D:
Can you remember exactly when you learned what weed was? It took a minute for me to get there but remember D.A.R.E.? That program that was there to stop us all from using drugs and prevent violence? Welp, so much for that, huh? Just kidding, but I do believe that’s when I was introduced to weed. A lot of those drugs they tried to keep us from, understandably so, but now more than ever I question why weed is even in that category. Like most things that have been presented to us there was this image that was created of what weed would make you look like. People typically referred to cannabis users as stoners and potheads and and the portrayal of the user had a grungy, lackluster appearance. Now that I’m older, I know that there is nothing wrong with either one I just always accepted that those made up images. They carried a negative connotation but honestly, it’s not all bad. As with everything in life, there are some people who do not practice safely. Driving is not a bad thing because accidents can happen. Maybe we can say the stoners and potheads have an expertise that we were too scared to learn or understand. Where’s the in between? Is there space for the person who may take an occasional puff or the person who dibble dabbles on the weekends? What about the person who doesn’t like to drink but they just need a little something to ease their mind? It’s growing with the times and there is room for everybody at this table. It’s a conversation that we have always had to hide from family, the workplace and in public spaces but here we are. Not only is it important to know that you have people who understand you but also important to know that you have a space to explore all possibilities. When was the first time you remember learning about weed?
To Keep Kids off Drugs
Just B:
I remember sitting in class and listening to law enforcement speak to us. Seeing the commercials run and even sporting the D.A.R.E. t-shirt (black with red lettering) on multiple occasions. I never felt as though I was in some particularly harmful situation. I remember thinking that there was a line. Often times crack seemed to be the drug that they spoke off. The people who I knew of that smoked weed were always continuing to strive for more and be better in life. I think about how sad this is because even with these movements and thought processes, we were on a different track or agenda. There was no focus on a healthcare aspect whether mental or physical. I remember weed being ever present while growing up. The beaded curtain, roach clips, gatherings, and the best music. I even tried puffin on a dead roach (my smokers understand) but nothing happened. My relatives always taught me that smoking was bad.
Fast Forward:
Around nine-in-ten Americans favor some form of marijuana legalization, according to an April 2021 Pew Research Center survey. An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (91%) say either that marijuana should be legal for medical andrecreational use (60%) or that it should be legal for medical use only (31%). Just 8% say the drug should not be legal in any form.
**Use responsibly**