Today is National Weed Day (4/20) which is why I am writing about Marijuana, plastic pollution and beach trash in Mission Beach. Just so you know, I am not a Pot Hater, I am a litter and plastic pollution hater. I voted yes on Prop 64 in California and now I am sorry I did. I don’t smoke pot now, but I would rather smoke pot for an illness than to take any of drugs. Over the years, I have occasionally found pot. Pipes and bongs usually show up after a big storm. There were a few surfers that would toke on the beach before surfing.
Technically speaking since smoking is not allowed on the beach, it is illegal to smoke pot on the beach. Like most of the beach rules, ie. drinking, glass and unleashed dogs they are ignored. I do not know about vaping, as their are no signs.
What I have notices is the preponderance of plastic marijuana containers left behind. Add those to the broken plastic containers about the same amount in parking lots, that is a of plastic pollution. Since Jan 1, 2017, I have collected over 60 pot containers, seen at least as many smashed containers, found 1 hash pipe, 3 ‘full’ containers of marijuana. What is more disturbing is that like liquor.. once the party is started, the trash builds up. You find broken glass, food wrappers, clothing etc..
Is this a norm? Or are students coming to Belmont Park to smoke? Smoking Pot on College Campuses is banned. Federal Law supercedes Prop 64. Schools will not get financial aid from the government if they allow smoking pot on campus.
I find it ironic that marijuana is touted as a more natural solution to aches, pains and illnesses. Yet it comes encased in plastic one of the most polluting substances in the world.
There are other solutions in pot packaging: Hemp containers, recyclable metal containers, refillable containers and maybe a refund free, similar to glass and plastic. Not plastic.
The California Marijuana Market
- $3.7 billion Marijuana Market by the end 2018. That number will increase to over $5 billion in 2019. (BDS Analytics)
- $5 Billion in Beer Sales in 2017
- $9.7 billion in seven states where marijuana is legal.
- $54 including tax is the average price. A 15% increase is expected as California will be applied new recreational use taxes.
- $1.4 billion from taxes on recreational marijuana purchases California will make in 2021 (BDS Anaytics.
Whether you smoke pot or not.. just pick up after yourself and if need be pick up after your other partiers.