Networking and "Coming out" about cannabis.

I know in my area here in California I am always networking with other growers in my area to hang out and share interests and ideas, but it has always been hard to connect with them. It seems growing is such a covert thing even in places it is legal. It is justified for many reasons because of federal law but I wish more people could and would embrace this and share it with eachother.

I'm always grateful for forums like these for allowing us to connect because we can chat about something that is a lot like raising trophy-dogs, building custom cars, or producing that killer red wine that wins the awards.

I know I always loved cooking barbeque, sharing tomatos from the garden, or exchanging fishing stories with a neighbor I had growing up and he enjoyed it to.

Cannabis has been frowned upon by the so called "Babylonians" for so long now that I think people have bought it or are just plain scared. Theres nothing wrong being a smoker or a grower and people should be proud of it but our society makes this difficult.

The concept of "Coming out of the closet" comes to mind when I think of this. It is a term used to describe a persons disclosure of their sexual-orientation to people around them. It is a powerful concept as it involves risk and reward. There is a degree of danger because coming out can have both negative and positive consequences; the person must decide for themselves with much contemplation if it is the right thing.


The benefits of "Coming out" can be overwhelming...

No more shame or guilt.
No more leading a double life and no more trying to hide or lie.
A sense of empowerment, pride, and confidence about who you are.
No more fear of being found out.
Allows you to connect with others like you.
More satisfaction and fuller life.

I can't wait until the day when people can just be straight and tell people like it is without fear. It might be me, but it seems like people have gotten more and more private and distrustful of eachother. Unity is so important and awhile ago I read a poem gave me some inspiration:

"My Neighbor's Roses."

The roses red upon my neighbor's vine
Are owned by him, but they are also mine.
His was the cost, and his the labor, too,
But mine as well as his the joy, their loveliness to view.

They bloom for me and are for me as fair
As for the man who gives them all his care.
Thus I am rich because a good man grew
A rose-clad vine for all his neighbors' view.

I know from this that others plant for me,
That what they own my joy may also be;
So why be selfish when so much that's fine
Is grown for me upon my neighbor's vine.

-Abraham L. Gruber

I've always had a bit of an attitude of "I don't care what you think of me" , it helps.
Unfortunately the legal and social ramifications of "coming out" is what prevents many from doing so , there has been so much bull spread among the general public that many feel they would be looked down upon for being a "stoner"
The very word "stoner" has an image attached that really isn't deserved , the idea of some teenage oik with no ambition and fewer braincells is the most common stereotype.

I myself fail to see how anyone expects to make changes whilst hiding so deep in the closet that you may as well be in friggin Narnia.

Shout it from the rooftops "I'm a toker and PROUD" ! :cool:

I hear you man. Its funny I've met so many successful people that smoke and keep it secret from everyone including their own damn wife. Its a friggin shame I tell ya.

For those of us in CA we will see how the vote goes in November, it will be very interesting see the results/attitude of us people in CA. :)

Not holding my breath the new law will pass but it will be great to see what the yes/no split is going to be.

I'm not ultra paranoid about who knows what I'm up too. My neighbor is a hippy and he wants me to grow some on his land, he knows. Some in my family my friend, they know. I take precautions but I don't fear this like other's do. The one thing I did discover about having networks, is that you better make sure that your friends are at least as good as growers as you are. Otherwise you wind up having to give quite a lot away or listen to them bitch. Strains are the fuckign worst. You can lose friends over strains dude.

definetly

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AquaponicHerb

a lot like raising trophy-dogs, building custom cars, or producing that killer red wine that wins the awards.

I know I always loved cooking barbeque, sharing tomatos from the garden, or exchanging fishing stories with a neighbor I had growing up and he enjoyed it to.

---

I agree with you, but unfortunately too many people think that robbing your garden is an acceptable way of putting food on the table. Not so easy to steal dogs or custom cars, or re-sell them at top dollar for that matter.

I think legalization is really the only path, which means that most of the current cash croppers will be put out of business, whether from high taxes or large corporations pushing prices down. Now I digress, this is a topic for another thread :jointsmile:

Yes. I do want it to be legal although many dont. I think there would still be an opportunity for money if private growers specialized in advanced techniques or rare strains but the government is definitely gonna make theirs.

I love visiting other growers' gardens. Its so cool to see what people set up and see it in action, I mean its great to see pictures on here but nothing like taking the tour through the garden and really seeing what other people do.

Sometimes I do tell people and they are always interested to hear about "the grow"; a lot of questions and sincere interest. There is a huge pocket of people out there who are just completely in the dark about the legality of growing medicine.

If it becomes legal in Cali there will be a social revolution and the state may turn itself around from where its at right now. Other states will follow and soon even those gin-guzzling conservatives with their wives that eat valium like pez will have to give it up.

I agree with you aqua...

Been to a few outdoor sites of friends and its great to see other plants that other people take care of. Being able to discuss growing with someone else who is interested in person is amazing.

Sometimes when im talking with my friends I want to just tell them about it and wish I could show them... Growing beautiful plants is something one can be proud of but its a shame we cant share it.

I have discussed ganja with almost everyone I know , I don't fear honesty.
I have even asked the police officers who came to investigate a domestic violence call (neighbours a loony) what their views were on the cannabis laws here in the UK.

I am an educated adult with a mind of my own and I believe the only way to bring about change is through discourse.
I am doing nothing to be ashamed of.

absolutely

just tell me that's not your profile picture in real life. Because if it is, then...then...I just dont know what. My head would explode or something. That's from a movie isnt it?

You guys crack me the fuk up ! ..This page is so funny. No i know youz are
serious but everyone with their photos/comments make this place so funny !
AquaponicHerb is one ( of many ) whoz comments, i align with !
Zeff

honestly...the stigma with a number of relatives who still believe the garbage they learned in school has kept me from completely coming out about being a farmer. No matter what we do...the stigma will always be there due to the opposition wanting more money for their, "War on drugs."

The reality is...there are too many lobbyists for Big Oil, Pharma, Prison guard unions, etc...that are keeping this plant from helping the world become truly Green. I can't wait to discuss the campaign ads against Prop. 20 this year in California...and who is funding the opposition. Then the truth will finally be out.

Just my 2 cents!