The editor hogging all the joints at the wedding.For this, our last issue of the millennium, Cannabis Culture celebrates the reaffirmation of love and life within our community. Our publisher Marc Emery was wedded to Kelly Nichol on August 26, in a ceremony near their home on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast.

I first smoked pot when I was 17 years old, a few years after the above photo was taken. The kid in the photo vaguely considered pot as 'bad', but hadn't given the issue much thought. When I was offered the opportunity to try a joint I leapt at the chance, but was disappointed when nothing seemed to happen. On the third try I actually got high, loved it, and started down the road that has led me to this editorial.

Marijuana is the most powerful medicinal plant in the world. She is the Queen of Herbs, first among the healing plants. The war against marijuana is the nexus point of the war against all herbs and natural medicines.

What's so special about cannabis? What is it about this plant that arouses such passion and ire? Why is it some people want to punish and abuse those who grow this plant, while others are willing to risk great odds and harsh sanctions so they can use and enjoy it?

This issue we bring you some stories on the Cannabis Cup, which is the largest cultural cannabis event in the world. My review of the Cup appears later on, and despite my reservations on how the event is presented and run, I am always inspired by the chance to meet so many of my peers from other parts of the globe.