Bisexual, Isabella Giorgio………………………………………………………………………27 Blunt, Maysun Arcand

Blunt (noun): Blunt

Maysun Arcand

Refers to smoking marijuana/cannabis in the form of a cigar. Typically, a blunt can be rolled using tobacco leaf wrappers or the tobacco from inside a cigar is emptied and replaced with marijuana/cannabis. The importance of the word blunt in relation to the study of adolescence and health has transformed over time with generations and means something different to each. Focussing particularly on adolescence today, blunts and marijuana use in general holds a different tone. With marijuana/cannabis recently being legalized in Ontario to people of age (19 and older) and not to mention the tremendous growth in dispensaries all over the province, accessibility has been less of a hurdle and the activity itself has been more openly accepted within society and is less taboo. With that being said, smoking blunts for recreational purposes which tend to be the more popular reason for their use and often the reason to start amongst adolescence has become less taboo and almost a stereotype or cultural norm associated with this generation. It has taken part in becoming an activity to participate in that is socially fueled and brings people together; forms this sense of community. Now this isn’t to say that blunts are not used on a solitary basis and it is important to also address some of the reasons as to why youth smoke aside from recreation and what affects this may have on their well-being and development. Marijuana use amongst adolescence can often be associated with a method to relieve stress and anxiety, a way to feel better, a way to help with social connections, etc. Other times it is just the feeling that it provides that can keep youth participating in its use, but this is where consistent and regular participation becomes problematic to adolescent health and overall well-being. Marijuana/cannabis is often referred to as the ‘gate-way’ drug and to a degree this holds some validity. Due to its increased accessibility, adolescence are more exposed to trying it and picking up the habit of smoking which can transform into an addiction or form a dependence that could be masking an issue and possibly contributing to it rather than addressing its source. The word blunt is related to youth’s health and well-being because it is a word that is used and associated so heavily with mental health and although often it is only seen as a recreational drug, it represents something more to adolescence which may also be unconscious. Mental health has become more recognized and acknowledged over the past couple of decades and is being recognized as a crisis within society that has also heavily affected youth in ways that we are becoming more aware of. Smoking a blunt is a way of coping, it is a way of connecting, it is a way of growing up, it is a way of healing, it is possibly the only way some youth know how to help themselves and it may also be an easier solution to an issue they are experiencing. A blunt represents a community, it represents a dire need to address and provide resources to youth and that support them in navigating mental health and their overall well-being. A blunt is also a part of youth pop culture and has found its way into the realm of “cool” and what it means to be a young adult navigating the world and themselves. In pop culture, a blunt represents a “vibe” that is associated with peace, relaxation, a way to numb oneself from reality that is ‘natural’. It is the symbol of a carefree mindset and given the atmosphere of today’s society and all that takes place in the world, a blunt presents itself as an attractive escape. For about 10$/gram, the almost guarantee of a new perspective and momentary escape seems to be too good of a deal to pass up. Throw on some music, lay back, spark the blunt, and let it take your mind somewhere beyond right now.