I’ve been writing on my dude Hail Mary Jane‘s site now for a few weeks. I’ve been so busy striking keyboard keys that I forgot to tell my regular readers that you can find me over there too. Initially, the idea was to spread marijuana culture news and information in an easily digestible, friendly manner since us stoners don’t necessarily care to be all bummed out by the world’s social ills.

We really understand that the world would be a much better place if you assholes just toked a little weed, seriously! #ijest #no

The nature of a weed smokers almost always means that you lead a quiet and reclusive personal life. Artists, musicians, thinkers and other introverted types can be counted among your average marijuana users. Marijuana users may indeed be inclined to be introverted and private but contrary to popular belief-we aren’t lonely or isolated.

“Passing the Dutchie on the left hand side” is the perfect way to break the ice with new people; it’s our version of breaking bread. I bet weed smokers even do more entertaining at home; we seem to have more peaceful and serene surroundings. I’m a mean cook in the kitchen because of marijuana, after smoking I feel experimental and open minded and having the munchies was great motivation for me to learn how to expand my cooking skills.

Everyone in my personal life knows I smoke weed and no one in my professional life does. No one talks about these things at work, until the ice is broken after a slip up and a knowing stare. Then, and only then does one realize that if one person is brave enough to admit it other follow suit; you would be surprised (or not) to learn how many people smoke weed and don’t admit it. We’re all sneaking and enjoying and participating and experiencing marijuana for the many benefits the plant offers….in secret and shame.

Your reasons for using marijuana may be different; I smoke to treat an emotional imbalance and out of two dozen different prescription medications that I’ve tried over the last decade nothing has worked for me like marijuana has.

Simply stating this fact can have a big ass negative impact on my life, but I’m willing to take that bullet. I’m scared of medications whose side affects make me (further) suicidal and have the potential to cause my liver to fail. I don’t fear the side effects of the little green baggie that makes me wanna hug everyone and tell them I love them.

However, with the current temperature of the country and the fight for legalized (or at least the decriminalized of) marijuana access now is the time for weed smokers to come out the closet and speak up. Doing so can affect everything from the national debt, to job creation to alleviating the prison industry complex which has become the new plantation in America.

I realize that not everyone can risk their lives by being vocal about marijuana as I am doing right now. But if you’re a writer, a performer, a small business owner, or any other person who doesn’t have to necessarily live under the microscope of authority then why not speak out. Read a blog, pass along a link from Lenny’s site, sign a petition, there’s so much that can be done from behind the scenes.

I wasn’t quite sure of how I would apply my degree in Political Science and International Policy. I now realize that my voice can serve a purpose by adding to the conversation that American’s are having now that they realize political awareness is necessary for survival and power in this country.

The United States is going through another identity metamorphosis; what it looks like and how we chose to live are issues that will be of great importance over these next months.

I may not be all serious like The Griot, and I may not have the best sentence structure and I dam sure didn’t study journalism like those other fancy Black bloggers.

But I’ll tell you this, I understand politics and I can see strategy and bullshit coming a mile away. Doesn’t the average urban person deserve some political coversage?

Can I be the bi-racial Connie Chung…..bringing you all the good stuff in a way in which it won’t hurt your brain to read?

I know I can. I know I wrote a lot today and some of you just like to look at the pretty pictures but this is muy importante!

The election is a hard time for a person like me; I get to hear every ignorant ass opinion as people flap their gums non-stop on various illogical bullshit until way after the Presidential election is over. But this time, I’m participating in the conversation using the education I received upon the encouragement of my Native American grandmother, paid in the the blood of African slaves and by the sweat of women and many others who at one time or another fought against social norms and had their voices heard.

Social movements don’t happen through hopefully wishing. I know this in my heart, as I am the grandchild of a Civil Rights Movement warrior, a great-grandchild of a Women’s Suffrage movement marcher and I now happily participate in the Gay Right’s movement which I’m proud to say is progressing along steadily.

Social change begins with a whisper, that increases in frequency and speed until it turns into a roar and from that roar it garners the attention of those door keepers that previously tried ignored it….

Listen….I think I hear something….

© 2011, Tracy Renee Jones. All rights reserved.