The CBD and Cannabis Gold-rush

Marijuana legalization has crumbled across the US

Fmr. Speaker, John Boehner, an industry lobbyist

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.

Wakandan ​Dreams

The phenomenal success of “Black Panther” underscored the point that Hollywood must continue on a path towards all-inclusive diversity.

However, the most salient question for me as I the marveled at the technological might of mythical Wakanda. I can’t help but ponder, where would Africa be today had it been unfettered by the burden of its colonial past.

There have been missteps. Civil wars, greed, and autocratic despots have littered the landscape. However, if history has shown us anything it’s that the road to freedom, progress, and equality is never easy.

For a continent not too far removed from its colonial past, it would seem that Africa is due credit for the progress it has made. There is cause for optimism. With its stunning array of bustling metropolises, diversity, natural resources, and human capital, Africa undercuts the claim of a retrograde US President who described them as “shithole countries.”

The future can belong to Africa. However, for this bright new dawn to emerge, strong foundations must be laid. First, the rule of law must be adhered to, and the civil rights of all citizens must be respected.

Next, corruption and nepotism must be stamped out. Furthermore, governments must make a genuine attempt to meet the basic needs of their citizenry. These needs include equitable access to educational and economic opportunity. Also, improving healthcare and clean water access would help to ameliorate concerns of many. Natural resources should be harvested for the benefit of all and not the privileged or corrupt few. Finally, to avoid civil unrest, a cohesive sense of nationalism should be promoted at the expense of ethnic and religious loyalty.

Wakandan ​Dreams

By Ola George

The potential of Africa is limitless and with astute progressive leadership, perhaps then “Wakandan” dreams will become a stunning reality.