Marijuana in place of caffeine for academics and creatives.
Anonda Canadien (Dehcho Dene) (she/her) // Arts and Culture Editor
Alayna Churana (she/her) // Illustrator
Note: We do not endorse the use of cannabis.
The word ‘stoner’ often conjures images of a suburban white kid slacker who smokes weed before, during, and after school. Or, depending on your birth year, Cheech and Chong from Up in Smoke, Shaggy Rogers from Scooby Doo or Smokey from Friday. What if this writer told you there are stoners who exist outside of these parameters?
Well, spark that doobie or bowl, and partake in this discussion.
First off, marijuana does not always cause laziness, depending on the profession. Marijuana use has helped many creatives embrace their creative side of letting go, and get into the headspace in order to create. This goes for creating music, film scripts, hands-on art such as drawing or painting and many other avenues.
One Capilano University student stated that partaking with cannabis has helped him enter a different headspace in order to work within music he produces, as well as exploring genres and dynamics within scripts pertaining to horror, thriller and comedy.
Another student explained that engaging with the ‘zaza’ has motivated, rather than limited her creative and academic prospects. She has made scripts, short films, shot stills and explored academic papers with the help of the ‘zaza.’ On the influence, she mentioned that it helps her enter the headspace of being focused on the task at hand, aiding in completing projects that pertain to her academics.
Another CapU student mentioned that they only partake in a doobie after the classes and assignments are said and done, then go on to do other work—such as writing scripts—under the influence. For the other, she said that you have to be careful when engaging with it so it does not hinder academics: a fine line that is easy to cross.
Although both students state that weed is a recreational drug, it has been a factor in their individuals successes. One says that weed is a supplement for her, just like how students drink coffee to start their day: she starts her day with a doobie and a coffee. Usually on the weekends or days off, but when you’re an academic, are there really days off?
So, there’s really two sides to this coin of cannabis. On one hand, you got Travis from Clueless, and on the other, you got successful actor Jack Black. Promote relaxation, but also maybe promote the wellness of our minds? So, let’s not let these stereotypes be the face of the beautiful, natural plant of weed.