'HOLY SMOKE LOVES THIS COMMUNITY'

To the editor:

I have a few comments that I would like to make regarding the recent
bust at the Holy Smoke.

We have always believed that cannabis smokers in the community and
visitors to this city should be given the dignity they deserve.
Whether or not you believe it or not cannabis smokers are represented
in every economic, class, race and religious strata of our community.
These fine people give Nelson the vibrant colour that attracts people
from around the world. People visiting want to share in that beauty
and Holy Smoke adds to that attraction. We offer a sacred space in
which an adult over 19 years of age may consume their own sacrament.
This eliminates downtown core, street level consumption...a sign of
respect for the others who may not like the fragrance of cannabis
smoke. A smell that we happen to love!

Holy Smoke has never shied away from the public, we believe that our
transparency goes against the archetypes of a criminal
organization...which seeks to hide itself as a protective mechanism.

Holy Smoke loves this community and has always striven to be an active
part of it. We have donated money, time, merchandise and sometimes
even our beards to support the efforts of others in this city! We
aren't bikers, involved in organized crime or drug pushers...we are
regular hardworking folk who love to smoke cannabis.

This city can attribute some of its success to the fact that cannabis
has contributed in a significant way to its economy. At least that's
what our last MP said.

We have been using the analogy of the iceberg lately and it seems a
fitting one.

Holy Smoke is the part of the iceberg that sticks out of the water.
But below the water is a huge population that supports us in so many
ways. We want to thank all of the people who have supported us in any
way they can. Your love, kindness, advice, concern, humour, and
belief in the sacred herb has nourished our souls for the ongoing
change in consciousness. Let's sink some ships! These ships being
misconceptions and propaganda. We hope to be in this community for
years to come!

Dustin Cantwell

Co-owner

Holy Smoke Culture Shop