WHERE TO HEAD — FOR POTHEADS W
HILE it’s still to be made official by the Constitutional Court, the law has effectively loosened up on marijuana smokers in South Africa, making them free to cultivate and use the herb in the privacy of their homes.
For those weed enthusiasts with an affection for wandering, we take a look at where the grass might be greener still. In other words, Amsterdam aside, what are the best spots for the travelling toker and where else in the world can you safely get your stoner on?
DISCLAIMER: It’s not strictly legal in all the places mentioned and some laws vary according to your age, the amount in your possession and whether you’re partaking in a public or private place. Always familiarise yourself with the laws relevant to where you’re going and use common sense. 1. Machu Picchu, Peru Peru is widely regarded as having the most lenient drug-possession laws in South America. It’s legal to have up to 8g of cannabis for personal use, as long as you don’t have any other drugs and aren’t selling it. While some report that the police lack clear guidelines and may persecute users anyway, perhaps the peak of any marijuanasmoker’s list should be this country’s top tourist attraction, Machu Picchu. The 15thcentury Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains is one of the world’s most cherished manmade wonders — and we doubt there exists a better place in the world to get a bit higher than high. 2. San Francisco et al Since its legendary ’60s hippie heyday, the City by the Bay has been known as a haven for weed smokers.
In this case it gets a special mention for the recent news that it’s about to open the “world’s first cannabis gym” later this year. According to its website at powerplantgym.com, the Power Plant Gym is a place where “members will be allowed to consume cannabis before or after working out”. The gym’s claim is that the plant can actually reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance.
“What is really special about Power Plant Fitness,” it adds, “is that we are more than a gym, we are a full-blown health and wellness centre, focused on full body integrative health, wellness and fitness.”
Marijuana use is also legal in Colorado and Oregon — to purchase, though the actual smoking must be done in private.
Both states are known for their incredibly scenic landscapes and vibrant cities, and with the legal situation being as it is, both have many privately owned campgrounds where visitors are free to light up. 3. Nimbin, Australia Marijuana possession remains illegal in