Hey friends!
I’m feeling immensely grateful this week, so I want to ride that wave and share why. This year has certainly felt like a continuation of 2020, but to echo how I ended the last newsletter, I know I’m where I’m supposed to be. Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing a few breeders and growers, many of whom are responsible for some of my favorite strains. Meeting cannabis legends reminded me of the art and creativity that are such valuable parts of cannabis culture. I tout the importance of science, learning, and equity, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of the creativity and joy that cannabis sparks and that exists within the culture. I want the future of cannabis to include stories full of lighthearted, feel-good moments.
I saw this post from @blackdragonbreakfastclub the other day, and it sparked this letter.
So today, I want to talk about how cannabis is making me feel good. These are a few things I’m feeling good about:
My craft
I never used to call myself a writer because of how hard it was to sit down and write. I had always heard writers talk about writing as such an arduous task, and I thought that was silly because they all had one thing in common, they still wrote, and I knew their names, so something went right. It wasn’t until I decided I would publish this newsletter that I realized, no matter how hard it is for me to force myself to write, I’m still a writer. Writing is one of the most rewarding, cathartic things I do. It’s like a workout for my mind. Consuming before I write helps me reflect and release, and writing about cannabis has allowed me to connect, teach, and learn. This cycle of consuming, connecting, and creating, fuels me and gives me the confidence to keep going. Interviewing breeders and growers made me so giddy, I had butterflies, geeking out about how some strains came to be. I’ve always enjoyed creating, but writing about cannabis has sparked joy in me that none of my other work has.
It’s not lost on me that my bylines exist because I created this community as “proof” that I could write about cannabis. I’m so grateful to you for coming on this journey and believing in me enough to ride the wave as my work evolves. 🙏🏾
My community
It’s so nice to know other smokers and people who get excited about weed (I use this term amongst friends) as much as I do. Building this community during the pandemic has been a great distraction. I feel like we’ve all bonded overusing cannabis to cope with the many feels and pains the pandemic has brought on. I really appreciate the kind words and gestures you all send my way. I feel free to be my whole self, and that keeps me going. In one breath, we can hold ourselves and institutions accountable, and in the very next, we can laugh about influencer cloud faces 🤣. This leads me to my next point…
My balance
Consuming cannabis has helped me find and use my voice. When I started UiS, I didn’t know just how unfair the industry was and certainly not the Illinois market, but the more I learned, the more I felt a duty, to be honest. That duty turned to worry because I felt pressure to be “all equity, all the time,” which didn’t feel true to me. Before UiS was an idea, cannabis helped me find out who I wanted to be and become that person, and that’s what I felt compelled to share when I created this space. Today, I know I can advocate for equity, access, and representation while also highlighting my fave things about consumption and having fun. I’m grateful that the plant and the opportunities it’s created for me help keep me inspired, joyful, and community-minded.
Honorable mention: Glass Art
It truly is ART! The percs, colors, and quality continue to amaze me, and I’ve really enjoyed collecting and trying so many pieces. It’s been fun learning about new artists and seeing what creative and talented people can come up with. One day I’ll try my hand at it because I have to experience it for myself.
The Roll Up
Sativa, indica, mythbusters
I tried the Genius drops by 1906
A handy guide to terpenes all in one graphic
My first official strain review is in Kitchen Toke. Order a copy here.
And just like that, I’m officially partnered with two bong brands with great products, Mota Glass and Vitae Glass. Use code UPINSMOKE to save. Check out my Insta for product videos.
Letting things go…Up in Smoke.
Last week I gave myself so many pep talks about allowing negative moments to have an oversized effect on me but only being mildly happy about positive moments. I want to let this behavior go. I’ve had major wins in the last few weeks, and they feel small compared to small things that throw off my day. I know general pandemic sadness is making it hard for me to feel happy, but I have many things to be grateful for, as enumerated above, and I want to focus on those things a bit more.
Wondering what I need this year? More eyes on my work, so please tap that heart button so more people learn about my newsletter. Feel free to forward and share on Twitter, Facebook, and other corners of the internet.
All my best,
Datrianna