As candidates across B.C. gear up for voting day, and with the legalization of cannabis a done deal, local government politicians will face the unique quandary of whether to raise a glass or pass to the left after ballots are tallied on Oct. 20.
Coast Reporter asked some local experts to provide their thoughts on how cannabis culture could compete with bubbly or beer on municipal election night.
“In a celebratory situation I would definitely recommend the sativa,” said Sechelt-based retailer and budtender Keir MacPherson when asked which strain he would suggest for winning politicians. Instead of indica, which he said is often used for anxiety, sativa is “a bit more of an uplifting experience, much like champagne versus brandy.”
As for the method of ingestion, edibles such as a confection platter or else flavoured cannabis oil in the extract form for vaping were his top choices.
Doug Sikora, a Gibsons storeowner, recommended going organic with a sampling of hot teas, such as an infused peach-mango-strawberry-orange-mint flavour. “It’s not like a medicinal feeling – it just makes you feel good for three hours,” Sikora said. “You could have a tea bar with the other bar,” he said, adding that the tea is mellow. He did note, however, that it would be better to speak with individuals to provide personal recommendations.
And while winners will be few, losers will be many. For them, MacPherson recommended a THC-infused bath soak, which could help the unelected “relax, let it all out, take a deep breath.” It contains both THC and CBD, and provides “a bit of a psychotropic effect as well, so it will help you take your mind off things and relax you at the same time.”
For the many outgoing politicians, MacPherson said the traditional hooka could replace a drink shared between mayor and council to celebrate the end of term. “You’ve got a lot of different tubes for the people, but yet it’s a communal experience. Just like you would share a bottle of wine, you can share a toke all from the same source,” he said.
MacPherson anticipates a “sea change” as people growing up closer to legalization enter the political arena and opt for cannabis over alcohol as the celebratory drug of choice.
Kalawna Biggs, a business owner in Roberts Creek who has applied for a licence, said she expects some elected officials to partake in celebration on Oct. 20, noting that people still have to go to designated smoking areas to inhale and driving high is illegal. “It’s pretty much the same as you were before, but you won’t be arrested,” she said before adding, “B.C. has already been lit up for years but that’s not really going to change too much.”
Biggs also said she would like to see more than just municipal politicians normalize the practice. “I’d love to see the prime minister light up a joint. We shall see. I’m sure he wouldn’t inhale.”
