Puff the Magic Climber

[Left] An anonymous climber atop a desert spire during the first ascent. Marijuana smoking and climbing have long enjoyed a familiarity, but although much research has been done on marijuana and other sports, little has been focused on its effects on climbing. [Rigth] A climber rolls a joint, Joints— hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes— are a time-honored means of inhaling the drug. Other methods include pipes, bongs, and the vaporizer, a device that superheats the active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), creating a smooth, strong high. [Photo] Jost von Allmen