On Wednesday at 7.30AM, Mason Tvert, co-director of the campaign to legalise marijuana in Colorado, was speaking at a press conference held just before the state’s first ever legal recreational pot sale. “The media keeps describing what’s starting today as an experiment,” he explained, “when the real experiment was actually marijuana prohibition, an experiment that failed terribly, just like the so-called ‘great experiment‘ known as alcohol prohibition.”

Mason’s comparison served as the theme of Tuesday night’s New Year’s Eve cannabis industry fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Hemp Association. It was a high-class affair that featured elaborately costumed flappers and bootleggers, plus oversized newspaper clippings from the day back in 1933 when Denver’s taverns finally re-opened to the public. One anti-prohibition Denver Post editorial of that era called on status-quo lawmakers to “turn over a new leaf”.

Just before midnight struck, I caught up with Susan Squibb, newly hired as the Post’s first-ever marijuana advice columnist. In pot terms, Squibb has paid her dues. Previously author of the “Ask Lady Cannabis” column in a local weed-culture newspaper, Squibb actually first started dispensing marijuana advice during a six-year run selling hemp ice-cream sandwiches from an officially licensed stand inside Red Rock’s Amphitheater in Golden, Colorado.

Dear Lady Cannabis,  My question is inspired by a recent Denver Drug Policy Alliance conference panel, is the joint obsolete? Policy Geek

Dear Policy Geek, No, the joint is not obsolete. In the cannabis culture, several practical aspects of the joint make it enduring. For one, older cannabis consumers smoke joints because joints were the most common way of consumption. There were few ways to consume cannabis for some period of time. Second, joints are very portable. Roll a few joints and take them along with you. Third, joints can mimic cigarette smoking. In places with unnecessary prohibition, joints have been smoked in a similar fashion as cigarettes in public places. Lastly, joints are very disposable, when burned down to a small roach. Unlike, pipes or other smoking accessories, joints are lightweight and easy to conceal. Joints are great on the go for recreational fun.

In terms of consumption, smoking joints is one of the harshest ways to ingest cannabis.With the growing awareness and acceptance of medical use cannabis, the cannabis market has adjusted. Patients want the health benefits and the best way to get them is to reduce the harm associated with smoking. Smokeless alternatives are available at cannabis centers and use has increased drastically. Four years ago in Colorado, majority center sales were buds or flowers. Today, nearly half total purchases are edibles and portable smokeless vaporizers.

Nevertheless, the joint is a classic. Even immaculate hostess Martha Stewart has professed that she is a good joint roller. Continuously giggling in response to the question, Martha Stewart stated in an interview, “Of course, I know how to roll a joint, not that I ever do. We used to roll cigarettes, it’s the same thing”.

Dear Lady Cannabis, My regular optometrist is an older, established doctor. I get my medical marijuana recommendation from a different doctor. My regular doctor knows I use medical marijuana, but we’ve never had a conversation about it. How do I talk to him? Glaucoma Gordon

Dear Glaucoma Gordon, It is good you are informed and empowered. It must feel isolating to not have full support or understanding from your doctor when you have reliably and safely experienced the benefits from medical cannabis for years. To renew this discussion with your doctor, find the best way to introduce new information to him in a manner that respects his authority as a doctor. Find information sources that will speak to the doctor in his professional language, peer reviewed studies and articles in medical journals on glaucoma research and treatment. A week or so before your appointment notify his nurse and send the article. Mention you’re sharing a study related to your treatment and would like to sometime during your upcoming appointment to discuss the topic. This approach gives him a chance to read, respond and be prepared for a discussion and the topic won’t catch him off guard. Both you and your optometrist share a mutual concern for your health. Explain how you benefit from medical cannabis and tell him your patient experience. Write back with an update, please.

Dear Lady Cannabis, How do you make sense of the Pres. of A Basin taking ski passes away from boarders smoking? It’s part of ski culture, WTF! Boarding Brad

Dear Boarding Brad, Al Henchworth, COO of Arapahoe Basin ski resort, laid down the law on his October 19 blog; Al’s Blog and sparked a huge controversy among skiers. Al pulled a few patrons’ passes because they were publicly smoking cannabis. They are being used as an example to remind patrons it is illegal to smoke in public. The fury of response has helped shape the public conversation of what is reasonable and appropriate for cannabis use on the slopes. Many people voiced outrage over the harsh penalty.

