Filed under: The Fact of the Matter...
Circa 1996, 1997 when Bankhead was Bankhead, the Blue Flame and Mosley Park were poppin’, Run N’ Shoot was the spot to be if you were a die hard hooper or workout junkie, and Atlanta was just beginning to make its mark in the world of music. In this city everyone knows everyone depending on your circle and I pretty much grew up with the pioneers…Lil John and his boys frequented the club I waitressed at part time and always tried to shiest me for free drinks, lol. Polow Da Don was grinding hard for peanuts just to make his name stick. Usher had made it from getting in trouble in Mrs. Dawson’s class to Star Search to his first album and ultimately millions, and we all swore up and down that Luda would be a star after listening to his freestyle sessions at Poon’s house off of Stewart Ave.
Just about everyone that’s successful in this city today was grinding at the very bottom with dreams to make it to the top.Through it all, though, there was one common denominator…weed! It ran heavy in the streets and everybody was getting a little piece of the money pie. From about 11th grade through my third year of college I somehow managed to live a functional life high as a kite and kicking it with what would now be old friends. At that time I had no discretion and ignored the fact that weed was bad for you and you’d get addicted. Honestly I did A LOT OF CRAZY SHIT around that time, lol. I really didn’t care because when I was high, I passed my tests and maintained a 3.8 grade point average during my college career. I cared for a 5 year old, held two jobs, lived on my own and paid my bills starting at age 18. If I needed to stop, I could and could go without smoking for months if I wanted. That happened when I became pregnant with my now 9 year old, and that pretty much ended my days of habitual cheefin and love affair with the green. Now I would classify myself as an occasional puff master smoking if it was around or offered, I just never purchased any. I was always taught that it was taboo…like sex out of wedlock and kissing on the first date. But here I am with two babies and more than a few boys I’d kissed before the first goodbye. As I grew older and matured though, my mind became consumed with my own ideals and opinions…hell I questioned everything, which was very annoying to some – especially my mom.
As a seeker of truth I thought, hmm, why is mary jane illegal when there are manufactured drugs that have a more adverse effect on our bodies, and people are 10 times as likely to get hooked on those vs. weed. Falling under the category of ‘Controlled’ substance – my thoughts are that the drug is not legal to the general public for those very reasons. But it’s ok to use it in the pharmaceutical sector, no? For the sake of the mighty dollar? Lemme write you a prescription bay bay. If you think about it every single natural resource on this planet that is consumed in mass amounts is controlled by someone, something. Wars are started and millions of people die for the sake of the ‘control’, money and power obtained when one acts as official gate keeper to something everyone else needs and should have equal access to. Without going left with this and getting all political and shit, you get my drift.
I have a friend who’s a championship surfer, and at one point was recognized as the best in the world. He smokes weed every night because his doctor told him to. After hitting his head so many times he became a victim of violent seizures that disrupted his life and ultimately ended his marriage. When he smokes, no seizures…ever. I’m surrounded by weird and sick minded intellectuals, creative folk and deep thinkers. Some of our best conversations and work emerge after cheef sessions. One of my close friends agreed with the fact that when people have hyperactive brains and sometimes think about shit TOO much (raising hand), having a bit of herbal remedy helps to slow things down a bit…a welcome relief from the thoughts of the world and life that consume our everyday minds. When I smoke, I’m able to see things from a different perspective and in turn can make improvements and adjustments to my life. Sometimes I think that for some reason the ability to see things in true and raw form is enhanced during those times. Call me crazy…
So…I’m a mom, I own a business and go to a job everyday where I have to deal face to face with some of the biggest power players in the media industry on a regular basis. Bottom line, I have to be on my shit. Not one time have I fallen short because I smoked or have killed some brain cells the night before. I’ve created entire presentations high and was considered bright, innovative, brilliant! Lol. You know how they say. And last time I checked, the intellect was in check and I’m still running the ‘oh you’re such a fuckin’ superstar and you always get the job done’ role while keeping the strategy tight in the crazy bubble we call Corporate America. Most of them probably have their own saran wrap stash in the basement of their million dollar homes and mega yachts. And because of this I’ve come to the realization that I shall smoke, and I shall do it when I feel like it (responsibly of course). Furthermore I’m not wholly convinced that greenery can ultimately cause you to steal from your friends or empty your bank account, lose your job or run down I-285 buck naked screaming “Where’s my fuckin shine box?” Unless you were just a crazy ass mofo to begin with. It doesn’t make me a bad person or lesser than the next member of society. But hey that’s just the way I see it. Pass the L please.
-black girl.
