THE NARCOTICS ISSUE
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
Karlyn Sykes
Aiyana Ishmael
COPY DESK CHIEF
COPY DESK EDITOR
A’nire Glenn
Kaiyah Clarke
ONLINE EDITOR
ONLINE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Osias
Kwame Manu
MULTIMEDIA EDITORS
PHOTO EDITOR
Alphonso Robinson Dekorey Hobbs
Yayri Hazell
FASHION DIRECTOR
FASHION ASSISTANT
Kathryn Lewis
Jayla Cash
ART DIRECTORS
PR ASSOCIATES
Malkia Peterson Destiny Crawford
Kalen Johnson Catherine Bryant
ADVISOR
Francine Huff
PRINTER
Gandy Printers
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Branielle Edmonds, Thai Floyd, A’nire Glenn, Naja Hardmon, Kwame Manu, Nya Ramirez, Kaviena Spencer
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sabrina DiGeorge, Dekorey Hobbs, Jerry Medireck
MODELS
Brianna Joseph, Jessica Kidd, Atreus Martin, Shukura Mckenzie, Mya Thompkins, Sarah Wedderburn
Copyright 2018 by Florida A&M University. All rights reserved. This issue of Journey magazine was produced by the student organization Journey with essential support from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. Journey is funded through the student activity and services fees, as allocated by the Student Senate of Florida A&M University. For more information on Journey or the Magazine Program, contact the Division of Journalism at 850-599-3379, 510 Orr Drive, Room 3078, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307.
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Waiting to Inhale
I
N THE LAST MONTH I feel like I’ve been hearing the phrase “full-circle moment,” more than ever. To me the statement is meant to encapture the genesis of life, the sometimes cyclical flow of growth, and the opportunity to look at where you are and shout “started from the bottom now I’m here,” and really mean that shit. My mom will tell you, I’ve always liked to be in charge. I was never overly assertive, but I somehow fell into leadership roles and learned quickly that I loved the trials and tribulations that came with it. When I first stepped foot in the Journey office and became acquainted with TyLisa–a former Journey Editor-in-Chief who actually hired me–I quietly knew I could do her job one day. Fast forward three years later when I’ve basically been set up to take on that role my senior year, and suddenly I was dreading it. Having been on staff for going on two years I knew the uphill battle of being solely responsible for this magazine, and I wanted no part of it.
But then something changed: my vision refocused and out of burden I suddenly saw opportunity. A chance to do things differently, a platform to be fully creative and really manifest my ideal publication with someone else’s money (a writer’s dream!) From a nightmare came a fantasy, a labor of love of course but maybe my purpose. I become disenchanted with print journalism almost a year ago, but here in this office surrounded by such talent and creativity and drive, I’m remembering why I chose this major. Media controls the narrative. So as a young black woman who has been trademarked as a “bougie hippie,” by some I felt that my voice and my attention to that of others could be my best asset. As head of this publication I could potentially bring about discussion and appreciation of what lies outside the mainstream and what may be even considered taboo–hence the drugs! We talk about the impact of narcotics and drug culture here and there but never has there been an entire issue dedicated to it in Journey history. 45 and gun legislation are of course important but they dominate media and leave little room for social and health issues that plague our country. This issue really isn’t about kush or codeine or Adderall or cocaine, it’s about awareness. It’s also about all the people who have helped me get here, fill in the gaps in creativity that I lack and simply do what’s asked of them. It’s about reshaping what Journey Magazine means for our generation. Hear me out, and if you don’t like what you see someone new will restore tradition back into this publication sometime next Fall. With this publishing of THE NARCOTICS ISSUE, one of my circles is complete. Now, a smoke break.
KARLYN SYKES
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
C
igarettes are ancient history. In the past five years alone, vape pens have taken their place and giving birth to an entirely new mainstream smoking phenomena and subsequent health epidemic. Vaping is “the act of inhaling
and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device,� as defined by CenterOnAddiction.org. The use of e-cigarettes and vape pens like the JUUL have become an increasingly popular amongst both adults and teenagers. Over the past decade, the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens have increased exponentially. While the age restriction on smoke paraphernalia remains 18, last September the FDA labeled teen vaping as a national epidemic. As early as next month the FDA plans to crack down on the number of vape pens and pods sold in gas stations and convenience stores in order to disinterest adolescents. The following graph illustrates the staggering rise of vaping as seen in adults around the world.
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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BY KWAME MANU
M
usic and drugs frequently go hand and hand–
A report from addictions.com shows drug
and have been since before our grandparents
references in music have steadily increased over
were born. Drugs have been said to allow musicians to create
through the mid-2000s.Although musicians make
a different energy performing then they would while
drug abuse seem fun and relaxing,
sober. The psychological effects of a drug have various
there are many consequences to indulging in drugs.
symptoms that can alter someone’s state of mind. Taking a peek into our history books it is revealed
Cyndi Goodwin, a licensed clinical social worker at A Better Way Counseling, details her experience
that before commencing their religious and musical
with patients with drug abuse. She says often people
ceremonies, many Native Americans would smoke
will turn to to narcotic relief due to trauma and
tobacco as an offering to their gods. Tobacco was the
faulty coping mechanisms. “They don’t know how to
connecting substance to Native Americans and the
deal with the feelings they feel inside,” Goodwin said.
spirit world.
