Controversy Over Colorado Hash Hike

Users on Reddit got together over the past month to plan a “hash hike” designed to combine their love of the great outdoors with their love for cannabis. The hike was planned for either the end of August or September (details were kept intentionally vague since it was to be a private event). The controversy came when Reddit followers of cannabis and outdoor recreation clashed, leading to heated online comments.

The hike was planned for Mount Bierstadt, which is known to be one of the easiest 14-foot mountains to climb in Colorado. There’s even a video entitled “My First Frontier” encouraging parents and beginners to give this hike a try. Plans for imbibing cannabis on the hike were also kept vague; the overall tone just made it clear that use would be encouraged and not discouraged.

The trouble started when some Reddit users who are outdoor recreation enthusiasts and not cannabis enthusiasts got wind of the hike. They began adding their own comments to the news feed, such as “Oh, it’s one thing to put yourself at risk while hiking, but this is a near admission that these folks plan on driving back to town under the influence.” or “To me it’s about affecting the experience of those around you. I don’t care if you smoke, but I don’t, and I hate the idea of breathing in anything other than air.” (westword.com) 

While it is understandable that some hikers would be dubious of what they perceived as a “stoner hike,” the hikers made no claim that they planned to imbibe while driving or walking, and they also might have been planning on using edibles or vapor, so as not to disturb other hikers. Additionally, hikers have been known to enjoy a cold beer at the top of mountains; this just appears to be a case of those unfamiliar with cannabis being wary of a new concept. And since some medicate to counteract pain, it seems only fair they should be able to medicate while hiking if this allows them to get out and exercise without being too uncomfortable.  

Clearly, the event either took place or became more covert due to the online response, but either way, there have been no news reports of anything bad happening due to the so called “hash hike.” We can only hope that as acceptance of cannabis increases, events like this will become less likely targets for dispute.