Many people noted the hypocrisy of alcohol being so accepted with open consumptionnot only in the lodges but in the lift lines at A Basin. Many people were happy with the crackdown because not everyone wants to be around the smoke.

Cannabis smoking is part of ski culture. Instead of laying down the law and threateningto call the cops on this issue, as Al originally stated, A Basin needs to take a cue from Seattle Police earlier this year and put together a funny public gimmick to educate patrons to the law. Some clever giveaway with the PR messages- Have fun, we want you to enjoy the A Basin vibe. This is a reminder; public cannabis smoking is not legal. We ask for your cooperation and definitely do not smoke around children, in the lift lines at the top of the lift or the sides of runs.  A public message will go farther.

On the next powder day, the best way to be a more appropriate cannabis user on the slopes is go into the trees, not on a kiddy run and take a discrete smoke break away from minors and nonsmokers.

Photos, shot on location in Denver at two locations; mid century modern furniture store,  Mid Mod and More and 1950’s rockabilly revival bar, Rock A Billies.  Wardrobe credits to  Phoebe Jones Vintage, Wishlist Vintage, and Boss Unlimted.    Hair makeup and wardrobe styling by Angie DeFrancis-Cox of A/K Studio and photos by Laura Leathem of Imitate Life Photography.   Acme420 and Northern Lights Natural RX MMC provided the cannabis. Special thanks to Kim Sidwell and Christianna Lewis.   Photos courtesy The Hemp Connoisseur. 

Lady Cannabis answers questions related to appropriate use around town and being a  good hostess for out of state guests. 

Dear Lady Cannabis, The headlines about the odor of marijuana being made illegal in Denver has me thinking about where to smoke marijuana when I’m around town.   I don’t want to offend, but I’m not going to quit either. I usually pause for an afternoon break and take a puff. What do I do now?  Hustlin’ Harder

Dear Hustlin’ Harder, We are living during interesting times. Voters legalized recreational cannabis use and then elected officials unsuccessfully try to make the smell illegal, thereby making cannabis illegal again.

We are at the forefront of addressing and creating what appropriate use for cannabis looks like. In the past, as an illegal activity, public cannabis use was never considered appropriate. Now with cannabis consumers coming out of their closets, so to speak, and openly smoking, we are creating the guidelines for socially appropriate use.

One appropriate rule is make sure children are not involved or nearby.  Another sensible recommendation is avoid smoking in your vehicle.

For a personal smoke break in your day, choose places that offer relative privacy.  It’s advisable to maintain a somewhat reserved awareness.  No need to hide, just be private and discrete and you’ll likely be fine.

Dear Lady Cannabis, I have lived in Colorado for several decades.  I am not a marijuana smoker myself, I was never interested in it, but I am supportive of the changes and making it legal.  I have out of state family coming to visit in January. It would be fun to offer my guests some newly legalized marijuana during their visit.  I think they would get a kick out of it! What do I do?  Sally Voter

Dear Sally Voter,  Out of state tourists are frequently in amazement at the presence and openness seen here in Colorado.  Still, not every Coloradan smokes cannabis. In offering cannabis as a novelty, for out of state and adult guests, be a knowledgeable hostess.

First create a designated activity and time.  Pick a time when everyone is in the mood to relax.  A nice group activity is visiting a nearby park on a warm afternoon during their winter visit.  Offer cannabis either before or after a park visit or nature walk. Other nice possibilities are watching a comedy or crafting a creative art project.

Your home, most likely, will be the most comfortable and private spot to share cannabis. Provide a couple options, joints and brownies are classic and easy.   The joint is very easy and familiar to most people.  Brownies are familiar and appealing to people who would rather not smoke.

Both prerolled joints and brownies are available at state licensed cannabis centers.  Cannabis centers are stocked for  connoisseur consumers, the options are numerous.  For joints, select from hybrid varieties either a classic strain or a strain with a creative and appealing name.

Joints are easy to smoke. Light it, inhale and pass it. Have a little tray nearby to catch the ashes.  Smoke and pass the joint until everyone feels satisfied.

For brownies, buy ones produced with the cannabis dosage determined by lab tests for each lot. This is important for accuracy, consistency and enjoyment of your experience.  As a general guideline, a single serving size contains 20-50 mg activated THC for a normal sized adult.

