Contributor: KC Scannell
For one reason or another, the average person used to always equate marijuana use with laziness. The negative stigma that surrounded cannabis during those prohibition years was unwavering, unjust, and completely misguided. Various propaganda methods put into place by our federal government not only established these hurtful stereotypes, but they supported them for decades and decades. In short, if you chose to better your life through the harmless help of hemp and cannabis, you were labeled “lesser than” by the majority of society.
However, as more and more states overturn their ruling on cannabis, and start to legitimately legalize its medicinal and recreational use, those sort of preconceived judgements are gradually becoming a thing of the past. But, that said, there are still a handful of people out there who don’t think the typical citizen is a cannabis enthusiast, when in fact, most people on this planet are.
That lingering section of the population is equal parts depressing and frustrating. The fact there is still any semblance of the anti-marijuana movement left seems incredibly archaic. These people, who usually choose to remain willfully ignorant about the myriad of benefits that coincide with cannabis use, are, for lack of a better term, wrong.
Just, straight-up wrong.
Marijuana isn’t just some “drug” that ne’er-do-wells turn to at parties, and in lieu of job interviews. I mean, sure, a joint has been known to pop up at friendly functions every now and then, but merely as a collective relaxant for everyone to enjoy. It doesn’t make them “crazy” or “see things” – those sort of damaging representations of such occurrences are only seen in the media’s wrongful portrayal of enthusiasts. That sort of event simply isn’t a real thing that happens. It’s not real life. It’s just a physical manifestation of the multitude of lies spread by our ignorant governing bodies, who hope to ban cannabis forever.
Marijuana, at the end of the day, is a medicinal herb that has the potential to help millions of people live calmer, more pain-free lifestyles, without the lethal and addictive side effects of expensive opioids. In fact, the only reason these prescription pills haven’t been fully outlawed is because “Big Pharma” is routinely in the pockets of lawmakers on Capitol Hill, who will do anything to push these pill maker’s agenda, so long as their bribery check clears.
It’s all very disgusting.
All this to say that the collective decisions made on behalf of our government, has led the average citizen to think a certain way about cannabis, and the people who partake in its greatness. They see these “stoners” as second-class citizens, and whenever someone who is respected and admired around the world for their brilliance and skill, comes out in favor of legalized cannabis, and its many benefits, it often shocks people to no end.
“What? Even they get high?! I would’ve never thought…Hmm.”
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That’s usually the response many anti-marijuana folks utter when they hear that one of their beloved celebrities, who they thought was completely against cannabis, is actually one of its biggest proponents. The loudest cries of disbelief often occur in fan bases that are famous for being a bit too intense. Those crowds of admirers are typically found in the Sci-Fi region of entertainment for some reason.
The most important part of that commonly held reaction is the ending sentiment of curiosity. The “Hmm,” if you will.
The fact their beloved star is giving his official “OK” to use cannabis, is already reframing their once-stubborn mindset about marijuana almost instantly. And, as childish and asinine as it may sound, many people do look to these types of famous figures to help them make informed decisions in their own life.
I mean, if that weren’t the case, the term “celebrity endorsement” wouldn’t exist.
Recently, one such renowned celebrity, with his own fervent fandom following, came out as a cannabis advocate, and the fans are having mixed reactions. However, the majority of them are abundantly positive.
Which celebrity, you ask? Why, it’s everyone’s favorite celestial captain, Patrick Stewart.
That’s right, folks. That bald thespian is more than happy to sing the praises of marijuana whenever the topic comes up in conversation. As a sufferer of arthritis, himself, the Star Trek legend often relies on the relieving powers of cannabis to combat his pain and discomfort. He even recently became a member of an important investment and research company in the UK, known as Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies.
Across the pond, they are opening up to the idea of cannabis being accepted as a suitable medicine, as it should be. When Stewart was asked to comment on his nation’s potential legalization of marijuana, he was more than happy to offer up his genuine opinion on the matter.
Specifically, Stewart stated, “This is an important step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear, and ignorance. I believe this program of research might result in benefits for people like myself, as well as millions of others.”
Well said, sir. What an incredibly eloquent summarization of the importance of cannabis, and its potential to help millions of people live better lives. But, honestly, what else did I expect from one of the most prolific actors of our generation? This guy is just an all-around awesome human being, and it’s easy to see why he’s loved all over the globe.
Now, obviously, Stewart isn’t the only celebrity to come out in favor of marijuana. Hell, he’s not even the only actor from Star Trek to hop into the cannabis industry. His former co-star, Whoopi Goldberg, has already launched a line of female-centric cannabis products, specifically designed to help women deal with certain issues.
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However, that said, many had different reactions to Stewart’s involvement in marijuana research. They would often look at this stoic actor and assume he didn’t involve himself in “nonsense” like marijuana. But that’s just the thing – it’s not “nonsense.” Marijuana is a legitimate form of calming medicine that everyone should accept with wildly open arms.
While the decades spent bashing the cannabis community was incredibly damaging to the overall culture, and progression of research that could’ve been done throughout all those years, the fact that the tides are finally starting to turn in our favor is a tremendous breath of fresh air. The judgements held against this large portion of enthusiasts was horrible, but now, on a global scale, people are beginning to realize just how wrong they were for being against cannabis.
Not only will this fantastic herb help entire populations of people live more worthwhile lives, there won’t be any negative physical (or societal) effects from it. Which, not for nothing, is how things should’ve been since the topic of legalized cannabis first came up for debate. But, while it should’ve occurred eons ago, the fact that it is happening at all is a massive step in the right direction.
And a lot of the thanks should be bestowed upon people like Patrick Stewart.
Public declarations, like the one from him praising cannabis, will help the rest of the world see that any negative stigma attached to this multifaceted plant is simply a waste of time. Hopefully, even more like-minded celebs will follow suit, and before we know it, we’ll be living in a weed-filled world of happiness and comfort.
