English
Drug consumption remains a hot topic, whether we’re talking about governments trying to suppress that consumption or advocates of the legalisation of drug use. While some countries like the United States strive to discourage the use of drugs, and other countries try to cut production, the drug cartels continue generating millions of dollars and are often connected in some way to the governments of these same countries. The idea of legalising drugs frightens Western governments for a variety of reasons, one of which is because to do so could grant drug-producing countries like Colombia or Peru powerful economies, catapulting them into developed-country status. We should remember the opium wars of the late nineteenth century as an example of the way governments’ policies on drugs have evolved over time.
The many stories about LSD in the 60´s, the tradition of the Beat poets, The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley and Space Rock, all form part of an ongoing discourse between art culture and drug use. But as well as inspiring revelations, drugs can be blamed for stifling opportunity and action: Much has been said about the fact that an entire generation in the 60s was made too numb by LSD to create a real revolution.
On a more frivolous note, the Cannabis Cup is back this year, which is great news for all fans of high quality marijuana. This event started back in 1987, making this the 24th edition. It will be held, as always, in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, where laws regarding drug use are more flexible than in most other places. Founded by Steven Hager, the Cannabis Cup is a competition in which a selection of marijuana, taken from Amsterdam’s wealth of “coffee shops”, is judged according to colour, smell, texture and psychotropic qualities. In addition to finding the best marijuana on the market, the Cannabis Cup also includes live music and exhibitions of various products related to the consumption of cannabis, as well as organic products made with this plant. For more information about the event, visit the following website: http://cannabiscup2011.com/
Rent apartments in Amsterdam and come and enjoy this fabulous event. Amsterdam has plenty to offer. We´ll be expecting you.
Translated by: Ben Palmer
