When Artists Stand By Plant Medicine

Culturally, there has long been a relationship between altered states and art.

While many historical artists may seem to have been influenced by mind-altering substances, it was not always socially acceptable to be outspoken about this fact.

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Take, for example, Dr. Seuss, whose fantasy worlds, radical social and environmental and social rights takes, and emphasis on psychedelic-themed ideas seem to greatly suggest influence by altered states. Yet there is no consensus regarding widely accepted evidence indicating that the use of cannabis or psychedelics directly influenced the work of Dr. Seuss.

While there have been speculations and anecdotes about Dr. Seuss’s personal life, attributing the influence of cannabis to his creativity or perspectives lacks concrete evidence. Rather, Dr. Seuss’s creative process is often attributed to his vivid imagination and unique storytelling style. One ultimately must only guess.

While cannabis advocate (and likely enthusiast) Dana Larsen wrote a Green Eggs and Ham parody, Green Eggs and Hash, artists were not always able to be so open about their use of certain long-stigmatized substances.

Yet many artists in history have been open about their cannabis use and its role in enhancing their creative process, including Louis Armstrong, Bob Marley, Hunter S. Thompson, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, among others. As cannabis is becoming more mainstream, perhaps more artists will continue to become transparent about the ways that different substances serve to help their creative process but also to more holistically support their well-being.

Bob Marley, in this aspect, was revolutionary in the extent to which he was open not only about his cannabis use, but also in regard to his views on how cannabis as being nothing nothing short of a sacrament. The respect and reverence Marley had for cannabis was rooted in Rastafarian Jamaican culture,!but this reverence had been severed for mainstream Westernized cultures. A very vocal advocate for the intentional use of cannabis, Marley sought to help bring this plant back to its rightful place as a sacrament in Western culture, promoting the spiritual and medicinal benefits facilitated by working with the plant.

Marley openly spoke and sang about cannabis’s role in promoting peace, relaxation, spiritual clarity, and creativity. He advocated for the legalization of cannabis and believed this significant shift in paradigm perspective could help to bring about positive changes to society. Marley’s public statements and songs such as “Legalize It” reflect his strong support for the decriminalization and acceptance of cannabis use.

Snoop Dogg, a more contemporary artist who has likewise been a longtime advocate of cannabis, has also openly discussed his use of cannabis and the significance of the plant’s role in his creative process. Snoop Dogg has likewise been an advocate for cannabis legalization, and he has also gone as far as venturing into the cannabis industry with his own product line. Snoop Dogg has always been candid regarding cannabis being a defining part of his lifestyle and artistic inspiration throughout his career.

Rihanna similarly has been open about her support for cannabis use. She has shared images on social media that depict her enjoying cannabis in everyday life. In interviews, Rihanna has discussed the role of the plant in helping to support her lifestyle, well-being, and creative process. Rihanna, similar to Snoop Dogg, has also been associated with cannabis culture through her fashion choices and business ventures.

When artists make a clear statement regarding their choices, they need to be conscious of how their advocating of any substances may influence mainstream culture. As cannabis is only finally achieving a substantial green wave globally, it yet also faces much backlash. Enthusiasm for the plant — which can have medicinal and therapeutic properties — must be tempered with regulation, including keeping supply safe (i.e. from pesticides or mold). Strains and products that have extreme THC potency must be dealt with carefully; there are harms that come as well from having too potent of an experience.

As more and more artists are coming forward to be open and positive about their relationship with cannabis, it also serves us culturally to raise more education. Cannabis, while not immune from the dangers of dosing too heavily, is far safer than alcohol. As Pandora’s Box has already been opened with this continually growing green wave (the spread of the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis), it is important that education, transparency, and regulation continue to develop as well.

Note: This is for informational and educational purposes and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Do Your Own Research.

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