My illness has forced me into early retirement , so I have plenty of time on my hands and am bored out of my mind . This project and the magazine articles have energized me and given me purpose . With my newly found enthusiasm , I turned my car into a mobile tee shirt and yard sign distribution center , which I set up in various parking lots around Springfield . The last weekend before the election , I could also hand out copies of The EVOLUTION Magazine that included my first article . In 1994 , I had a bit part in Baywatch when their weekly audience was two billion people . Yes , two billion with a “ B .” It was actually more fun seeing people ’ s faces when they saw my article than knowing that two billion people had seen my face . As I said earlier , I ’ m not personally responsible for the passage of Amendment 3 , but like thousands of others , I really did try to help .
When I started my journey , I discovered a couple of things . People are both incredibly nice , and they are also very eager to share their stories about marijuana and the ways that it has affected their lives . I heard stories that brought me hope and joy and others that brought me horror . The draconian laws that have governed marijuana have shattered many lives , and I met some of the people who have lived those lives .
Before I get to the sad stories , let me share a surprising and funny one . I often start my day with breakfast from a nearby fast-food place . The lady who usually takes my payment is a friendly woman I could best describe as resembling Aunt Bee from The Andy Griffith Show .
On this particular morning , she saw a pile of shirts in my car and asked what they were . I held one up and told her they were shirts I had made for the election . She immediately said that she wanted one . Not sure that she understood , I made sure that she knew they were in favor of legalization . She assured me that was the very reason she wanted one , which totally blew my mind and was the last thing I expected . I also passed a yard sign from my car through the drive-thru window . Thank you for your support and for making my day !
The first of two horror stories I want to share came from a man who came up to my car / tee shirt stand and said he would like to have a shirt because legalization was very important to him , but he couldn ’ t afford one . As he continued talking to me , I learned that he was 49 years old and had been sent to prison at 18 after being caught with a half-ounce of marijuana . Touched by his story , I reached out with a shirt . Not wanting to accept charity , he attempted to decline . I informed him that I wasn ’ t giving him the shirt for free . I told him if he had indeed gone to prison for having a half-ounce of marijuana , he had already paid for the shirt .
Another man I met was in his early 20s and was on parole from prison . One of the conditions of his parole was that he must pass a monthly drug screen , including one for cannabis . Since a licensed physician has authorized him to use medical marijuana and is open about it with his parole officer , it is no surprise when he fails . He meets all other conditions for parole , and the officer said she does not see him as a likely candidate to return to prison . Under these circumstances , the parole officer is sympathetic to his cause but powerless to influence the judge who presides over his case . The judge , however , over the objections of the parole officer , sentences the young man to seven days in jail every month . Rather than give up his cannabis , my new friend spends a week of every month locked up for using his legally prescribed medication . That led me to a revelation : Legalizing marijuana does not remove the stigma . The next domino had fallen .
I was under the impression that legalization would end the fight , but it is actually the beginning of a new one . By coincidence , my eyes continue to be opened to the ongoing prejudices that stubbornly follow this forbidden plant . I have an elderly relative who confided in me that they would consider marijuana for pain relief if not for the fear that the people at church would disapprove . This is unfortunate because the side effects of conventionally prescribed pain medications are causing harm to my loved one , and the fear of being ostracized prevents the use of a less harmful substance .
The efforts to remove society ’ s preconceived notions have even entered the world of architecture and interior design . An article I read in the October 16 issue of the New York Times detailed the efforts to change how dispensaries look and feel . Laws restricting the way the exterior appears from the street affect many places , including Missouri . Architects must overcome these restrictions to make a dispensary look safe and welcoming to new customers . Interior designers are working to provide new looks that steer away from old stereotypes . No more black light posters , day-glow colors , or sandalwood incense . The 1960s were groovy , but substantial efforts are being made to make the dispensaries of the 2020s look more reflective of our times and culture . The main objective is to remove the stigma from Cheech and Chong ’ s old “ stoner ” days and welcome new customers who might otherwise be reluctant to enter .
As we enter a new year , we welcome a chance for new opportunities and directions . The year 2023 will usher in many changes for Missouri and its citizens . I plan to make the most of it . Legalization provides hope for a better future and a chance to redeem some past wrongs . I was under the impression that the passage of Amendment 3 would end the battle , but it was not the end of the war . Until we change society ’ s attitudes about marijuana , some people will still think we are stupid , unmotivated stoners . The fight continues , but you , too , can help change the stigma .
Have a fantastic year !
Jay Richardson has participated in cannabis culture for more than four decades and has witnessed its evolution from illicit street drug to respected medical treatment closeup . Jay , now over 60 , has developed medical conditions that cause chronic pain and is currently benefiting from skills he picked up over the years as a home gardener and confectioner to treat his pain . He is happy to share his uncomplicated and affordable techniques in cultivation and edible projects .