A front-page New York Times story joins the growing pro-pot chorus. In it the gray lady comes to the conclusion that “Warnings voiced against partial legalization — of civic disorder, increased lawlessness and a drastic rise in other drug use — have proved unfounded.”
The tide clearly turned in November 2012 when both Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana for personal use, signaling a major societal shift. Those two states capped a medical marijuana trend that began with California in 1996 and now numbers 18 states.
Clearly, the “Times They Are A-Changin,” as Bob Dylan famously put it and it’s leading to a broad change in America’s point of view. Already, Denver boasts a number of $29.99 admission price, members-only smoking lounges.
In Seattle, the crowd lit up in unison at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, when legalization took effect. Fifty percent of Americans now favor legalized marijuana use. It won’t take another 15 years to reach 36 states, as the pace is certain to pick up.
At that point, the U.S. Federal government will have to cede ground on this issue. The media are really the front runners. Pot-related humor and references are running rampant. Bob Dylan was right, the times they are a-changin.
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
