“Marijuana Is Everywhere”

Yes, marijuana IS everywhere. It seems like wherever I go whenever I go the smell of weed is not too far behind.

I started noticing this on July 4, 2022. My wife and I like to check out fireworks at either of the few local displays nearby. So on 4th of July 2022 we went to a popular watching spot. Got there about an hour early for the 9:15pm display. As we sat in the car watching the countless families gathering my wife says, “What is that smell?” Lol! I had a good laugh and said, “You grew up in the same era as me. YOU know what that is! It’s marijuana! She was shocked. “And people are just out here smoking out in the open like that?” Yep.

Man how times have changed. 2022. Here we are at a public park, families of all races with children all around, police patrolling the grounds, and the unmistakable scent of marijuana out in the open for all to share. And none of the parents seemed too concerned. I wonder why?

As a youngster growing up in my neighborhood it was forbidden for anyone under the age of 18 to be anywhere near the smell of marijuana. The OGs would tell the “hoppers” to go home or get away when it was time for them to party.

You know, ever since that July 4th I notice that public marijuana usage has become more prevalent. Lowe’s parking lot on a Friday night? I smell marijuana. Local shopping plaza on a Saturday afternoon? I smell marijuana. College football game at the local university? I smell marijuana. Driving on the interstate and local roads? I smell marijuana. Fourth of July 2023 at the same park for fireworks? Yep,you guessed it.

Now for the record I was not counted among considered as recreational users. I indulged twice in my lifetime. Once at age 13 and again at age 16. Both times influenced by the presence of desirable older women. Believe me at that age having attractive older women around got me high enough if you know what I mean. I’ll leave it at that.

Funny thing about smelling marijuana nowadays is it takes me back to the days of my youth, particularly my days in junior high school. Clear summer day, leisurely late afternoon, music from station V103 blaring out of stationary car stereos and boom boxes simultaneously. Groups of neighborhood kids gathered sparingly. Idle teenaged boys finding excuses to talk to idle teenaged girls. And youthful mischievous thoughts……

Yea. Smelling marijuana these days does not take me higher, it takes me back. You know what, I’m gettin’ hungry. Wonder what kind of snacks we have?