An Estonian town called Kanepi is a major state of irony by adapting the cannabis leaf on their municipality flag. The south-eastern town derives its name from the Estonian word for marijuana, "kanep". Now one would think, smoking pot would be allowed here but no it is illegal. The municipality has adopted the flag based on an internet poll. Kanepi's municipality was formed just last year consisting of three districts and many of the details like the flag its design and logo had to be mapped out.

In order to choose the design, they asked the people themselves to suggest options. Various artists submitted their ideas and out of the 23 applications, 7 were selected and put up on a poll. The cannabis leaf was so popular that it received 12,000 votes when the population of Kanepi is just 5,000. It did create a controversy but now the council has ratified people's suggestion. So cannabis leaf is officially on the flag of Kanepi. The chairman of the town council, Kaido Koiv, said the decision was the result of a "very democratic" process, according to Reuters report.

Talking about the symbol, Kanepi's mayor Andrus Seeme was quoted, "Today, the cannabis leaf is seen primarily as a recreational drug, but in fact, hemp-type cannabis has been used in practical ways for years and it has hundreds of uses." That is true, the residents here have been traditionally growing marijuana and hemp and making goods out of it. The fibers of hemp are used for making rope, so it is quiet a normal thing to find it growing in people's gardens. In fact, historically hemp butter, oil and other old-fashioned local foodstuffs are being made here. What is ironic though the possession of marijuana! Strange right? The administration has it on their official flag but one cannot smoke up.

 

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2018 11:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).