In serving cannabis infused brownies, conservative portion sizes are important.   If needed, recut the brownies in approximate 20mg pieces.  Begin with 20 mg portions and wait an hour before offering more cannabis brownies.

Cannabis infused food is not recommended for mindless snacking.  If the cannabis brownie portions are small, serve other snacks or desserts to satisfy hunger.   With some planning and preparation, your guests will enjoy their experience and have a delightful   story to share when they return home.

http://issuu.com/thcmag/docs/august_issue_2013_web

Ask Lady Cannabis

Dear Lady Cannabis, How do I join a smoking circle? Shy Smoker 

Dear Shy Smoker, Simply say “Excuse me, I have some herb I’d like to share, may I join this circle?”  Context is important.  Usually cannabis smokers are relaxed and friendly, unless they are being paranoid for security reasons.  So, assess the situation.  Are you in a public place or a private gathering?  Is everyone over 18? Do you know anyone in the group or are they all strangers?   Do you feel relatively safe and comfortable?  If yes, approach someone in the circle, start a conversation and ask to join the fun.  Have some cannabis to share, or offer something to the group that might be appreciated like cold drinks, snacks, and pleasant conversation.

Dear Lady Cannabis, How do I tell the mother at my preschool with the brain tumor that cannabis can cure her?  Caring Mother

 Dear Caring Mother, The topic demands more discretion than the usual chit chat you’ve encountered when picking up or dropping off your child. Create some time to speak with her more privately, go for coffee or drop off a nourishing dish at her home.  Prepare your thoughts for a brief conversation, and give her a resource for further information.

The You Tube video, “Evidence That Cannabis Is An Extremely Nutritional Vegetable,” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxJmFSmOrqo) is a great 13 minute summary of medical research and the legal status of marijuana.

Temper your desire to be helpful with respect for her medical privacy and your own privacy.  This is a conversation because you care about a community member, not because you need to proselytize and convert someone to be a marijuana patient.    In your conversation, tell the mother you care about her and her family. You are sharing some information about a promising treatment option that could be helpful during this difficult time.  Give her a printout of a recent overseas medical study that discusses the promise of plant compounds in medical marijuana for effective treatment of cancer.  Mention the evidence of cancer patients, in the US,   experiencing pain relief and appetite stimulation from medical marijuana. Mention the variety of ingestion methods, other than smoking, that are now available.  Reiterate you are sharing this information to be helpful because you care.   Do not promise a complete cure from the medical use of marijuana or bash other cancer treatment options she may be considering. Tell her you respect her privacy and understand this is a challenging time for her family. Give her a reassurance unless she initiates the topic, you will hold the conversation in confidence and, depending on your comfort level, ask her to do the same for you within your shared preschool community.

Dear Lady Cannabis, When you meet someone you like, how do you broach the subject of cannabis use?   Dating Toker 

 Dear Dating Toker, In the dating scene, it is important to look for partner compatibility and for you, this includes cannabis use.  One way to indirectly discuss use is to initiate the conversation as a topic of current political or medical research trends. Usually people eagerly share their opinions and additionally indicate their experience, comfort, and knowledge.  Sometimes people are tightlipped, quiet, and unwilling to engage out of fear, or a greater need for privacy.  From this conversation, you should be able to get a good idea of where they stand on the general subject and if you share similar habits and preferences.

If you are planning a date and want to include cannabis use, directly suggest enjoying cannabis as an addition to the main activity of the date. Have a safe setting in mind, allow time to enjoy and be age appropriate.  You don’t want to act like a kid, hurriedly packing a bowl, in the alleyway outside the theatre, unless this is the agreed plan and is comfortable and fun for both of you.

http://issuu.com/thcmag/docs/october2013_1

Dear Lady Cannabis, I am a CO resident and my red card is expiring towards the end of the year. Is there any benefit to renewing my red card, or should I just buy from the new marijuana retail stores starting at the beginning of next year? Medical Muggles 

Dear Medical Muggles, The adage “it is better to be safe than sorry” are words of wisdom for your situation. If you receive health benefits from cannabis, don’t be in a rush to leave the medical registry. The rules and regulations for recreational centers are being discussed and decided right now. The specific differences between the two markets will be seen after January 1.

