Eva Walker is a author, a KEXP DJ, one-half of the rock duo the Black Tones, and mother to her child woman, Hendrix. She additionally co-wrote the guide The Sound of Seattle: 101 Songs That Formed a Metropolis, which was launched in 2024. Each month for The Stranger she writes a letter to Hendrix to share knowledge realized from her experiences—and her errors.
Pricey Hendrix,
My expensive Hendrix, you’ll doubtless have your mom’s insurgent gene. And let me inform you, it’s not one thing to cover from, however it is one thing to sharpen.
To discover ways to try this, I wish to inform you a few lady named Jo.
Jo has recognized your grandmother for greater than 35 years, so she’s been in my life since I used to be younger. Jo is a type of individuals who’s seen all of it. She’s powerful and he or she is aware of find out how to deal with herself in a pinch. She’s usually received a smile on her face. She’s one of the vital trustworthy and simple folks I do know. It’s one in every of my favourite qualities about her.
Jo began doing my hair once I was a young person. And sooner or later, once I was 15, we began speaking about hashish. I’m undecided the way it got here up. We talked about rattling close to every little thing throughout my Saturday hair appointments. That’s the fantastic thing about Jo. She is aware of hair and he or she is aware of life. At this level in mine, I hadn’t but tried pot—or any medicine, for that matter. And I used to be conscious of the stigma it had—particularly with adults Jo’s age. By then, although, I had watched the 1936 anti-dope propaganda movie, Reefer Insanity. (It is best to watch it too, someday. It’s hilarious!) That film has made far more folks wish to strive hashish than not. Me included.
That day, Jo stated to me one thing I’ll always remember. One thing so necessary that I wish to cross it all the way down to you right here. She stated, “Child, don’t do medicine.” However she wasn’t completed along with her worldly recommendation. What she added so poignantly was, “However should you’re going to strive weed… don’t do it with losers.”
Bingo was his name-o! That was a number of the deepest shit I’ve ever heard. However what IS a loser? It’s not somebody unique to any race, gender, class, background or something like that. Losers are available all kinds. When you solely bear in mind one factor I ever inform you, bear in mind this: Losers put on fits. Losers put on boots. Some losers even learn Dr. Suess. They’re in all places. It’s a type of issues the place your intestine simply tells you. You realize one once you see one. (When you need assistance, simply ask me, I’ve seen a lot!) And so they’re to be prevented once you’re doing something particular, from medicine to intercourse to going out to your favourite restaurant.
Jo’s level was that individuals are curious, however curiosity will be harmful. So should you indulge yours then it’s necessary to be round others worthy of your time and a focus. Individuals who have self-respect, objectives, mind, and one thing to lose. Your father and I would like you to understand your self and to all the time bear in mind this.
Talking of losers, the notorious criminal Richard Nixon declared an entire battle on medicine on June 17, 1971. That was 18 years to the day earlier than I used to be born. An entire individual got here of age between that declaration and once I popped out of the womb. So to have one other grownup inform me pot wasn’t the worst factor on this planet—however what was worse was doing it with losers, Hendrix, that was some life-changing shit. So, did I ultimately strive weed? Duh. I used to be 17 once I first smoked pot (I refuse to sort out all of the letters in marijuana, which may be a side-effect of utilizing marijuana). I first smoked at a celebration in highschool, which is the place you’ll doubtless be provided one thing, too. Or it could possibly be faculty, or a toilet stall or exterior a bar or at a buddy’s home. Weed is in all places. (Be aware: ensure that no matter weed you may strive is store-bought and never wrapped in foil.)
The primary time I smoked, I went as much as a man at a celebration who had a glass pipe. He fastidiously confirmed me find out how to use it. He was variety and wasn’t shady or gross. He handed the take a look at! The one painful half was the cough. Hendrix, you’ll always remember the ache of your first weed cough after an enormous hit. Sadly, folks not often warn you about that half. Your throat will wish to name the hearth division.
It seems, although, that I nonetheless wanted to sharpen my Internal Jo. Whereas the boy with the pipe was no loser, the get together was filled with them. And after that first-ever hit, the enjoyable home get together turned shortly and unusually right into a theft. Your Uncle Cedric was with me as males with weapons began demanding possessions. Fortunately, he whisked me out the backdoor like a superhero. That led to a category discipline journey to a lineup on the police station. Ugh. See, I wasn’t good that day.
My recommendation to you is that this: WWJD? What would Jo do? There is no such thing as a drug extra necessary than spending time with good folks, folks you’re keen on. There’s no drug price risking a stranger’s actions. There is no such thing as a drug price risking one thing necessary to you. No drug price getting caught up in a rattling theft. And there’s DEFINITELY no drug price your life. Ultimately, you don’t want medicine—weed, included. And like all father or mother, I’d desire it should you didn’t do them. However like an individual dwelling in the actual world, I do know you could contemplate hashish in some unspecified time in the future. So bear in mind: WWJD. Don’t smoke weed…with losers.
