Hoppa till innehåll
Comedian Kathryn has undergone a cultural journey from cannabis-friendly Colorado to Sweden’s strict drug policy. In a candid interview, she shares her experiences and reflections on the vast differences between countries’ views and legality of cannabis. Through her comical insights and personal stories, Kathryn challenges stereotypes and advocates for change, with a vision of a more inclusive and progressive approach to cannabis in Sweden.
Moving from the cannabis-friendly confines of Colorado to the strict regulations of Sweden was a jolt for comedian Kathryn. In a candid interview, she shared her experiences navigating the stark cultural differences between the two countries, particularly concerning the perception and legality of cannabis.
Hailing from Colorado, Kathryn witnessed firsthand the transformation of her home state into a recreational cannabis haven. ”Yep. Exactly. We were the second state to recreationally legalise in the US” she reminisced. ”I have been not just studying the process of how that legalisation was possible, but experienced it growing up and watching cultural shifts and changes in Colorado as well.”
However, the transition to Sweden revealed a stark contrast. ”One major defining difference is how culturally unacceptable marijuana is in Sweden,” Kathryn noted. ”In Colorado, it was still considered something that would get you a slap on the wrist. But here I’ve seen that you couldn’t even talk about it at a party.”
As a comedian, Kathryn integrates her observations on cannabis culture into her stand-up routines, often highlighting the hypocrisy and stigma surrounding drug use.
She has also participated and created a sketch on SVT where she is shocked by Sweden’s cannabis laws and asks why Swedes would rather get drunk than smoke a joint. She asks when Sweden might consider legalizing cannabis and also visits a hemp farm in Skåne.
Reflecting on her initial perception of Sweden’s liberalism, Kathryn shared her shock upon realizing the severity of the country’s drug laws. ”Before I moved to Sweden, I was actually living in California, another weed mecca,” she recounted. ”I stayed up all night researching the laws and understanding how hardcore it is in Sweden, before I moved here.”
Kathryn’s concerns extend beyond personal liberties; she’s deeply troubled by Sweden’s approach to drug policy and its ramifications. ”We have a massive problem with gang crime and we are also the highest per capita country for overdose death,” she says ”We’re so uncaring towards our citizens and towards their safety and their health in Sweden.”
Drawing comparisons with other states in the US, Kathryn highlighted the varying degrees of acceptance and regulation of cannabis across different regions. ”In Colorado, weed is absolutely a part of everyday life,” she observed. ”However, the regulations make it a very private thing. You can’t consume marijuana in public.”
Kathryn’s comedic insights shed light on the complexities of cannabis culture and drug policy, prompting discussions on societal norms and governmental regulations. As she continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for reform, Kathryn remains hopeful for a more progressive approach to cannabis in Sweden.
Dreaming of Cannabis Reform: Kathryn’s Vision for Sweden
Kathryn’s dream vision for cannabis legalization in Sweden encompasses both personal anecdotes and a comprehensive reform strategy. Reflecting on her family’s Thanksgiving dinner tradition in Colorado post-legalization, Kathryn recalled the transition from clandestine consumption to open celebration. ”It was so fun,” she reminisced, highlighting the rapid normalization of cannabis in everyday life.
”I remember the year that we legalized in Colorado. We had a Thanksgiving dinner with the entire family. My mom’s side of the family. It’s huge. My mom has four brothers. Everybody has kids, everybody came, and I will never forget my uncle saying, ’So should we, uh, smoke a doobie before we do dinner? Weed was unspoken about our entire lives, but we all had been smoking the entire time, so that when we legalized, we were like, ’Oh, Thanksgiving dinner. Yeah, let’s go smoke a blunt, you know?’ So we, my aunts, uncles, my mom were out there smoking with me.”
”I was like, ’OK, I guess this is our new reality.’ And it was so fun. It really, really was, but also, hilarious, that everyone has been like, ’Oh, no, I don’t smoke weed,’ and then all of a sudden it’s legal and, boom, everyone is fine.”
”I just wanted to add that because it’s funny, because I think it would be similar here, too. If it was all of a sudden legal, maybe it wouldn’t be quite that fast, but I think it would be similar, all the people would kind of come out of the closet together because it’d be safe.”
Central to Kathryn’s vision is medicalization. Drawing from her personal struggles with mental health, she emphasizes the importance of cannabis as a therapeutic tool. ”I want to speak to a doctor about how this plant can help me cope with some of the worst anxiety battles and sleep battles,” she explained. Prioritizing medical access ensures that individuals like Kathryn can receive the support they need.
In her ideal scenario, recreational cannabis use in Sweden would mirror the private consumption model of Colorado. Kathryn envisions a system where users register and order products online, with deliveries discreetly checked at the door. ”I want people to feel like it’s their own private decision,” she emphasized. By maintaining privacy and safety measures, Kathryn aims to integrate cannabis seamlessly into Swedish society.
However, Kathryn recognizes the challenges of navigating Sweden’s conservative drug policies. She expressed frustration at the disconnect between medical advancements and legal restrictions. ”How are these two worlds existing in the same place?” she questioned, highlighting the ethical quandaries surrounding cannabis use.
To address these issues, Kathryn plans to collaborate on a documentary exploring cannabis culture in Sweden. Through candid interviews and public interactions, she hopes to spark dialogue and challenge misconceptions. ”I want us to be able to talk about it,” she asserted, emphasizing the documentary’s role in fostering community engagement and awareness.
Kathryn’s initiative reflects a growing sentiment among Swedes advocating for cannabis reform. Partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations, she aims to create a platform for discussion and action. By sharing personal stories and amplifying diverse voices, Kathryn hopes to pave the way for a more inclusive and progressive approach to cannabis in Sweden.
As Kathryn’s journey unfolds, her vision for cannabis legalization continues to inspire and empower. With determination and resilience, she remains committed to reshaping Sweden’s cannabis landscape, one conversation at a time.
