As cannabis becomes more widely recognized, it becomes increasingly important to break the stoner stereotype.
There is nothing worse than having to defend yourself against being a lazy, video-game addict. The truth of the matter is that most of us are out there using cannabis and being fully functional members of the community.
I think it is important that cannabis users allow themselves a little pride about their use, so that their openness in the community might work against the stereotype. The more people there are out there advocating cannabis who have good jobs and happy lives, the more the stoner stereotype is broken down.
Not all stoners are lazy
It is probably true that some stoners sit around and play video games and eat potato chips all day. But this is definitely not true of all of us. In fact, there are a lot of people who do the same thing without the assistance of cannabis, and so it probably has nothing to do with marijuana use. A person is going to be lazy, they’re going to be lazy regardless of external factors.
“Marijuana smoking is like riding a psychedelic wave. There’s a wave of the psychoactive substance, THC, that hits your body. And you can either ride that wave or you can trip out on the fact that you’re on this wave” – Joe Rogan
Not all stoners are stupid
On the contrary, there are many successful people who advocate the use of marijuana. Steve Jobs (RIP) and Carl Sagan are among many of extremely intelligent stoners. It’s arguable that cannabis actually makes you more intelligent and more creative, but that’s a topic for another time!
How do you avoid the stereotype?
If you fall into the stereotype, sit back and evaluate your habits? What are you doing with the time that you are high? If your answer is “Sit around and watch a movie, playing video games, etc.” then you might need to change some stuff. All of these things are VERY enjoyable so don’t feel bad about doing these things. But everything in moderation!
Instead – plan out what you are going to do while you are high. Seek new experiences or exploring your hobbies. You will feel in-tune with what you are doing and may possibly find a love for it as well!
It’s important to fight the stereotype by vocalizing to your friends and family (maybe family if they are open minded) about why you perform your favorite activities with the use of marijuana. It can be a huge eye opener for a lot of people.
And what’s wrong with being happy all the time?
One part of the stoner stereotype that isn’t so bad is that stoners are well known for always being happy-go-lucky. And what’s so bad about that? Even if it is because we are “always stoned”, it definitely doesn’t seem like a bad feeling to be carrying around all the time. There is no shame in being relaxed about life and happy all the time. If it’s any part of the stoner stereotype we can hang on to, it’s this one!
