^ i too delight in pulling out a nice reefer at the right time in appreciative company.
i really enjoy the social side of marijuana, but i feel a bit sorry for friends who can't have a toke in company without getting the fear.
i know what it's like- i got that reaction when i was younger, but i've become pretty relaxed about smoking and being stoned in public.
it's gotten to the point that i think we ought to be more open about it, to say "yes i'm smoking a joint, and no i don't care that it's illegal because i'm not hurting anyone or doing anything wrong."
maybe if more of us politely and respectfully did this (in appropriate contexts) we'd demystify some of the misunderstandings people have about cannabis. anything that gets the attention of the authorities is obviously counterproductive, but if you're having a picnic in the park, or you're listening to an outdoor concert or you're meeting some friends for lunch, why not?
when i'm at an event or something and i get a whiff of someone else's joint, it makes me feel at home. and not because i smoke all day in my house; i don't do that so much any more. it's just like "hey - my kinda people"
i think if you like a smoke, you should be proud of it. not necessarily flaunt it, but not hide or do it in the toilet like it's shameful.
fuck that! smoking a joint is about as criminal an act as drinking a can of beer, we got nothing to be ashamed of.