There are several benefits to renewing your state issued medical marijuana card. One benefit is continued access to edibles and flower strains you have come to rely on in your favorite dispensaries.

Knowing the product costs and tax rates for your medical cannabis purchases is another benefit to maintaining your medical card.  In recreational centers, the product prices might be higher to capitalize on the newly legal market.  Also, the tax rate for recreational cannabis has yet to be determined which is a big point of contention, among supporters of Amendment 64.  The upcoming ballot issue AA sets the excise and tax rates for cannabis and includes a 15% excise tax and a 10% special sales tax plus local taxes.

With these important factors to be determined, the best choice is to visit your doctor and get your annual recommendation.  Be content knowing you have the right to medical marijuana and have good access to it. This is a hard won right for patients.

Dear Lady Cannabis, If you are traveling, and both places are legal pot states, what can or what should you bring with you? Traveling Toker 

Dear Traveling Toker, Although Colorado and Washington are the only two legal pot states at this time, packing cannabis safely for travel is an important skill to have for any responsible adult living within the twenty medical cannabis states. Careful packing practices will ensure successful traveling.

In terms of what to bring with you, for any length of travel trip, pack only a sensible amount of cannabis for personal use.  Pack clean paraphernalia and place separate from the cannabis.

If you are traveling by airplane, rest assured the federal Transportation Security Agency, has bigger concerns for airport safety than the cannabis they find in the carry-on luggage of travelers.  The agents are screening for bombs, not buds. If you are a medical patient in state that allows medical marijuana, place your issued card or relevant documentation with your cannabis. Keep your travel supply of cannabis simple, clean and contained. You and your supply of cannabis for personal use should have no problems on your flight.

When driving, one doesn’t have the same packing restrictions for vehicle travel as airline travel. The general rules still apply, pack a personal amount of cannabis and store clean paraphernalia in a separate place. Keep cannabis stowed away, ideally in the trunk of the vehicle.  Careful packing eliminates the plant aroma.

Responsible use means not driving and smoking cannabis. This is not appropriate and can lead to expensive legal problems, among other serious predicaments, if stopped by a police officer or state trooper and cited for intoxicated driving.  Be sensible, have your cannabis items packed. This prevents police from finding a reason or probable cause to further delay your travel plans. Be responsible, unpack and partake when you no longer need to drive for the day.   Enjoy your upcoming trip.

Dear Lady Cannabis, What do I do when an acquaintance smokes around me and I don’t like the smell?  Super Lungs

Dear Super Lungs, Second hand smoke is a sensitive subject. Fortunately, cannabis smoke is not as toxic or dangerous as second hand tobacco smoke. Any kind of smoke can be an uncomfortable irritant.  Anti-smoking tobacco laws and ordinances have been shaping and refining public spaces where cigarette smoking is acceptable since 1995. Additional public service announcements have refined our awareness to tobacco smoking in private spaces.

What is the best practice for cannabis smoke?  This depends on the environment. Ultimately, cannabis smoking needs to happen in spaces where it’s permissible to smoke.

If you are bothered by cannabis smoke, you need to talk to your acquaintance and find a reasonable solution that works for both of you. Ask yourself what are the circumstances around the smoking? What aspect of the smoking is bothering you? What is the frequency, does this happen every time you see this person or on occasion?  If the cannabis smoking is a social activity, your acquaintance is socializing in a way you don’t prefer. Suggest some nonsmoking cannabis alternatives, like a table top vaporizer, something that maintains the social aspect of the circle but won’t irritate your air space. If you don’t want to be involved with the smoke circle at all, schedule a different activity to do with your friend at a different time of the day.

The smoking may not be happening at your friend’s home, but in your home, instead. Maybe your acquaintance is a roommate who is disturbing you with smoking in your shared living space. Whatever the situation, create time to have a conversation. Discuss the specific problem and find solutions that will be comfortable and mindful for the both of you.  Remember to express  appreciation with aspects of your acquaintance you enjoy and the parts of your relationship that are working well to balance out the conversation.

http://issuu.com/thcmag/docs/september2013_condensed

Dear Lady Cannabis, Which is more effective glycerin tincture or alcohol-based tincture? I have heard that alcohol is better but it burns the underside of my tongue and is far less pleasant. Thank you ever so, Lady D

Dear Lady D, Thank you for your question. I agree the burn of alcohol tinctures can be very unpleasant.  I suggest diluting the dropper of tincture in two or three ounces of water or tea.

Alcohol tinctures are more effective than glycerin ones, up to ten times more effective. Alcohol makes stronger medicinal cannabis tinctures because it is better at breaking down the cannabinoids in the plant material than glycerin.  Glycerin tincture is primarily an alcohol free option for patients sensitive to alcohol. Denver based certified herbalist, Ms. Pendleton, suggests exploring different manufacturers or batches of alcohol tinctures because production methods vary and the taste of a different alcohol tincture might be better than the unpleasant one you’ve experienced. Even though glycerin tincture is less potent, it is more palatable and that might be the better choice for you.

Dear Lady Cannabis, I’m a Denver local and attend shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre every summer for the past 20 years. I appreciate how relatively relaxed security has been in regards to pot smoking in the venue. Pot smoking has been tolerated. This summer, as I sit at my reserved seat before a show, smoking a doobie, I was asked by security to take it out to the smoking section with the cigarette smokers. I’ve known other concertgoers have this same experience. What is going on? Didn’t we legalize it?   Show Stoner

Dear Show Stoner, Red Rocks is an enjoyable concert venue, isn’t it? I have been to the Colorado Symphony concerts this summer and each performance was memorable and delightful.  It does seem ironic to pass cannabis legalization in Colorado and now cannabis smokers are being asked to smoke outside the seating area at Red Rocks.

Security largely turns a blind eye to cannabis smoking because ticketholders who are high ultimately make their jobs easier with a laid back and more manageable crowd. This is in contrast to the rowdy and inappropriate behavior regularly exhibited by the “one too many” alcohol drinkers at the show. Cannabis is such a popular recreational choice at Red Rocks; it is simply not possible to stop everyone from smoking cannabis.

In your situation, timing might be the issue. If there is a performance happening onstage, generally, security won’t hassle you. If you are lighting up soon after the doors open and the security staff is standing around in broad daylight looking for something to do, you’ll probably be asked to move to the smoking section. As our society is shifting to cannabis being a legally recognized recreational drug, the guidelines of acceptable use will change. Smoking cannabis is still smoking and over the years, cigarette smoking has been relegated to the periphery and contained in smoking sections. We will have to see if public cannabis smoking receives the same treatment.  At your next concert at Red Rocks, as you enjoy the view from your seats before the show, you might use a portable vaporizer that won’t interfere with your neighbor’s air space or perhaps you can enjoy a classic pot brownie.

Dear Lady Cannabis, I was hanging out in a smoking circle. I borrowed a lighter to spark a bowl. I passed the lighter with the bowl and my friend said the lighter is supposed to be returned to him, the owner, immediately.  Did I commit a faux pas?   Lighter Larry 

Dear Lighter Larry, Oh dear, your friend is sour from one too many of his lighters being accidently pocketed by a stony someone in the smoking circle.  No you didn’t commit a faux pas. Since you are smoking out of a bowl, the lighter is passed with the bowl for each person to spark the bowl. If you are smoking a joint, it makes sense to promptly return the lighter to your friend. Losing lighters is a common nuisance, so look out for yourself and others and keep matches or a lighter on hand. You’ll be prepared and your friend will be more comfortable.

http://issuu.com/thcmag/docs/june_july_issue_2013web

 Ask Lady Cannabis

As you know, Gentle Reader, consuming marijuana is a safe and enjoyable way to relax and spend time with others. There is a proper way to do this and several improper ways. Lady Cannabis addresses questions regarding the etiquette of responsible adult consumption of marijuana in various social settings. What is your question for Lady Cannabis?

Dear Lady Cannabis, I have rheumatoid arthritis and asthma so I do not want to smoke cannabis. What kind of strains would you recommend I use for my ailment and in what manner do you think I should medicate? Anxious Arthritic Asthmatic

Dear Anxious, Thank you for writing. Hopefully, you live in an area of the country with safe access to lab tested medical cannabis. To start, I suggest you try cannabis from the following four categories, Sativas, Indicas, high THC varieties and high CBD varieties.

Sativa strains are known to be more energizing and Indica strains are more relaxing. High THC strains produce euphoria and high CBD varieties have more analgesic pain relieving benefits.  Observe how you feel on each different type and determine which variety you prefer.

