In the heart of Paris, with the air still fresh with rain and the sun breaking through the clouds, I sit outside with my pot of coffee and my notepad at Les Deux Magots, the mythical literary café on the Left Bank. It was once a popular haunt among artists, intellectuals, and writers such as Simone de Beauvoir and Hemingway. Spannabis is one of Europe’s largest cannabis conferences. I spent a week at Barcelona to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference. As cannabis is still illegal in France, as a law-abiding and respectful tourist I had to part with all my Spanish hashy presents and accessories before arriving. Enjoying the pastries of Paris, watching the people and seeing the light show on the Eiffel Tower are all worth it.
While watching the world pass by, I ponder my Catalonian adventure of the previous week. The intersection between travel, freedom and culture is something that has always fascinated me. On my podcast, “Planted With Sara Payan,” I cannot help but remember my interview with Rick Steves. The beloved PBS travel expert. He has inspired many generations to travel beyond their comfort zone.
Rick Steves, not only a travel specialist, is also an advocate of cannabis legalization. This cause ties in with his philosophy on freedom and harm-reduction. Rick Steves has used his position as a member of NORML’s national Board of Directors, and for several years its Chair to advocate for sensible cannabis policies and normalization. Steves’ work is a great reminder that in a world where the divides are growing, we need to think about how to approach issues like drug policy, democracy, travel and even personal liberty.
Steves’ pragmatic approach to harm-reduction is one of the most striking things about his advocacy for cannabis reform. He stressed that it was important to get away from old-fashioned moralistic ideas about drugs in order to focus on more practical and evidence-based approaches which put public safety and health first. Steves believes that a society that adopts “pragmatic damage reduction” is the best way to address not only cannabis, but also all other substance issues. Steves explained that it’s “not about legislating morality.” It’s not about legislating morality, Steves said. It is obvious that legalization will be the way to go. “We’ve seen how it works in many countries and it is time that America catches up.”
Steves believes that criminalizing cannabis users is an issue of social justice. The War on Drugs has affected marginalized populations disproportionately and led to mass imprisonment. The black market is the direct result of marijuana prohibition, he stated. The legal marijuana market generates tax revenues that help fund public safety and schools, rather than making money for the organized crime.
Steves’s stance is compelling because he views it as an issue of freedom. He stressed in our discussion how the struggle to protect civil liberties is linked with cannabis legalization. He started by saying, ”I want to preface our conversation, Sara, by reminding people I’m not pro-marijuana; I’m pro-civil liberties. I believe marijuana should be controlled like alcohol. It’s also a matter of civil liberties for an adult to smoke marijuana. I am a taxpayer, churchgoer, hardworking American, who raises kids, and is now raising grandchildren. It’s not a crime to smoke weed and gaze at a fireplace for 3 hours after putting in countless hours of work. Am I allowed to drive my car while under the influence? No. You can’t. It’s wrong and dangerous. As a matter-of-principle, enjoying marijuana as an act of civil liberties is the reason I’m involved.”
Legalization is the way to go. “We’ve seen legalization work in countries all over the world.
Now it’s the time for America to catch-up.”Rick Steves
Steves has been a proponent of drug policy change for many years. He is aware that cannabis prohibition can be used as a tool to suppress and control groups. He said it plainly: “It is racist.” “The way marijuana laws have been enforced in this country has been used as a tool for social control—that has to change.” “Good People Smoke Pot,” said he. There’s nothing wrong with good people smoking marijuana responsibly. We need to stop criminalizing adults who choose marijuana responsibly.
Reflecting on his words while I sip coffee and gaze beyond my petite café table, it’s clear how travel influenced Steves’ personal freedom perspective. Rick Steves, a world citizen and global citizen has dedicated much of his adult life to learning about other cultures. His experiences gave him the unique ability to analyze American drug policy, and advocate change. According to him, traveling allows us to better appreciate the human condition as well as the value of freedom.
