Weed World Cup

What weed would you recommend for World Cup fans?

—Fee Fah

The World Cup is a thrilling international event, so I would suggest strains related to the particular countries in each match. For instance, in Algeria vs. Russia, you could try a nice Mediterranean-style hashish or kief, alongside some sort of Russian ruderalis-derived plant like Lowryder. When Ghana plays Portugal, go for one of those old-school African landrace strains like Malawi Gold or Durban Poison (yes, I know Ghana isn’t anywhere near Malawi or South Africa. Work with me on this). When the Netherlands has a match, smoke some Dutch Treat or maybe some Amnesia Haze, which is a supertasty strain from the legendary Dutch grower Soma Seeds. When USA plays, you have a veritable cornucopia of options, including Trainwreck, Chemdawg and Willie Nelson. The possibilities are endless. It will be great when cannabis is legal all over the world and we can have a Weed World Cup to go with the futbol World Cup.

Is weed still winning? Can we get an update?

—Willie Wonder

Yes weed can! Marijuana is once again doing well all over the world: Jamaica is set to decriminalize cannabis this year. People will be allowed to possess small amounts and smoke in private locations. Infractions will result in a fine or community service. Hell yes.

New York is set to become the 23rd state to allow the use of medical marijuana. The law is still strict and can be canceled by the governor at any time, but it is a step in the right direction. Woot, woot.

Oregon activists have gathered more than 100,000 signatures to place a recreational legalization measure on the 2014 ballot. The Oregon American Civil Liberties Union has given support to the campaign, and if the measure passes, Oregonians will be allowed to possess up to 8 ounces and grow four plants. Aw yeah.

California is still treading water. There is a bill working its way through the Legislature. We will see what happens. Come on, Cali. Get it together.

Hillary Clinton, who many expect to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for president in 2016, expressed support for medical marijuana in a recent interview on CNN, saying, “I think we need to be very clear about the benefits of marijuana use for medicinal purposes. I don’t think we’ve done enough research yet, although I think for people who are in extreme medical conditions and who have anecdotal evidence that it works, there should be availability under appropriate circumstances.” Clinton also said she was adopting a “wait and see” attitude on recreational use.

Speaking of Colorado, tax revenues are up, and murder rates are down. Coincidence? You be the judge. Weed wins.