A couple of interesting tidbits come our way today from France, where it turns out that kids are drifting away from wine and getting into cannabis as a form of rebellion. "Cannabis consumption among the 18–35 year olds has more than tripled since the early 1990s," and now France has landed a position in the top five European countries who smoke up a lot.
"Young people who want to rebel don't want the 'old-fashioned' image associated with wine and alcohol," Mr. Costes said. "Unlike in the U.K., binge-drinking is very uncommon — the French steer clear of hangovers or feeling ill.
"Our studies show that they are turning to cannabis because its effects reinforce their state of mind without fundamentally altering it. They don't want to get wasted."
Yes, why only recently, I myself remarked to a chum as he passed me a magnificent spliff, "Thanks, Henri, I was really hoping to reinforce my state of mind," only to have my chum respond, "Luckily for you, this jumbo doobie won't fundamentally alter it!" To which, of course, the only possible reply was, "Well, you know, Henri, I don't want to get
wasted."
At any rate, the real kicker in this news report, and a true cause for celebration, is that although France trails several other European countries when it comes to pot use, there's one area where they are kicking everyone's asses:
His findings also appeared to shatter the stereotype of the French leading a stress-free life with short working hours and plenty of holiday, as he pointed out that the French lead the world in the consumption of tranquillizers.
Congratulations, France! On behalf of all of us here at DoseNation, we'd like to give you this honorary first prize ribbon. I know you only take tranquilizers because they reinforce your need to pass out and escape this brutal world, without (of course) altering it, but it's still something you can truly be proud of.
