I know this is written as satire, but this column does have an element of truth in it. I believe that part of the reason teen marijuana smoking has declined in the past ten years is because the acceptance of medical marijuana turns “hip rebellious reefer” into “boring old folks medicine”.
(Santa Barbara Independent) If a guy can suck skunkweed recreationally and still win 14 gold medals, what’s to dissuade teens from taking their first curious puff? In my experience, there’s only one way to keep your kids from becoming potheads.
You’ve got to become one yourself. That’s right. Light up for the sake of sobriety. Inhale in the name of clean living. Take a hit for the temperance team.
My parents, you see, were big tokers. They smoked dope. They talked dope. They may have even sold dope. In fifth-grade health class, I raised my hand and informed the teacher that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. And when I came home from class spouting the potential health risks of smoking it, my parents shouted “Lies!” and stormed the campus the next day to shame my teacher for preaching the ridiculous propaganda of the establishment.
But in fact the school didn’t need to convince me not to smoke “Mary Jane,” “grass,” or “rope,” as it was reportedly called “on the street.” (Have you ever heard someone refer to reefer as “rope?” I’ve been listening closely since fifth grade: never.) Getting high was something my parents did; and as such, it was the single lamest thing a human being could do…. When friends began proffering spliffs at high school parties, I tried to hide my distaste, but the occasional “Ew! Seriously?” would slip out. Why would I fill my lungs with old-people herb?
I’m not saying I never puffed a blunt. But I didn’t do it early, and I didn’t do it much. It just didn’t hold mystery to me.
I smoke pot and my kids, their spouses and the grandkids (all 8 of ‘em)know it. I hide nothing from them. I tell them no lies. I tell the grandkids that I would rather that they wait until they are over 18. They don’t smoke now… and perhaps never will. The choice is theirs when they are independent, i.e. over 18.
I wear my NORML and other pro-potcentric t-shirts everywhere I go, even with them. I may get some stares from folks, but, we are family and I am the example… the patriarch. I, as in the article, “light up for the sake of sobriety. Inhale in the name of clean living. Take a hit for the temperance team.” I am their example of a responsible pot smoker.
All the older (teenage) grandkids kids are well informed, disciplined and well mannered. As I dealt with my kids, they deal with their kids, with straight talk… no lies… no hype… no bullshit.
It may be fine to smoke pot around them, but it is also important to talk. Peer pressure may be difficult to counter, but if they are informed and armed with the scientific information rather than the political “reefer madness” bullshit (Anslingerisms) They will perhaps make their own decisions based on truth.
Talking the truth sets everyone free. So far, as far as I know, they have choosen the freedom to not smoke pot.
I enjoyed the article….and I think Starshine Roshell is very cute….but then like her parents…I’m just an old pothead….you go girl…I bet your parents are very proud of you…..just be kind to us always.
I like the logic when it comes to marijuana but I don’t want my kid to become an axe murderer either… ;)
How very true! I know a “lady” that “smoked” pretty much in the open in front of her kids 20-25 years ago. Today I know those 4 kids (very well) that are all 30 something and they NEVER touched pot. The problem is that some of them drink too much now so in a way maybe it isn’t such a good idea?
Strange paradox when you think of it.