It is time to spice up the family Christmas, and I’m not talking about an extra teaspoon of nutmeg in the fruit mince pies.
 
Wouldn’t Christmas be so much more bearable if we could all just chill out and pass around a joint?
 
Think about it. For families with adult children, what could be a better way of passing the time? Preferably somewhere in between devouring the turkey, and discovering which family member fancies himself an expert on ISIS. You might not even notice that someone is playing the Michael Bublé Christmas album for the third time in a row.
 
And hey, I’m not claiming this is a ground-breaking idea. I’m sure families up and down the country (OK, West Auckland perhaps) have already cottoned on to what could be a fine tradition.
 
If even the thought of such impropriety leaves you clutching your pearls, maybe this will help loosen the grip. Attitudes towards cannabis legalisation or decriminalisation are softening around the world.
 
A recent opinion piece has highlighted the contradictions in our alcohol and drug policy. Elsewhere Ross Bell, executive director of the Drug Foundation, has argued “We're going to look back on the zero-tolerance approach, and laugh at it, in the same way [we banned] same-sex marriage, or giving women the vote.” Straight prohibition leaves little opportunity for harm minimisation and responsible drug use.
 
Besides, want to know what else is dangerous? Previous ACC claims over the Christmas period include falling off ladders while decorating the tree; tripping over wrapping paper; carving the ham; and getting electrocuted by Christmas lights.
 
A lot of these injuries were sustained sober. So costly is the period, that in previous years ACC has run campaigns to teach people how to Santa-safe their homes. That’s the spirit. Maintaining a sense of child-like wonder in a safe and responsible way.
 
No activity is risk-free, and even though there are known and avoidable dangers, we have yet to ban Christmas.
 
On the flipside, drug and health experts are acknowledging that prohibition can do more harm than good if people are not educated about safe levels of consumption.
 
Christmas is a stressful time for many. Once the presents are bought, and meal is prepared, wouldn’t it be nice for those so inclined to take hits from the bong with their dearly beloved?
 
In the meantime, at least cannabis legalisation should make for some pretty interesting dinner table conversations. Who knew Grandma had such liberal views?