How to Identify Whether the Occasion is Right for Cannabis Use

There’s a great bit of dialogue from the Oscar-winning film Sideways that’s been on our mind ever since cannabis was made legal, and its use has become increasingly normalized here in Canada. (Finally.)

It takes place during a passionate discussion about wine between Paul Giamatti’s Miles and Virginia Madsen’s Maya. Specifically, about a very rare bottle of it that the former has been saving for a special occasion.

Their exchange goes as follows:

Maya: Seriously, the ’61 Cheval Blanc is peaking… it might be too late already. What are you waiting for?

Miles: I don’t know, a special occasion. With the right person. 

Maya: The day you open a ’61 Cheval Blanc, that’s the special occasion.

You couldn’t sum up how we feel any better than this. Just trade the ‘61 Cheval Blanc for, say, a WINK No. 1 Pre-Roll or something of that nature. That’s because we don’t think special occasions exist for, or necessarily warrant, cannabis use. Instead, we believe cannabis use itself can make any occasion special.

After all, when used responsibly, cannabis is a plant that possesses multiple health, wellness and personal benefits. Sounds pretty special to us.

That said, we’re by no means advocating for you to wantonly inhale, ingest or apply it without regard. Especially if the cannabis you prefer possesses the psychoactive properties of THC. Far from it. 

For cannabis to achieve its desired effects, and for it to truly elevate any occasion, you need to make sure that everything is ‘right’ with you and how you’re using it. Not that everything is ‘right’ with the occasion — or moment or experience or what have you — in question.

It’s not a science, but to help you be certain that’s the case, make sure the following holds true (at least the first two points, as the third may not apply to you):

You’re using cannabis whatever way you see fit

You’re using it because it may help you relax and concentrate. Because it may make certain activities more enjoyable, be it eating, having sex, listening to music, playing sports, socializing and/or watching movies. Because it may bolster your creativity. Or, maybe because you believe that cannabis has something to teach you. Or, maybe because you believe that cannabis can bolster your appreciation for nature, as well as your connection to it. Or, maybe because you and like-minded friends or companions believe that using cannabis can help amplify your bond with each other.

You’re incorporating cannabis into your daily routine without negative economic, health, legal or social consequences.

Rather, you’re using it responsibly to improve the quality of your life. Simple as that.

You’re favouring cannabis because you seek a sense of meaning, enlightenment and connection.

Remember, cannabis has a storied and quite rich history of spiritual use, and it’s perfectly acceptable to incorporate cannabis in your spiritual practice, whether for reflection, contemplation or personal growth. Make no mistake about it, when trying to make sense of difficult life situations, the relaxing effects of cannabis have the potential to help you develop a different perspective.

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This article was written by Chris Metler. 

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This article was published March 24, 2020.