If these options are overwhelming or not available to you, then simply find the best quality cannabis you can. Because of your health conditions, it is important to know the quality of your cannabis and insist on medical grade.

There are many ways to experience the pain relieving benefits of cannabis without smoking. I recommend edibles, application of topicals and vaporizing the flowers as healthier options for smoking. Eating sweet or savory food prepared with cannabis, is a convenient way to medicate throughout the day and can offer substantial pain relief. Salves are used in topical treatments to focus pain relief. Vaporizing cannabis has the benefits of immediate pain relief, without the health dangers associated with smoking.

Dear Lady Cannabis, I can’t reply publicly because of my job, but something I would be interested in knowing, as would others I’m sure, is how to make edibles.  Years of smoking has left me with COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and I can’t be even be in the same room as someone smoking or my lungs won’t work. Is there something special you have to do or just add it in to anything like a spice? Fearful Chef

Dear Chef, These are the basics for making a cannabis butter for cooking and baking. Weigh the cannabis you have to cook with. Double the number to determine the amount of butter you’ll use. (example: 8 ounces of cannabis  to 16 ounces, or 1 pound of butter)

Bake the cannabis in the oven for 225 degrees for 20 minutes.

Now, put the cannabis in a large cooking pot, add butter, and fill the pot with water until the plant material is fully immersed. Simmer for an hour.

Using a cheesecloth or press, squeeze all the water and butter out of the plant material and collect the liquid in canning jars. Squeeze as much butter as you can from the plant material.

Place the jars in a cool place and as they cool, the butter and water layers will separate. Lift off the butter layer and store your freshly made cannabis butter in a clean container.

As a starting point for recipes, look at the butter requirement and use half cannabis butter and half regular butter. For example, a cookie recipe calls for 1/2 cup butter. Use ¼ cup cannabis butter and ¼ cup regular butter.

Make a batch of cookies and taste and adjust the recipe accordingly. For stronger cookies, use more cannabis butter and for less potent cookies, use more regular butter.

An important safety rule, Label all homemade cannabis butter and edibles.  Safely store all cannabis butter and edibles and keep them away from all children, pets and imbeciles.

Lady Cannabis is a perfect lady.  Ms. Susan Squibb, the Cannabis Maven, on the other hand, enjoys cavorting. She is an innovative cannabis product developer and produces events including the annual Mother’s High Tea. Ms. Squibb is a graduate of University of Colorado-Boulder where she majored in anthropology. She also served as caregiver to Patient #1 on Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Registry.

Read the column below and click on the link to read the whole issue of The Hemp Connoisseur

http://issuu.com/thcmag/docs/april_may2013?mode=window

Ask Lady Cannabis

Dear Lady Cannabis, I am a mother of a 16 year old who knows that I medicate with mmj. He wants to try cannabis and calls me a hypocrite for not allowing him try it out. I’m worried that he’ll get it from his friends without my consent. How can I explain to him that he is not ready to use it, seeing as he doesn’t have a medical condition that would warrant it?  Patient Parent

Dear Patient Parent, While you use cannabis for alleviation of a medical condition, your teenage son wants your permission to experiment with cannabis in a recreational setting.  Although it is a safer recreational drug than alcohol or tobacco, recreational drug use is not appropriate for teenagers. Your son needs to understand he is still growing up and experimenting at this time is not the best choice. When he is an adult, he can make his own choices.

Talk to your son and tell him why the answer is no. In the meantime, it is important to examine and model appropriate cannabis use in the home. As a patient and a parent, how do you medicate? Are you solitary and discreet or social and open? When consuming medical cannabis, especially in a social setting in the home, be the responsible adult your son needs to see.

Dear Lady Cannabis, When you’re at a party, how do you know if it will be acceptable to spark one? Chill Dude  

Dear Chill Dude, If you are at a small gathering of adults, ask the host for a recommended place.  Tell your host about your herbal party favor and ask when is an appropriate time to have a puff.   If no clear indication is given, be discreet.  Take a small circle of interested guests, go outside to a private area and  make sure you will not be missing an organized  activity while you are gone.  At larger parties, the center of an adult crowd can be  a safe place to smoke cannabis.  If you want more privacy, go a comfortable spot along the party perimeter.