To get through the 2024 elections, take an edible

Whether you’re engrossed in surveys or dodging the next dismal ad, remember to listen to your body, focus on your breathing, and take regular breaks. And when none of this works, consider eating something edible.

One of the few bright spots this election season has seen is that both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have become more liberal on marijuana policy. How CauseJacob Sallum indicated in the November issue, “The Democratic Party made history this year by nominating a presidential candidate who supports marijuana legalization. And when (Harris) chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate, she doubled down on that distinction.”

Like Harris, Trump previously opposed the legalization of marijuana, but is now changing. In August he announced support for legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida and even declared that he favors changing restrictions on marijuana under federal law (though he does not support ending federal marijuana prohibition).

The public is certainly ready to pave the way for legalization. According to Gallup70 percent of the country now believes cannabis should be legal. As of April this year 24 states voted to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes – and tomorrow voters will decide on marijuana policies in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Florida (where the ballot measure is supported by Trump and against murderous Republican Governor Ron DeSantis).

Even in states where weed killers have draconian laws, finding something to take the edge off has become surprisingly easy. Take my home state of Texas. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (unfortunately not up for removal until 2026) made this his main mission continue to put people in jail for eating the devil’s lettuce – and he largely succeeded. Texas ranks died last at the Cato Institute Freedom in 50 states Cannabis freedom index. However, gummies and oils containing unregulated Delta-8, a hemp-derived compound that is chemically similar to THC and has similar effects, can be easily and legally purchased at most liquor stores, smoke shops, and even gas stations. throughout the state. . (The lawsuit was filed after the Texas Department of State Health Services attempted to ban Delta-based products in 2021. made it through to the State Supreme Court and they could still rule against these products and $8 billion economic impact they bring to the state.)

Meanwhile, in my current home in Georgia (which ranks 48th for cannabis freedom), I can buy a pack of Delta-8 gummies, which have been on sale for months, for a fraction of what I paid when I lived in Washington, D.C., where marijuana should be sold. be completely legal, but confusing rules and regulations keep costs annoyingly high.

Whether you’re feeling existential dread about the outcome of this election or just hoping we’ll at least know the result before the end of the week, there’s no doubt that cannabis can be a welcome stress reliever. Grabbing an edible may give you a reprieve from the endless news cycle and even make you less interested in responding to that keyboard warrior trying to provoke you into yet another pointless online argument. If you can answer at all.

Alcohol or cigarettes both more dangerous users. And unlike other coping vices, the effects of THC gum last a few hours at most—long enough to lull you to sleep while you wait to find out who Eagles fans elected as their next president.

Of course, if you’re getting into the edibles business, there are a few things to keep in mind. Patience is key. The effects take a little longer to appear than smoking or vaping—often up to an hour or more. If you are a beginner, start with an edible dose of 5-10 mg. A little can go a long way, and a small dose can help you ride the waves of election chaos without making you feel like you’re in a time loop watching the same ad campaign over and over again.

For those paying attention, it’s not just cannabis that’s at stake in the upcoming election, but broader drug policy as well. As research into psychedelics gains momentum and movements to decriminalize other substances begin to gain momentum, we appear to be moving toward a more enlightened approach to this set of personal freedoms. At least this is a victory for freedom.

Bonus tip: take the gum about 30 minutes before turning on. Round table on reasons‘s Live broadcast on the eve of the elections tonight. You’ll thank me later.