Ahh, yes. Marijuana. Pot. Reefer. Cannabis. Ganja. A misunderstood natural drug that has been with humanity ever since we first came about, no matter what you believe in. Whether our origins come from monkeys, a big bang, a celestial being with self-grooming issues or space aliens, one thing’s for sure: marijuana will make us think about all of it, all at once and with uncontrollable giggles.

It is not my intention do get scientific with this entry in particular, but it is important to note for both the people in the audience and those of you playing from home just exactly what marijuana is. As it is with most things that people fear due to lack of understanding, I find it prudent to lay down the facts on what we’ve stumbled upon here. Now, on to my personal lord and savior, Wikipedia:

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or ganja (from Hindi: गांजा gānjā), is a psychoactive product of the plant Cannabis sativa. The herbal form of the drug consists of dried mature flowers and subtending leaves of pistillate (”female”) plants. The resinous form, known as hashish, consists primarily of glandular trichomes collected from the same plant material.

The major biologically active chemical compound in cannabis is Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), commonly referred to as THC.

Humans have been consuming cannabis since prehistory, although in the 20th century there was a rise in its use for recreational, religious or spiritual, and medicinal purposes. It is estimated that about four percent of the world’s adult population use cannabis annually and 0.6 percent daily. The possession, use, or sale of psychoactive cannabis products became illegal in most parts of the world in the early 20th century. Since then, some countries have intensified the enforcement of cannabis prohibition while others have reduced the priority of enforcement. […]

[…] Cannabis has psychoactive and physiological effects when consumed, usually by smoking or ingestion. The minimum amount of THC required to have a perceptible psychoactive effect is about 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight (which, in practical terms, is a varying amount, dependent upon potency). A related compound, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabivarin, also known as THCV, is produced in appreciable amounts by certain drug strains. This cannabinoid has been described in the popular literature as having shorter-acting, flashier effects than THC, but recent studies suggest that it may actually inhibit the effects of THC. Relatively high levels of THCV are common in African dagga (marijuana), and in hashish from the northwest Himalayas.

It is important to note that even though cannabis has been related to certain health risks, it is virtually impossible to overdose on the stuff. Now, the question is: why is it outlawed? The argument has been dragged on by hippies for decades. If alcohol can end up killing yourself and others, why is that not outlawed? If you look at how things went in the Prohibition Era in the United States, and the way tobacco (which induces CANCER) is being handled, it’s easy to see why the Powers-That-Be would throw a fit over something like Marijuana. Wait. What?

In Panama, getting pot is not ridiculously difficult, but it does take some legwork. From what american friends have told me, though, getting reefer in good ol’ 507 is infinitely easier that in the United States, where from the way it sounds is just an insanely paranoid affair. The fear of being busted and having a sense of trust is, as you would expect, inherent in the heart of every pot dealer in the isthmus but one you’re on their good side, it’s all Kool and the Gang. There have been instances where, if you’re lucky, you can even get it delivered to your home or workplace! It’s like I’m living in a scene from Half Baked.

Sometimes there are droughts, usually preceded by news reports on how the cops confiscated thousands of kilos of Marijuana coming in from South America, but most of the time, there’s pot for you every time. We have our own strand of homebrew ganja in the form of Panama Red, which is (from what I hear) good for a relaxing evening of fragging online with Halo 3. There are hundreds upon hundreds of different types of pot available in Panama so check your local dealer for details; sadly, I’m not a reeferologist to tell you which way to go, sport. My advice is one that can be applied to mostly anything related to Panama in a societal manner: Panama is a small country. If you don’t know or can’t get something. Look away to two or three degrees of separation and you’ll find someone who can help you out. This rings true for everything from drugs to car parts to spots for surfing and getting the best deal for your electronic appliance.

April 20th then, as you might be wondering, is also celebrated in Panama but, as you might expect, behind closed doors. Of course, since Panama is as beautiful inside as she is outside, there is always an “Earth Day” party of some degree that’s 420 friendly. From a society standpoint, the stigma of Marijuana is still there but as generations come and go the taboo of this natural drug is dwindling; personally, my Libertarian vein wonders if this ban is even necessary. Look at how Holland is doing! But, I’ll try my best to not take sides on this one. Touchy subject and all that.

Personally, I’d rather you smoke pot 100 times more than snort cocaine, another drug that’s ridiculously easy to get here. I think the nose candy is trash, but some coast towns around Coclé sell the dope as a means to survive; every other month a shipment full of coke tries to get into Panama but is intercepted by the Coast Guard. The ship’s crew, fearing incarceration, is instructed to dump the loads of packets onto the sea, where they eventually wash ashore to these fishermen towns full of nice, humble folk that need to get by, just like you and me. as a result, you get shoddy, wooden hoses with HD TV’s, satellite television and power generators. There is a town I’ve been to where a) even the kids sell dope and b) the only business open in the entire town is a bar.

In the end, if you’re going to smoke ze reefer, make sure you get it with someone that either your pot-smoking friends know or that you trust. Rolling papers are available in your local mini-super/chinito store, and of course there’s Indika Store in the Obarrio area of Panama City, which has all sorts of paraphernalia for your smoking activities. You can also check out the backpackers and Kuna indians that set up impromptu “shops” of handicrafts along Via Veneto, by the Veneto hotel; they sell beautiful pipes and bongs at affordable prices. Get some pot, smoke it and go out with your buddies; have you ever seen Panama? Well, have you ever seen Panama… on weed?

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