Pubdate: Sun, 23 Mar 2003
Source: Jamaica Gleaner, The (Jamaica)
Copyright: 2003 The Gleaner Company Limited
Contact:  http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/493
Author: Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter

MUSIC HIGH, TRUTH OR LIE?

Bounty Killer

"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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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens