Stoner Archetypes – How one’s interactions with weed changes over the years
I know some folks who have been smoking cannabis for more than fifty years and they consider themselves full-blown stoners who maintain a healthy relationship with cannabis. Anyone who has consumed cannabis long enough can attest to the transformative nature of the user and the relationship with the plant.
Of course – all of the ‘evidence’ I’m going to be presenting in this article will be highly subjective, but I’m certain that many of you seasoned consumers will affirm some of the norms I have observed over the years. Again – this may not be applicable to all people. I’m using norms, generalizations and assumptions based on my experience – however, potentially this article could spark a more nuanced analysis involving a larger number of people providing their unique perspective to the conversation.
Now that that’s out of the way – let’s get into it then.
The “Wandering Potential”
The first type of consumer of any substance I deem the “Wandering Potential” because in this phase of consumption the user and the substance has absolutely no previous experience. This means that this is the first interaction and will be a major factor in the future consumption of the plant.
A poor experience translates in associating cannabis with “unforeseen consequences” which then deters the user from continuing in the future. On the other hand, a wonderful experience would promote the idea of further experimentation.
You graduate from the “Wandering Potential” when you have reached the milestone of “buying your first stash”
The Stoner “Sapling”
Ah yes, you purchased your first sack. You’ve got a pipe, a grinder, maybe some papes – the stoner starter kit!
You’ve smoked enough to know that you enjoy weed. You get shit faced really quickly due to your low tolerance and your endocannabinoid system is waking up after a long streak of “low performance”. You now have a handful of experiences that you can refer to as enjoyable, you like cannabis – however, you’re not sure if you’re Always going to be smoking weed.
You’d have to at least smoke for a year, buying your own weed, trying out different strains, to be able to truly move onto the next phase of your journey.
The Vegging Stoner
After about a year of toking experience, you now have rolled enough joints, held many coughs and ripped many bongs. You know the value of weed, you enjoy it, you spend money on it, you have friends who smoke with you.
You are now a “Vegging Stoner” and because of your status, you know what that means.
During this phase you’re still experimenting with different ways of consuming weed, you’re still growing your roots and establishing your relationship with weed. However, you are certain you’re going to be smoking weed for the rest of your life.
Hell – you’re even thinking about growing some weed for your personal use…just to see what it’s all about.
You’ve got a list of favorite music to listen to when high, a few good stoner flicks – but you’re a bit preachy when it comes to weed. You want everyone to smoke weed, you’re a loud activist – you know your shit, but you sometimes talk a bit too much about weed that you sometimes seem like a “stoner” in the way that prohibitionists use the term.
A Flowering Stoner
Logically the next step, after about five years of continuous smoking and perhaps a few harvest under the belt, you’re now a fully-fledged stoner. Cannabis is a part of who you are, and it’s not a big deal.
To you, cannabis is like having a glass of wine or taking a pain med. It’s something you do, you don’t even think about it anymore.
Those around you know you smoke weed and they are okay with it because they know and trust you. In fact, many of them turned to weed because of you – you’re a beacon of wisdom when it comes to weed. You know grow tips, you know culture, history, you’re aware of many sides of the argument.
People look to you for advice, they trust your experience and consider you sort of their “Ganja Guru” on the low-key. They’ll probably never tell you that as well.
The Harvested Stoner
You’ve reached the epitome of stoner – think your Tommy Chongs, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Jack Herer, etc – these are the folks who have transcended the realm of personal stoner and impacted generations.
There are too many of these to mention but you don’t necessarily have to be a celebrity to be considered a “harvested stoner”. Rather, you have made such an impact that there are people who are growing weed specifically because of you.
For sure you grow your own weed, and a lot of it. You probably have some hemp clothes you grew yourself for shits and giggles.
You’re an icon…but you’re still Chill AF.
Which Stoner Archetype did I miss?
If you liked this article and would like me to expand on “Stoner Archetypes” drop me a line on Twitter @ReginaldReefer
If I missed any, let me know.
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