As a UK native, my journey to Toronto was a cultural shock in many ways.
But nothing prepared me for the new, exciting and liberating experience of Canadian cannabis culture, especially in Toronto.
Growing up in the streets of South London, cannabis is predominantly smoked in discretion, used for recreational purposes with friends or for personal use but heavily stigmatized by society as it is seen as a forbidden drug. The fear of getting caught, the harsh penalties and the negative publicity associated with its use, made me shy away from it. But when I arrived in Toronto, I was taken aback by how normalized and accepted it was.
One of the first things that struck me was the sheer number of dispensaries in the city.
From the bustling streets of Queen West to the trendy neighborhoods of Kensington Market, dispensaries were a common sight. I was intimidated at first, but as I stepped into one, I was greeted by friendly staff who were more than happy to educate me on the various products and strains available. The store was bright, airy and smelled amazing. I was struck by how different this experience was compared to the dark and shady alleyways I had associated with buying weed in the UK.
As I began to explore the Canadian cannabis culture in Toronto, I was fascinated by the vast array of products available – from dried flowers to edibles, oils, tinctures, and even topicals. The amount of knowledge and passion the staff had for the products was inspiring, and I found myself learning so much about the different strains and their effects.
What struck me the most was how openly people in Toronto talked about their cannabis use. It was no longer a taboo or something to be ashamed of. People of all ages, professions, and backgrounds proudly admitted to using cannabis for various reasons, from recreational use to managing medical conditions. The stigma I had grown up with in the UK was non-existent here.
The legal status of cannabis has also had a positive impact on the economy and society in Toronto.
Dispensaries have created jobs, taxes generated from sales have gone towards community projects and the criminal element that was once associated with the sale and distribution of cannabis has been eliminated.
My personal experience with cannabis in Toronto has been life-changing. I have used it to manage my anxiety and as a natural sleep aid. I no longer have to worry about the fear of getting caught or the harsh penalties associated with its use. Instead, I can safely and legally purchase a product that has improved my quality of life.
In conclusion, my journey to Toronto has been a journey of discovery and liberation. The Canadian cannabis culture in Toronto has shown me the benefits of legalization and has opened my eyes to a world where cannabis is no longer stigmatized but rather accepted and embraced. I am grateful to be a part of this new, exciting and ever-evolving culture in Toronto.
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