How Times Have Changed Since 4/20, 1988
Coincidentally, on 4/20 we were searching our archives when we came across a story in the June 1988 issue of Latitude 38, where founder and publisher Richard Spindler explained the dope trade as it existed then. Times have changed, but big cartels still run much of the ‘business.’ Though pot is now legal in California and many other states, the USCG is a federal agency, and while aboard your boat you do come under their jurisdiction. Keep it in mind.
Explaining the photo above in June 1988:
“Most law-abiding citizens aren’t familiar with the way the dope trade works. With the help of the accompanying photo, we’ll explain it.
“See the big freighter heading in the Golden Gate? It’s full of pot from Thailand, hash from Panama or cocaine from Colombia. See the tug towing the barge out the Gate? It’s full of money, headed for the dope distributors in Thailand, Panama or Colombia.
“See the little sailboat sailing toward the Gate? Three years ago, while the young nephew of the owner was aboard, the last half-inch of a roach slipped out of his pocket and fell behind the seat cushion. In about 10 minutes, the Coast Guard will arrive to conduct a safety inspection. During the inspection, they’ll find that old roach the owner never knew about. Under “zero tolerance,” they’ll seize the boat so it can be auctioned off.
“It just goes to prove how harmful dope is — some people don t even have to smoke it for their brain function to be impaired.”
One of countless reasons for California to secede from the Union. Viva Ecotopia!