MMJ: There's Bang In That Bhang

We know about cannabis as a medicine and as a recreational substance, but what about as a spiritual sacrament? – Obi Juan Tadoobie

Cannabis has been used as a religious sacrament for thousands of years. Everyone knows about the Rastafarians, the Jamaican religion that believes cannabis to be “the tree of life” and uses cannabis in religious ceremonies. But did you know the Hindu religion also employs cannabis? During the Holi Festival, adherents drink Bhang (which approximates a cannabis-infused yogurt) to cleanse the body and soul. Taoists, the ancient Norse religion, and others promote cannabis as a way to let go of earthly worries while guiding the spirit toward salvation.

Just because your religion allows you to use marijuana doesn’t mean the federal government will. Rev. Eddy Lepp tried a religious defense for his pot farm in Lake County and got 10 years in prison. So, enjoy your cannabis – and your religion – but be careful.

I heard that once legalization becomes a thing, if you have a recommendation, you won’t have to pay tax at dispensaries. Is that true? – T. Pardee

Yes. California medical cannabis patients can avoid having to pay state tax on medical cannabis purchases. However, said patient will need to get a county-issued medical cannabis card. Getting a card is simple, but pricey. (California NORML has more info at canorml.org.)

With legalization, will we see more pot-related events like we see with alcohol? Like pairings, or wine and painting? -Sosh L. N. Tercorse

It’s already happening. I’m throwing a fancypants cannabis-tasting party on Sept. 16. Groupon and EventBrite send me notices about upscale cannabis-infused dinners parties all the time. There’s already a thing called “Puff, Pass, and Paint” (puffpassandpaint.com), which will allow you to get in touch with you inner Bob Ross. Happy trees, indeed.

Just like booze, weed is a social drug. Folks like to get together not just to smoke, but to smoke and do something. I can see a future where cannabis-themed dinner parties, bowling leagues, softball teams (with really slow pitches), drum circles (OK, those are already happening), etc., are all the rage. Cannabis makes things just a little more fun.