“Then they use something to feel better and end up
Even in the early stages of music, drugs influenced
getting hooked.” Goodwin believes genetically, some
the direction of a composition. Artists such as Ray
people are prepositioned to be more susceptible to
Charles, Marvin Gaye and James Brown were known
addiction than others.
to use substances to aid their artistry. All three
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the past century, including a spike during the 1970s
In hip-hop, there are many artists who detail their
subsequently had their demons due to their drug use.
drug abuse through their music. Many glorify drugs,
They have been reported to have had abused drugs
never mentioning the consequences that will arise
throughout their lives which led them to their own
after extended use. In the past year alone, beloved
personal trouble.
rappers Lil Peep, Fredo Santana and Mac Miller, have
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
passed away from issues stemming from drug abuse,
in hip-hop before he passed away last January. He had
leaving behind friends, family and millions of fans.
been well known for his habit of drinking lean. Santana
As an unregulated street market, drugs aren’t
was reported to have idiopathic epilepsy.
guaranteed to be what a dealer claims. Both Lil Peep
“Hopefully I can be the face to sho n****s to slow
and Mac Miller were reported to have died from mixing
down an we got our whole lives ahead of us f**k being
a number of drugs, including fentanyl, an extremely
rock stars gettin’ high I got PTSD,” Santana tweeted.
powerful narcotic known to be in other drugs. Eventually, both of their deaths were ruled to be accidental. If celebrities are unaware of what is in the drugs they
“I feel like in this point in time it’s just the norm,” Aurielle Skipper, DJ for WVFS Tallahassee said. Paul Bros, executive producer of Rarestone Records,
consume, it is safe to assume that the average
appreciates the end results of an artists’ drug usage and
person will not know either. Even superstar
perceives it as a means to unlock new heights of self-
Michael Jackson, who was provided drugs by
expression. “I think that for me personally it’s hard to
a personal doctor, accidentally overdosed under
be like ‘I don’t like it’ because I appreciate music and I
his care.
appreciate creativity so much, if that’s what people feel
Last month, the Drug Enforcement Agency
like they need to speak on, I like that,” Bros said. “To me
(DEA) issued a report that alleged the drug
music is a way for someone to express themselves and
culture in hip-hop music was the reason
if that’s how someone feels at the time, more power to
why a 29-year-old woman overdosed from a
them.”
mixture of heroin and fentanyl. As shortsighted
Drugs have been synonymous with music throughout
as the government organization’s analysis was, it
recorded history. Artists
depicts what many believe: people of color
like everyday people
— note that this includes a majority of the artists in mainstream hip-hop — are a major influence in drug related crime and deaths particularly in urban populations. There are many reason for why someone
would
turn
to
drugs.
Self medicating is one issue. For
I appreciate music and I appreciate creativity.
have leaned on drugs during their lows and for creative direction. Likely some of your favorite
songs
was
made after a few too many drinks or post puff-puff pass. Yet, what
some it can be simply for recreation,
these artists and their
while others may not have positive
fans must not forget is
alternatives to maintain their mental
that celebrity does not equate to immortality. Addiction is
health. The American Addiction
a real consequence of drug use; just like that it can overtake
Center states that over 50 percent
ones life, career and craft. on
of people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are also fighting some sort of addiction simultaneously. Essentially, an artist coping with drugs are seeking short-term solutions with long-term effects. Chicago drill rapper, Fredo Santana, wantedtobethespokesperson of PTSD
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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a trip down memory lane S
moking, just like baking a cake, it turns out a little different each time you do it. When dabbling in drugs the environment, strain and
an individual’s mood can really dictate the high and the nights events after a session. Many people have embraced narcotics because it cocoons the in a false reality that they could only dream of. This escape as a result of drug intake is sometimes called a trip. While this type of out-of-body experience can be a bit overwhelming at times, once you cross back onto the other side it often ends up making for some of the best stories and wildest memories. We asked five people about their most hilarious and humiliating experiences while flying high!
B-40 BIRTHDAY PARTY
VICE: Birthday Cake Edible STORYTELLER: Sherrod T. “I was at a friends birthday party. The birthday girl was very high and drunk throughout the party, but towards the end she ended up chasing this guy around the party begging him to let her blow him. After the party, she was constantly throwing up. It was because she had a piece of cake that had weed in it, smoked a blunt and she was drinking some type of liquor all at the same time. She was so traumatized by having so much in her system that she did not want to sleep alone because she thought she wasn’t going to wake up.”
