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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Jamaica: Music High, Truth Or Lie
Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter Jamaica Gleaner
Sunday 23 Mar 2003 "Just gimme the light and pass the dro..." Sean Paul - 'Gimme De Light'"Blaze up the chalwa, likkle but mi tallawah." Sizzla- 'Give It To Dem' "Weed is life, just face reality..." Roundhead - 'Weed Is Life' "Excuse me while I light my spliff. Good God I gotta take a lift." Bob Marley - 'Easy Skanking' THESE ARE but a few expressions of Jamaican singers' and deejays' reverence for cannabis, a.k.a marijuana, also known as weed, herb, high-grade and ganja, amongst other names. Marijuana is a staple at reggae and dancehall events. It is never advertised on the show's bill, but it is always used to 'build a vibes' amongst the patrons and is usually available in large quantities from independent retailers. Ironically, when the fog from the many spliffs and occasional chalice clears a bit, a police officer is usually seen a stone's throw away from the individuals getting high. It is as if a secret resolution was passed decriminalising the personal use of marijuana when it is 'blazed up' in the confines of the dancehall. The 'weed' link between music fans and those who make the music is very strong. Artistes, musicians and producers in the music business have stated in no uncertain terms that marijuana has, is and will continue to be intrinsic to the success of Jamaican music. According to these herb advocates, they make better music when they use marijuana. They are of the mindset that as long as they are under the influence of marijuana, they will come up with sweet music guaranteed to make the fans dance. Music business stalwart Copeland Forbes, who has been associated with artistes such as the unflinching marijuana advocate Peter Tosh, told The Sunday Gleaner that the school of thought was brought to his attention by Aston 'Family Man' Barrett, bassist in the Wailer's band. One day Forbes says he asked the musician what inspired him to unleash those infectious notes on songs such as Stir It Up. Family Man's response permeated Forbes' memory like the fragrance of marijuana would an enclosed venue. Family Man is said to have told Forbes, who is not a weed puffer, that 'as long as I have the right herb I alright.' It is a view that is unreservedly supported by engineer and producer Sheldon 'Calibud' Stewart who has worked with flamethrowers such as Capleton and Sizzla. "It is important to my work," he noted. "Smoking the herb gives you that desire to find more creative things for the music, it allows the creative juices to flow." The talented producer and engineer says he could not even begin to imagine the music business minus marijuana. "Bwoy mi a try picture it, but mi cyan picture it cause right now mi high... but to me it wouldn't be as colourful and creative," opined Calibud. Calibud then passed the 'kutchie pon di left hand side' to Norris Man, who puffed up a similar response. Norris Man told The Sunday Gleaner that with the aid of the banned substance, the music is nicer. In addition, he says it facilitates meditation and relaxation just before he explodes on a new rhythm. Conversely, others in the music business who definitely are not suffering from glaucoma cannot see the fundamental relationship between music and marijuana. "I don't know in what way it helps the music; the music more help it, as it is sold quite freely and openly sold at reggae concerts, which marvels me," Copeland Forbes said. Tony Rebel went straight to the point. "First of all mi nuh smoke, but you can perform well without having any substance enhancing you. Those who need it they know why, but I don't think that they need it, it is definitely a habitual thing," he said. "There is a potency within the herb. Whether you smoke, drink or eat it, it can always get you high or give you that euphoric kind of vibe," reasoned Tony Rebel, a former 'weed man', who argued that 'bunning a big head spliff' can also affect the temporary soundness of an individual's mind. It was reasoned that talent speaks for itself with or without the aid of marijuana to provide an adrenaline rush, the latter which can be gained in other ways. However, Tony Rebel still advocated the decriminalisation of the craved and hated cannabis. This, he argued, on the premise that it could be beneficial to the economy. "To me ganja is more important than smoking. It ( ganja ) can make over 25,000 products and has a lot of medicinal value," Rebel said. MEDICAL STANDPOINT The use of marijuana has raised varied questions as to its benefits and hazards. An article from Time Magazine on 11/06/2002 entitled 'Is America Going to Pot?', posted on the website www.stormfront.org, outlined several alleged disadvantages and advantages of using marijuana. According to the article, marijuana was 50 per cent rougher on the lungs than tobacco. It also stated that it could cause lung, neck and head cancer. Among the advantages was the claim that it reduces intraocular pressure, helping those afflicted with glaucoma. Dr. Ronald Lampart, who is based in St. Thomas, and accredits himself for conducting the most marijuana research in Jamaica, had some comforting words for the singers and deejays who seek refuge in the misty bliss provided by the herb. According to Dr. Lampart, artistes need not worry since smoking the illegal substance cannot affect their vocal chords. "Tobacco causes cancer of the larynx. We have no evidence that marijuana causes cancer of the larynx," said Dr. Lampart. The staunch advocate for decriminalising ganja added that jazz and Bob Marley's music owe a lot to marijuana. It is a claim that Tony Rebel flatly refuted. "No ah nuh true. Bob Marley's music was a gift that he got from divine inspiration, it had nothing to do with that," he said. Veteran selector Sky Juice from Metro Media sound system does not smoke marijuana. However, he pointed out that he will not cast brimstone and fire on it. "I don't smoke it, but mi nah fight 'gainst it. Mi just nuh get my vibes from that. Every man system make different. Mi get my vibes different. Mi nuh affi smoke a spliff fi go work, ah jus' natural vibes," reasoned Sky Juice. The renowned selector also confessed that he knew many entertainers who have to 'blaze up a chalice' or 'build up' a spliff to catch a vibe in the studio or on-stage. The comical selector recalled a joke he heard while at a stage show. He said it was time for the performances to get underway and the MC came to the microphone and asked for the whereabouts of the men with the 'good stuff', because the artistes were backstage waiting to go on and perform. Their absence seemingly held up the show as the artistes waited for their 'draw'. Taking everything into consideration, those music industry persons who say marijuana gives them inspiration are either telling the truth or are incredibly hooked on the herb.
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