One Week Back in the USA: 5 Stoner Adventures in LA

One week back in the USA after 10 years of living in Europe — and it’s a lot to take in. From a chaotic 12.5-hour flight dosed on 75mg of gummies to hitting the Chill Steel Bong with Watermelon Skittles flower while catching up with family, Fordee’s LA homecoming is a crash course in reverse culture shock, munchie priorities, and stoner survival skills.

One Week Back in the USA: The Stoner Homecoming

After a decade in Spain, coming back to Los Angeles is both familiar and strange. The first order of business: hit the Chill Steel Bong with some Sluggers Watermelon Skittles — 28% THC, smooth, and a flavor that absolutely lives up to its name. The cotton candy glitter Chill Bong is the perfect travel piece — steel construction means it survived the suitcase journey without a scratch, only the glass bowl needed protection.

The week was packed: family time with the sister, niece, and nephew, In-N-Out pilgrimages, a Danish village detour, and a casino trip with mom. Being one week back in the USA is a reminder of both what you missed and what you’ve grown past.

5 Stoner Adventures from One Week Back in the USA

1. The 12.5-Hour Flight from Hell — 75mg of gummies before takeoff. The neighbor elbowing into your space, a guy behind you playing footsie with your seatback, and a baby’s older brother melting down — all experienced in high-def stoned clarity. The choice: say something aggressive or ride it out. Being too stoned to argue turned out to be a feature, not a bug. Level Airlines food? Genuinely horrible. The gummies made it edible.
2. Immigration After 10 Years — No stamps in the passport (renewed it in Europe), slightly nerve-racking computer pause at the immigration window, and then… nothing. Bags not checked, waved right through. After 10 years away, back on American soil in under 5 minutes.
3. In-N-Out Burger Disappointment (and Redemption) — A decade of hyping up In-N-Out to European friends, and the first bite after landing was… salty. Too salty. The taste buds had adapted to European food. Fortunately, after two more visits and a simple “light salt on the patty” request, the burger redeemed itself completely. Classic In-N-Out: fresh, never frozen, no frills, exactly right.