Now in this time i forward wit a small reasonin jus mi thought as mi draw mi fire..

Ganja
Tampee
Lamb’s Bread
Collie
Weed
Sensimilla
Brain Food
Conscious
I-shense
Cess
Marijuana
Herb
Gods Plant
Pot

i was meditating upon the the use of herb an the connection with brethren of Rastafari (or those who like to call Selassie name) I sat down chanting on the essence of my fire. It ran through my mind, Ras Tafari has become synonymous wit 'weed culture' and 'potheadism' and i look on my fire and try to overstand why.
The criminalization of the herb has forced its status into becoming a novelty that ones get excited by the very thought of its presence. Often I am faced with questions from persons like 'Yow iyah weh di weed deh?' or 'mi know seh a u mus have di boom draw a weed'. Truth is, them probably right, i probably have a potent portion of herb which could blow you mind if you are looking to get a high. ‘Mi also have a bag full a scallion and onion fi season up you food well good to’, so why not the requests for my other bounty? Ganja is a grain of salt in the ocean of medicines incorporated into a healthy way of living. (With regards to this healthy way of living, wanton use of ganja as a euphoric drug is not part of my idea as a constructive use). The 'tampee' can be used for so many things other than just smoking it and getting inebriated. As a matter of fact, smoking and getting 'stoned' is quite counterproductive. If the Ras Tafari elders spent most of their time in a state of intoxication, conscious reasoning would have never been allowed to develop, their wisdom would have been lost in a cloud of smoke. This is by no means saying that the elders did not actively use the herb because they did and do continue to use it. However it is important to look closely at the degree and manner in which it is used. If used in moderate proportions and at reasonable rates, it has the potential to heighten ones awareness and 'observe that unheard voice of reason'. On the other hand, it could also be over indulged in and result in a state of debilitation (STONED).

Time has shown us the downfall of many who misunderstand and then in turn misrepresent the use of the herb. Whether it be they received a false account or teaching of the Ras Tafari intention of the herb, they themselves have assisted in the propagation that weed is 'THE' Rasta culture. Such occurrences are almost impossible to prevent as obscurity has and possibly will continue to enshroud the name of Ras Tafari, what we can all do as a collective people is take the knowledge we have and put into effect a responsible attitude towards our cause so when we see folly at hand we can teach and not condemn.

What we can teach is that the Ras Tafari way is an earth-based movement, uplifting the blessings from the soil. All things produced of this soil are essential to the existence of Ras Tafari and not just the Cannabis. Personally i enjoy eating whole foods like potatoes, yams, dasheen, cassava and a host of other ground provisions. I also enjoy the fruits of the tree as they give me the nourishments i need to survive. The oranges, mangoes, tam brine (mi tree deh inna season so gi Jah tanks an praise) provide me with refreshing nutrients which i need to start my day. Anyone who knows me personally knows that bananas are a vital part of my diet. I consider banana the miracle plant, sometimes when i am on the move and need a quick break, i actually sit and meditate on a banana. No i dont smoke the banana, but as i eat it i give a prayer of thanks which basically is a meditation of gratitude and joy this food is bringing me. Grains and nuts provide me which the essential proteins(not my only source) i need for energy and development. They prove to be healthy snacks and i choose them any day over a pack of potato chips which have been through so many processes that i can not even spell some of the 'ingredients'. I often wonder how related are they to original potatoes. As mentioned earlier, the contemporary herbs are part of my cuisine. Scallion, peppers, garlic (one a mi favorit) and onions help to make a usually bland meal exceptionally tasty. To add reason to the cause, a fair amount of ganja added to food could make an interesting surprise depending on your taste preference. Its distinctive bitter taste may be a deterrent to some but satisfactory to others. As my journey continues, I learn new ways to maintain a healthy wholesome diet and little by little remove the undesirable products that offer little or no value to my overall well being.

I am not encouraging anyone to break the law for I know there are dangers surrounding the use of the Herb, and so again I say be discreet in your use of it and be observant, I am as vulnerable as anyone else here and face the challenge of overcoming the laws which prohibit its use. It is then important that we keep a sound mind and our awareness not be oppressed. If ganja proves to be the oppressor of your awareness reconsider its use and its effects on your body. Another thing to note is that smoking as a habit in itself is harmful to ones physical health and increases the risks bronchial dysfunction, as I type these words I meditate upon my own actions and consider them heavily. So as I deliberate I can be assured that there are many other means to enjoy the Herb as well as other Herbs of this life. For Jah gave us EVERY herb of the earth bearing seed, for us it shall be meat, not just the ‘lamb’s bread’ for man shall not live by bread alone.

Selah
Tariq Kamau