High Places (2b)

A friend with weed is a friend indeed.

TL;DR. Top 10 Smoke spots in and around downtown Toronto.
TH;CR. 10 Smoke spots around Toronto.


Smoke Spots Toronto!
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. A convergence of cultures, beliefs and traditions. Arguably one of the most weed-friendly cities in the world despite marijuana prohibition. But please remember, possession of marijuana without a proper federally issued medical marijuana license is illegal and may be punishable to whatever the law dictates. Furthermore smoking on public property is also illegal. For more information please visit http://www.marijuanalaws.ca/legal-laws.html. The best way in dealing with authority is to avoid them, be discrete. Don't flaunt your weed, nobody cares if you have a pound, a gram or an ounce, it's like comparing dick size. It doesn't matter, it just has to work. If you are confronted, there is only one sound, time-proven advice I can give you. That is: Don't be an asshole. Police enforce the law, they do not make the law. Do not start your bullshit on how the law is unfair and bring up all the arguments you've read over the Internet. I believe your arguments are completely valid, but so is the law. The most power tool you have is common sense. That being said, I've compiled a list of top 10 smoke spots in Toronto for your entertainment.

10. Club District - University Ave and Richmond St. W, University Ave and Adelaide St. W
This part of the city is tame in the day time and utterly wild at night. The street is filled with an assortment of bars and clubs. I would strongly advise against smoking-up during the day time in the area, save it for night time enjoyment. Most clubs tend to turn a blind eye on marijuana cigarettes as long as you're smoking outside or on the patio. This does not mean you are free to blatantly smoke on the sidewalk in front of the police.

9. Kensington Market - Block Southwest of College Ave. and Spadina Ave
Kensington Market is famous for its Rastafarian culture. It is considered one of the older neighborhoods in Toronto. Hot Box Cafe lies in this block of town. It is a Cafe that allows for the consumption of marijuana and have live comedy shows on every week. Kensington Market is a hot weed hangout during the summer months but cools down a in the winter months. There are a few head shops in the area to provide you with tools of the trade not to mention the awesome jerk chicken readily available.


8. St. George St. and College St.
On any given warm sunny day you will walk past fellow tree lovers scurrying to and from class. There is an assortment of fast food joints along College St to either direction. The area is generally patrolled by University of Toronto Campus Police. The best time for a commuting communal session is during the day when the street is packed with professionals and students alike. If I was to speculate, I'd point my fingers at the engineers, they tend to occupy U of T southside.


7. Queens Park
The start of all civil unrest begins in Queens Park. As long the space isn't being used for protests, marches or other events, it's good to go. The park is a nice tid-bit of nature in the middle of a city. Large trees scatter across the park providing shade and shelter. Benches line the side of bike lanes and walk paths. For a little more privacy one can always find an isolated bench next to a tree or a picnic table. I've seen people light up in broad day light and couples toking out of pipes at night. Nothing speaks louder than smoking-up in front of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. In the name of free speech of course.


6. Yonge-Dundas Square
Our warring neighbors to the south believe that Yonge-Dundas Square is our Canadian attempt at Times Square. I see the resemblance, there are undeniable similarities but plenty of Canadian originalities. Imagine smoking-up next to a military transport helicopter, flanked by a Humvee armed with grenade launchers and over-shadowed by a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV). To top if all off we get to hold a sniper rifle.  The irony is strong in this one. You will need to wait for the launch of the next Modern Warfare to experience this again. The point is, crazy awesomeness goes down in the Square. These range from entertainment debuts, festivals to random flash mobs. Chairs and tables are provided, security is a constant presence but lax in terms of weed but there is an interval-ed police patrol. Our men and women in blue love Chipotle Mexican Grill, so do their high brothers and sisters.

5. University of Toronto: Robarts Library (Northwest Corner)
There is a Bixi Bike stand just to the south for a quick get-away, one of the best Pizza joints (Cora's) in Toronto to the west, and the pinnacle or academic achievements right before your eyes, the library itself. The building uses only the East-facing entrance and exits. The west is an empty field lined with trees and a short cut paved diagonally across the property. During business hours the sidewalks are bustling with student traffic and in the off hours it's a jogger/dog-walker haven. Smoking-up here, one gets a nice view of student traffic and sometimes an offer or two from stressed students wishing for a toke of relief. Sharing is caring. For the quick and dirty there are hot dog stands, Chinese food trucks and a best-bang-for-your-buck Poutine truck anchored along St.George.

4. Ryerson University: Library Balcony
No-smoking signs are plastered across the walls of the balcony, yet there is no other reason to be up there other than to smoke... or blaze. There are 3 entrances to the balcony, the concrete stairway outside, and two double doors. One by the library, the other leads to a noisy study area. This is the perfect place for a casual joint to ease you into a study mood, before a creative writing piece, or after a long harsh exam. The closest run in I've had was with campus security, they walked by and we hid the still lit joint in our palms. They glanced around, smirked and continued on their merry way. A friendly smile and nod goes a long way. It pays off to not be an asshole. The environment is very friendly and open, any stranger approaching you is looking for a lighter. Unless you're blazing, in which case, they're probably looking to join. Don't be awkward, offer before they ask.

3. Ryerson University: The Quad
There is only one rule to the Quad. Do not smoke by the early childhood education (ECE) playground. There are four corners, one is taken by an ECE playground the other three are open for our purposes. The Quad is more or less a Stoner haven, the vehicle size entrances offer shelter during rain and potted plants offer cover for discreteness. The Quad is decorated with vegetation and concrete shaped seats. It is the perfect place to blaze within and outside. The vibe is similar to that of the library, if approached by a stranger he wishes to borrow your lighter, otherwise he wants a toke. There are times that the Quad will be unable to facilitate a session, such as during convocation or other high publicity events.


2. Center Island
It is a mission in itself to get to Center Island. Ferries are available at the Queens Quay for a few bucks. The island is a beautiful place perfect for a Stoner date. Wide open spaces, scenic view of Toronto, a get-a-away outside yet within the city.


1. Woodbine Beach
Nothing beats the breach. Get a nice tan while blazing up with friends, splash a bit in the water, a game or two of high beach volleyball. Picnic tables are available for a group picnic and open spaces to spread the smell of your ganja. Easily accessible bike lanes and Bixi Bike stands, a long boardwalk taking you along the waterfront. A beautiful place to lounge and enjoy a well rolled joint.