As everyone knows Canada is the first country in the world to sell marijuana to certified medical marijuana patients. Nonviolent drug offenders in that country are normally not given lengthy sentences by the court. There is a clear move towards marijuana decriminalization or even full legalization. Way back in 2002 Canada’s Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs did a comprehensive study on cannabis and concluded that the drug ought to be legalized. “Scientific evidence overwhelmingly indicates that marijuana is substantially less harmful than alcohol, and should be treated not as a criminal issue, but as a social and public health issue,” said Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, Chair of the Special Committee. Unfortunately, America is putting pressure on Canada not to pass harm minimization laws. This is despite the fact that our northern neighbor seriously monitors and evaluates the reforms that it has taken.

US Drug policy is much more influential south of the border. Drugs are seized on the way to the US in expensive interdiction campaigns. US demand is responsible for the influx of drugs but the failure of the authorities to contain this problem seems to lie on the shoulders of Mexico. On October 14, 2008 a bill was proposed in Mexico City’s Congress to legalize the consumption, possession and commerce of Marijuana. The bill states that only a person over 18 can have access to the drug, the places where marijuana is sold cannot also sell alcoholic drinks, and must be at least 1000 meters away from schools. The Government would issue special licenses for the distribution of marijuana in special places, similar to the legislation in the Netherlands. The Bill has yet to pass.

The US government’s influence on the decision-making of our neighbors is evident. However, it is satisfactory to note that a counter-current now exists and we will soon positive changes in the horizon.

King Louie is an Indica strain which looks a beautiful flower. Having a strong lemony pine OG odor, the buds look like they have been spiked upward. The bud is a healthy shade of green, which looks paled out because of the abundance of trichomes, with orange brown hairs that cluster at the top portion of the bud, very interesting looking bud. The effects seem to melt into your body, putting you in a haze. It has somewhat a stupefying effect to it, one can feel it in the nose and brow. The smoke was smooth, with a mild taste. This strain can be used to promote sleep, appetite, and will ease glaucoma. Man I feel really happy.

Wailers’ Haze is a potent sativa which feels like you are being stoned.  It smells like a pine/skunk/haze mix with juicy and fresh smelling buds. Wailers’ Haze is light greenish with some dark green leafs, with cantaloupe and orange hairs. The buds trichomes are hard to see with the naked eye, also the bud is with that lovely haze density and skinny attribute. After a bong toke, which was not too harsh, I felt the heavy sativa stone from this strain, feeling my eyebrows become dense and heavy, with a full head stone. I would suggest to medicate yourself with this strain at night, because it is a good sleeping aid.

Tangerine kush is a sativa dominant hybrid. The bud has a potent medicine and tangerine peal smell with a spicy undertone. Very dense dark green nugs with light orange and tangerine hairs, with a good amount of trichomes and calyxes. It has a citrus and pine taste with a fruity aftertaste. The high is clear headed and makes you feel very loose and light. Patients who would benefit from this are those who suffer anxiety, depression, body aches, and minor head aches.

Afghani pot of gold is a mellow indica with Skunk #1, Hindu Kush, and Afghani heritage. The bud is light green with small amounts of dark leafs. The hairs on it are yellow with a light amber accent just covered in trichomes. It smells incredibly musky with a combination of cheese and hash, tasted strong leaving a resin like taste in my throat. The effect is mainly felt around the head, it puts you in a light headed relaxing zone that isn’t couch locking. Patients who would benefit the most from this are those who suffer headaches, migraines, and sleep related disorders.

Afgoo is a heavy indica-dominant strain with a lovely sweet, piney scent. The bud has pale orange/amber hairs and the trichomes glisten making any bud connoisseur’s mouth water. The smoke is harsh, in a good way, and quite the cougher. It’s also a lung expander so it wouldn’t be a good choice for beginners. The effect is definitely a heavy-stone number but not a couch-locker. Anyone who’s looking for a good night’s rest, or any patient who loves trying different strains, should pick up Afgoo.

When one mentions purples, Purple Ice should be among the top strains that come to mind. It’s a gorgeous looking purple bud with orange hairs and hints of green in the flower. The smell was of rich, sweet purples and the taste was very pleasant (close to the smell of the herb). Once grinded, one can notice the bright violet hue even more. It’s a great sight to see and even better in a bong bowl. The smoke was very smooth and mild, but the effects were the opposite. It’s a sativa dominant strain so you definitely acquire the heady high. While the cerebral stone kicks in, you feel a slight touch of indica throughout your body. This would have to be one of my favorite purple strains because it’s a great all-around smoke that’s perfect for day, afternoon and night - a sativa with a heavy stone. It doesn’t couch-lock and doesn’t get you tired. This particular strain would be highly beneficial for patients who suffer from headaches, stress and insomnia.

Tangerine Diesel is a energetic, intense sativa strain. It has a juicy exterior, with light green tone with darkgreen leaves, with orange hairs. The citrus, tangerine diesel scent along with the look of the bud makes one very hungry for tangerines. Its smoke was quite smooth, along with a sour tangerine taste. The effect made my mind very active, and creative thinking was the result. The medication had a smooth, calming come down. This strain would benefit those patients who need a ” perk me up” which will not slow you down.

Grape Ape is a sativa dominant strain that almost looked too good to smoke, with a faded purple that can be found inside and out the bud, with dark and light green hues with thick amber hairs. Having a heavy fruity grape smell, and thick/dense buds, making you satisfyed with it’s superficial appearance. The smoke was moderately harsh, but tasted like purple cool-aid, or grape bubblegum. The effect will be felt mostly in the forehead, with cleared vision, followed by a light stoney effect to the body. This strain can aid those with glaucoma, sleep deprivation, or minor body ache relief.