High Times for a Tiny Intruder: The Tale of the “Stoner Mouse”
Rodents and other “creepy crawlies” are a constant nuisance for farmers, often nibbling away at produce and spreading potential diseases. However, in a cannabis field in New Brunswick, Canada, a surprising and amusing scenario unfolded involving a small intruder. Where cannabis is legal, a mouse was discovered amidst the plants, lying on its back, apparently “stoned” and passed out.
Discovery of a “Stoned” Mouse Among Cannabis Leaves
Colin Sullivan, the farmer, noticed a mouse stealing leaves from his cannabis plants for two consecutive days. Photos captured the tiny rodent enjoying its personal harvest before succumbing to the effects of the potent leaves. The mouse was found sprawled on its leaf heap, completely knocked out. Sullivan decided to capture the mouse and place it in a cage to “detox” until it returned to its usual self. After six days, the mouse was released back into the wild, seemingly recovered.
Sullivan shared the amusing incident on Facebook, writing, “For two days in a row I’ve caught this little pothead taking leaves off my plant and eating them until he passes out. He’s missing an ear, so it may be self-medication for his PTSD, but I still think it’s time for an intervention. I’ll let him sleep this one off, but when he wakes up, he’s getting a real stern talking to.”
The Rehabilitation Journey
Sullivan updated his followers a few days later with news about the mouse’s progress. “It’s been a rough couple of days for our little baked buddy. Despite a belly ache and a wicked bad case of the munchies, I think he’ll make a full recovery. He’s been weaned to one medium leaf per day and seems to be adjusting well. One day at a time, my friend, one day at a time.”
Three days later, the mouse was released from its makeshift “rehab.” Sullivan shared the uplifting news with numerous puns: “On the Rodent to Redemption. After a long and desperate battle with addiction, this little mouse has grinded up his struggle, picked out the seeds and stems, and is ready to roll out. Weed all benefit from joining together to help the smoke clear in any addict’s life. He did his very cannibest and was awarded his first Twelve Step chip. I may have been the one to open his cage, but he was the one who set himself free. So long, my friend, till we meet again.”
The “Stoner Mouse” Goes Viral
The initial post garnered over 461,000 shares, and the final update received over 6,400 shares and 1,500 comments filled with laughter and jokes. Comments ranged from Cody Myshrall’s “I’m happy to hear about his recovery” to Rhyll O’Keefe’s humorous take, imagining the mouse saying, “That was some trip, man… don’t know where I was… but I ended up in jail.” Wendy Chaplin added, “Withdrawal is hard! Thanks for caring for the little stoner!”
Sullivan, who is no stranger to substance detox himself, posted a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Robyn Sullivan, between updates on the mouse saga. He credited her with saving his life and helping him stay sober, a message that resonated deeply with his followers, many of whom congratulated him on his sobriety.
Cannabis Laws in New Brunswick
Cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018, with each province and territory taking different approaches. In New Brunswick, individuals must be 19 to consume cannabis, which can only be sold by licensed retailers. A person can possess up to 30 grams at a time, and consumption in public or while in a vehicle is prohibited. Landlords can restrict tenants from smoking or growing cannabis, although they cannot prohibit it if tobacco smoking is allowed.
The New Brunswick government emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with cannabis use to make informed decisions. Their approach aims to build a culture that is safe, legal, responsible, and limited to adults while taking advantage of the economic opportunities presented by this new industry.
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