Let's Be Honest

Tristan Robert Lange

 
 
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 +

Comments9

  • 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! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

    • arqios

      A very stirring and relevant write๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ•Š

      • 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! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

      • 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! ๐Ÿคฃ Thanks for your read, time and support, Orchi! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

          • 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! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

              • Poetic Licence

                You are very welcome

              • Tony36

                Excellent write Tristan

                • Tristan Robert Lange

                  Thank you, Tony! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

                  • Tony36

                    You're welcome

                  • 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! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

                      • Salvia.S

                        You are very welcome Dearest Tittu!

                      • Thomas W Case

                        Great point. Excellent work.

                        • Tristan Robert Lange

                          Thank you, Thomas! Much appreciated! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

                        • 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. Iโ€™m pretty sure that wasnโ€™t me who wrote the other one, but Iโ€™m glad someone else is taking up the good fight! Iโ€™m an open book, so I donโ€™t mind sharing that Iโ€™m a medical cannabis and psychedelics user. What I can offer is anecdotal, yesโ€”but itโ€™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 goodโ€”because alcohol and I donโ€™t mix.

                            Of course, Iโ€™d never claim that any substance is right for everyone. But I personally know many people like meโ€”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, thatโ€™s where this poem is coming from. I wouldnโ€™t want alcohol banned just because it isnโ€™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 problematicโ€”if not outright beneficial.

                            Anywho, off my soapbox I go! ๐Ÿคฃ Thank you so much for your time, your thoughts, and your friendship. All three mean more than you know. ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

                          • NafisaSB

                            you have fully nailed it in your verse - agree whole-heartedly

                            • Tristan Robert Lange

                              Thank you so much, my friend! Sorry for the delayed response, but glad to be back! Thanks for your time and feedback! Always appreciated! ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ™

                              • NafisaSB

                                no need for apologies - i myself have to ensure i find time to respond asap though sometimes it's quite a challenge.
                                have a beautiful weekend

                                • Tristan Robert Lange

                                  You too!



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