. One does not have to rely on cannabis for a mild sense of euphoria in the same way one does not have to rely on coffee for a kickstart in the morning, or on Buddhism to find inner peace. Enlightenment comes in many forms, and there are multiple paths. Enjoy your journey.