A woman in Luleå, Sweden, has been denied the right to change her first name to Marijuana. The Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket, rejected her application, citing the name’s clear association with cannabis as potentially offensive to the public.
In Sweden, it is possible to change your first name by applying to Skatteverket. However, there are regulations governing what names are acceptable. Names must not be inappropriate, offensive, or cause discomfort for the individual. In this case, the authorities deemed the name Marijuana unsuitable due to its strong connection to cannabis, a controlled substance.
Skatteverket argued that such a name could evoke associations with illegal activities or be perceived as offensive by some members of the public.
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