Steves explained, “High is like a destination, sometimes I’d love to travel there. It’s my kind of traveling.” Steves said, “I became an advocate because my government had to have a valid reason for telling me I couldn’t travel anywhere, be it Cuba, Iran, Palestine or even getting high on pot. It’s possible that there could be a valid reason. However, if it isn’t, then I believe my duty as a US citizen to raise my voice, protest and declare this injustice. I have the right to be there. Get out of my path. I am an adult and I can go anywhere I like as long as it does not harm anyone else. “I took the ban on marijuana very seriously because I love to travel, and it gives me joy from both a social as well as a creative perspective.”
Cannabis legalization doesn’t only affect Americans. Steves noted that more and more countries are adopting progressive policies on drugs, which have a profound impact on the societies of these nations. Cannabis is legalized, taxed and regulated at the federal level in Canada. This generates significant revenues while also decreasing the harmful effects of the illegal market. Germany has a medical program in place and more recently, federally legalized cannabis with fewer restrictions, which allows individuals to consume the drug without being arrested.
Steves is a world traveler who has been around for decades. He has experienced first-hand the different ways that countries treat cannabis. In Portugal and The Netherlands, cannabis has been decriminalized. Its results are impressive: Fewer arrests and better public health measures. Steves believes that these experiences have led the US to focus on regulation and not criminalization. It is clear that Steves believes in the potential of the cannabis reform movement. He inspires hope and a positive approach to the entire nation.
Steves stated that “Cannabis has a cultural aspect, but also an economic component.” Legalization has led to economic growth and job creation in countries that adopted it. Crime rates have also decreased. The issue is more complex than marijuana. It’s important to create policies based on reality, and not outdated myths or moral panic.
Steves, however, is realistic and cautious. Steves says that he knows it is not enough just to legalize marijuana; sound regulations are also needed to protect the public’s health. It’s for this reason that he supports a framework which treats marijuana like alcohol, regulated and taxed. He said that it is important to not just legalize marijuana, but also create a safe and fair system.
Steves distinguishes himself as a cannabis reform advocate by his ability to make the connection between travel, freedom of choice and policy changes. Steves gained an understanding of the cultural impact and importance of respecting the choices of others through his travels. Steves’ unique perspective is a valuable asset to the cannabis movement. It allows him to understand how other societies view drug policies and advocate for an open-minded approach that respects cannabis users.
Steves’ approach to traveling is similar to his drug policy reform approach: open-minded and thoughtful, driven by the desire to learn. As he encourages people to travel and embrace different cultures and viewpoints, Steves urges marijuana activists to expand their knowledge of the topic and to work towards policies that will benefit society as a whole. The emphasis placed on understanding other cultures and perspectives fosters an openness to new ideas and a greater sense of tolerance, which are key components in the struggle for cannabis reform.
In the US, as we get closer to 2025 the future of reforming cannabis remains unclear. Steves said he’s been optimistic for a long time about legalizing cannabis. He said that despite the fact that we’ve made great strides, “we can’t sit back and relax.” We must remain vigilant in the fight to legalize cannabis. As I watch media reporting that is more “reefer-madness” than informed commentary, I often reflect on it. This is a sign of the return to prohibition, or clickbait designed to attract uninformed people.
Steves, despite these obstacles, continues to see the political scene as an important moment for cannabis activists to have their voices heard. The current administration has not yet made a clear position on the cannabis issue, so reform advocates need to remain committed in their efforts. Steves stresses that it’s not just about marijuana, but also about broader principles such as democracy and individual liberty.
He said, “We cannot afford to be complacent.” The fight for personal freedom is not yet over. We must keep advocating policies that promote harm reduction and values like individual liberty. Vote if you’re concerned about personal freedom and cannabis reform. It’s not just about cannabis, it’s also about what kind of a country we would like to live in. “It’s all about freedom, democracy and our right to choose.”
Rick Steves believes cannabis reform remains achievable, even though the road ahead is more challenging. While I’m sitting here in Paris, immersed in history and culture I cannot help but remember Steves’ words. Cannabis reform is a sign of the changing world. Cannabis legalization is similar to how travel expands our worldview. It opens new doors for public health, freedom and social justice. Steves’ travels inspire openness, curiosity, and compassion. We should approach this issue in the same way. Rick Steves and other leaders who are committed to cannabis reform will continue the fight, even if political dynamics change.