Breaking the "Stoner" Stereotypes.

The Stoner Stereotype

    We all know what is being referred to when people reference "the typical stoner". Images of couch-locked long haired hippies immediately come rushing to mind. We've all seen the depictions in film, from movies like Dude Where's my Car to the classic that is Half Baked. And while we all laugh at these depictions of cannabis users, sometimes because they are accurate, we need to make sure that the negative connotation that comes with being a cannabis user doesn't impact the goals that most recreational and medical users share. The easiest way to do that is to break the stereotype and prove the doubters wrong.

Taking the First Step

    Cannabis Connection honestly believes that the first step towards breaking negative stereotypes is to make sure that we aren't actually living those roles. The way to do this is to be a responsible cannabis user. While less harmful than alcohol or tobacco, cannabis is still a mind-altering drug that needs to be used in a responsible manner. That means not using around people who wouldn't appreciate it. It means always cleaning up after yourself when smoking in a public or semi-public place. It means keeping a close eye on all of your controlled substances to make sure that they don't fall into the hands of children or anyone else who shouldn't be exposed to them. And yes, it means not driving while under the influence. These are all parts of being both a responsible cannabis user and a responsible citizen. 

What Comes Next?

    Once we make sure that we are being responsible cannabis users the next step is to convince the public. This is where things can get a little bit tricky. Like any social movement past or present, acceptance of cannabis users as a valued demographic will only come when the public sees who we are and determines that we aren't threatening. Think about it, the entire campaign to outlaw cannabis in the first place was a fear based propaganda machine to make the average American fearful of what cannabis users might do to them. We can combat this by 'coming out' to whomever we can. Of  course this won't work for everyone. Cannabis is a drug that is still illegal according to most of the laws that are on the books and admitting to using it publicly could land you in a sticky situation. We would never recommend that anyone take any actions that might compromise them legally or with their employment. However, if you happen to be one of the lucky individuals in a position where they don't have to worry about the above, then telling those skeptical of legalization about your usage might be a good way to break stereotypes. If they can see that you are a valuable member of society it could go a long way to changing their mind on cannabis use. 

The End Game

    With cannabis legalization a current hot topic we need to make sure, more than ever, that we are on our best behavior. This doesn't mean compromising your core beliefs or "selling out", it just means that we all need to do our best to portray our movement in a positive light. While we may not like it, the old adage still holds true that perception is reality, in matters of politics especially. It wouldn't hurt to get involved on the political side of things as well. Whether it's raising money, passing out literature, voting for pro-cannabis politicians, or just becoming better educated yourself; all of these are ways to move the legalization movement forward and help to bust the old stereotypes that we've all had to battle.