Whether you call it weed, pot, ganga, or cannabis, Marijuana is used by many around the world. Walking the streets of San Francisco you smell it on the air, visiting a coffee shop in Amsterdam there’s a variety of choices on the menu, and in many hostels, guest houses and buses throughout South America a lot of people are relaxing with a pipe or a joint.

In the backpacking world the presence of weed is something ingrained in the culture. Those smoking usually do so in a quiet corner, relaxed and happy with their life at that moment, and those that aren’t interested leave them be. I don’t know many backpackers who will say no to a toke if offered, it’s not only a nice opportunity to relax but to also a chance start a conversation with the strangers you’re spending the evening with.

Being on the road and surrounded by marijuana so often, I started to wonder why it’s so illegal. A naturally grown plant that is legal in some countries but not in others, legal in some states but not in others of the same country (I’m looking at you Colorado, USA). A plant that is widely used for medical purposes such as easing the suffering of cancer patients, curing chronic seizures in small children with epilepsy and neurological disorders, and curing people with glaucoma is so controversial around the world that governments and law makers don’t know whether to endorse it or ban it.

The more I started to look, the more intrigued and bewildered I became. There is a huge amount of medical evidence proving this plant is life-changing for many who suffer a variety of illnesses, but aren’t able to be treated because it’s illegal in the state or country they live in. There are many professional, hardworking people who chose to smoke on a regular basis that will confirm the healing properties of this naturally occurring plant. These people aren’t stoners, in fact far from it, usually they are just regular people who enjoy the effects of a plant they need to find through secretive means.

Sourcing weed around the world it seems is done in a similar fashion everywhere. Backpackers may be lucky enough to find someone selling near a hostel, or another guest who is happy to share. If not pushers need to be sought out. It can be a dangerous way to find something that is tolerated in many places and considered a savior in others.

So why am I writing a post about this? Why am I writing about marijuana on a travel blog? Because public perception is enormous, and usually what you think you know is not the complete truth. For me it’s an interesting topic. Having traveled so far and seen so much, my eyes have been opened, my naivety squelched and my knowledge expanded.The existence of weed is ever present no matter where you are in the world. You can close your eyes to it if you like, you can smoke a little if you get the chance (and you probably will), but it will be an ever-present existence especially if you’re backpacking abroad.