Let's Be Honest

Tristan Robert Lange


Notice of absence from Tristan Robert Lange
Hey friends, just a quick heads-up—I’m traveling with family the next several days and won’t be on consistently. I’ll check in when I can, but responses may be delayed. Appreciate the patience and support. I’ll be back soon. In the meantime:

Read 🤓 Write ✍️ Rock! 🤘🎸

—Tristan 🌑🖋️🧠🛤️
 
 
If it really is about
Safety
And
  Well-
 Being,
Why is it that
Cannabis is scheduled,
While alcohol can sit
Freely
On
  Shelves,
And propagandized
On the tube?
Why is it that,
Even where cannabis
Has
Been
Legalized,
It’s kept in vault-like
Dispensaries,
While booze sits
At twenty proof next to
Children’s toothpaste?
 
Let’s be honest,
Safety is not the issue.
Well-being?
An excuse to control:
 
Our ability to think,
Our ability to create,
Our ability to care.
 
If it numbs and dumbs,
It pours freely from drums.
 
You cannot control,
You cannot contain,
You cannot entrap
When you give slaves
Access to the keys.
 
So, let’s be honest,
The war on psychedelics
Is really a war on you,
On your autonomy,
And on your
Well-being.
 
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
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Comments +

Comments8

  • sorenbarrett

    A truth so clear that it stuns the mind but so ingrained that it is often overlooked. I was writing a related poem today but think in view of this one will put it off a day or two. This poem struck deep in my feelings not because I have ever used and in fact I have a drink or two once in a while but for the sake of justice and common sense. A fave

    • Tristan Robert Lange

      Thank you, Soren. Indeed, it is completely stunning. I don't mind sharing I am a medical cannabis user and use psychedelics (of which cannabis is) for therapeutic reasons. Thankfully there are legal ones that can be bought now, but that any are psychedelic is illegal is ridiculous. I am not saying than any substance is right for everyone, but there is ZERO reason for it to be scheduled let alone banned. Thank you for your time, thoughts, and fave. I am looking forward to YOUR poem now! 🍄🗝️🚫🔥🙏

    • arqios

      A very stirring and relevant write🙏🏻🕊

      • Tristan Robert Lange

        Thank you, my friend. Psychedelics have saved my life and I know countless other lives, but here we are still bogged down in legal stupidity. Speaking out and breaking the stigma is the only way to educate at this point, as I see it. Thank you so much, my friend, much appreciated! 🍄🗝️🚫🔥🙏

      • orchidee

        Erm, let's be honest about Obi and Popeye - noooo, not here! lol.

        • Tristan Robert Lange

          Hehehe! Yeah, I\'ll stick to the psychedelics! 🤣 Thanks for your read, time and support, Orchi! 🍄🗝️🚫🔥🙏

          • orchidee

            You're welcome Popeye, erm Tristan. lol.

          • Poetic Licence

            A very interesting write, posing worthy thoughts, enjoyed the read

            • Tristan Robert Lange

              Thank you so much, my friend. Your time, read and support are most appreciated! 🍄🗝️🚫🔥🙏

              • Poetic Licence

                You are very welcome

              • Tony36

                Excellent write Tristan

              • Salvia.S

                This is strong and clear. It shows how unfair the rules are and makes you think about who really benefits. Well written dearest Tittu!!!

                • Tristan Robert Lange

                  Indeed. It really does make one wonder. Thank you so much, dearest Salvia! I truly appreciate it! 🍄🗝️🚫🔥🙏

                  • Salvia.S

                    You are very welcome Dearest Tittu!

                  • Thomas W Case

                    Great point. Excellent work.

                    • Tristan Robert Lange

                      Thank you, Thomas! Much appreciated! 🍄🗝️🚫🔥🙏

                    • Cheeky Missy

                      Preach it, Mon! You've addressed in delicious eloquence what which of our beloved MPS poets addressed how few hours ago? Or, kick me, it was you, correct?! Either way, the war for our minds is crucial and the reason for TV and all other media, "social" or otherwise. What "pot" or "Mary Jane" does to the mind is a very serious matter. Liquor likewise manipulates the mind, etc. Allegedly the first is most damaging. Gorgeously rendered with excellent imagery and a driving, haunting poignancy. Thank you for sharing.

                      • Tristan Robert Lange

                        Thank you, Missy. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t me who wrote the other one, but I’m glad someone else is taking up the good fight! I’m an open book, so I don’t mind sharing that I’m a medical cannabis and psychedelics user. What I can offer is anecdotal, yes—but it’s also true: psychedelics have had a profound and positive impact on my life. I went from being a raging alcoholic to not drinking at all. I have zero desire to ever have another drink, which is good—because alcohol and I don’t mix.

                        Of course, I’d never claim that any substance is right for everyone. But I personally know many people like me—people for whom cannabis or psychedelics have been life-saving. And I know even more for whom alcohol has been a life-damning demon. One of my best friends is gone because of drunk driving.

                        So, that’s where this poem is coming from. I wouldn’t want alcohol banned just because it isn’t good for me. Some folks handle it fine. What I have found to be frustrating is that society rarely returns that favor to substances that, by all accounts, are far less problematic—if not outright beneficial.

                        Anywho, off my soapbox I go! 🤣 Thank you so much for your time, your thoughts, and your friendship. All three mean more than you know. 🍄🗝️🚫🔥🙏



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