Visitors to the 2018 Home Garden Flower Show in Fryeburg learn about CBD oils from a vendor. (MARGARET MCKENZIE PHOTO)

Societal resistance to marijuana legalization has crumbled across the US. Cannabis! How times have changed. Once the province of tokers, back-alleys, and street hustlers gone mainstream. Fmr. Speaker of the House John Boehner is an industry lobbyist. Even domestic maven Martha Stewart has joined the fray.

For many cancer patients and others who suffer from a variety of maladies, medical marijuana is the only thing that mitigates pain and suffering.

CBD oil is the new wonder drug in the pain management fight. Touted as a cure-all for chronic pain the CBD industry has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. Fancy designer boutiques offering a myriad of products are springing up everywhere. Despite skepticism from the healthcare professionals the CBD industry continues to boom. Viva Las Vegas!

Undoubtedly as one of the nation’s most popular vacation spots. Legalization of marijuana added strong economy with stores opening on and off “The Strip.” Gamble, watch a show and shop your favorite pot sundries with convenience.

With no expectations, I set out to find some CBD lotion for an arthritic aunt. I landed at “Planet Thirteen,” dubbed the “cannabis superstore.” I entered a slick and gleaming edifice replete with a state of the art sound system pumping out a droning techno beat. Well-heeled suited men and women and more casually dressed counterparts milled around sparkling glass displays cases. Astute sales reps patiently explained the pros and cons of a staggering array of products. Pot-infused beverages, candy, cakes, and coffees, etc. A sales rep told me construction had started on a dining area in anticipation of Nevada changing its laws. To serve pot-infused meals.

The experience was edifying and changed some of my preconceived notions about the industry.