DROWNING IN DOPE
VICE: Gravity Bong (Marijuana) STORYTELLER: Aerion B. “The first time I took a hit from a gravity bong the feeling was so intense that I thought I would die so I took all my favorite selfies from my camera roll and sent them to my cousin. She didn’t know it but I sent them because I wanted her to use those pictures for my obituary. During that smoke session, I knocked over a cup of water and I proceeded to lay in the puddle. My cousin, who was also high for the first time, was screaming in the background ‘Save my cousin! She’s drowning!’even though I was lying in a puddle of water from a plastic cup. While I thought I was in a pool, I was also screaming, ‘It feels like midgets running through my body!’”
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • October 2018
A RIDE ON THE OG KUSH ROLLERCOASTER VICE: Cannabis STORYTELLER: Asia K.
“One night me, my two cousins and one of their friends went to the boyfriend’s house of one of my other cousins to smoke weed. My cousin and her boyfriend went into the room and left me, my other cousin and her friend in the living room. The friend goes outside to sit on the stairs. Next thing we know, she is screaming and crying so the rest of us jump up off the couch and go outside to have her scream at us ‘Tell my grandma I’m sorry!’At that point we are confused so we ask what she is sorry for and she says she can’t feel her legs or breathe. We try to get her up to have her walk it off and calm down but she is holding on to the railing for dear life saying she was on a rollercoaster with her eyes closed so tight. She wasn’t moving or saying anything for a few minutes. Then all of sudden, she starts screaming and crying saying she wanted to get off the ride but she didn’t want to fall off. She kept saying she was sorry and that she didn’t want to die and that she was going to be good from now on. Then she started confessing intimate secrets. Next thing we know, the police arrive saying a neighbor had reported a noise disturbance!”
WEED AND WATER JUST DON’T MIX VICE: Cannabis STORYTELLER: Joslyn W.
“I went over to a friend’s house to smoke blunts. There were three of us there. The friend whose house we were at begins panicking after 30 minutes after we started smoking saying her mouth was dry. So my other friend brought them a bottle of water. Instead of drinking the water, they forgot how to and ended up pouring the whole bottle over their head!”
A HEMP HEART ATTACK
VICE: Cannabis STORYTELLER: Nanci Symond “About five years ago, I decided to smoke with my friends for the first time. After about 20 minutes in, I start feeling weird. The only thing that I could think of is how they say when you have a stroke, your arms start tingling and going numb. I had this crazy pulse going up my arms. So, I panicked and called 911 because it honestly felt like I was having a heart attack. The ambulance came and took me to the hospital. On the way, I was really starting to freak out. I started going delirious and singing, “This Girl is on Fire” by Alicia Keys. I had my family come to the hospital thinking something was wrong for real. They ran so many tests just to tell my parents that I was high because I had smoked weed. So my family was mad at me because I had racked up a huge bill from the hospital and didn’t have insurance!”
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • October 2018
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HERBAL HEALING
Why the benefits of natural medicinal herbs and medicines deserve to be in the medical conversation. BY NAJA HARDMON
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
S
ince the dawn of modern medicine we have looked to doctors to heal the sick. From broken bones to common colds we have never been too far from a solution.
But some seem to have forgotten the root of all these cures: mother nature herself. Before vaccines and anesthesiologists, there were plants and tribal healers. This history is generally unknown, so maybe it’s time to have a proper discussion about the numerous medicinal healing options available before you book your next trip to urgent care. Naturopathic or natural medicine can take a number of different forms, but at its core it is a divergence from traditional medicine and seeking healing from alternative sources. Naturopathic. org defines it as, “ a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process.”
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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Naturopathic medicine is included but not
“What approach mentally are you going to take to
limited to botanical medicine, acupuncture, therapy,
heal yourself,” continued Ahmeh-El. “Are you going
crystal healing,nutritional medicine, minor surgery
to continue to take pharmaceuticals which don’t
and a variety of other alternative healing methods
heal you but just prolong your death, or are you
Going rouge when it comes to ones health practices isn’t always an easy transition. Skepticism about alternative medicine is warranted, and to be expected.
going to try to eliminate the disease and terminate the problem with healthy food and herbs?” It is not news that pharmaceutical medicines often come with a long list of side effects; yet for a headache we quickly will
“We have a lot of young
call out for a Advil or turn
people in college who are very interested in changing their lifestyle, changing their eating habits and changing what they consume but a lot of times they just don’t know
where
to
begin,”
said herbal specialist and farmer at iGrow Frenchtown Community Farm Sundiata Ahmeh-El. Luckily, natural medicine has been somewhat normalized so that access is not as
Healing the self is a key element to the practice of holistic health and utilizing natural alternatives.
intangible as it has been
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to the family doctor for a prescription. Naturopathic medicine isn’t a homemade hoax, there are trained physicians specializing
in
natural
medicine who are just as qualified as your age-old pediatrician. As opposed to turning to the conventional doctor, naturopathic doctors exist to give holistic advice and offer alternatives to popping pills.
in the past. Apothecaries or alternative medicine
Healing the self is a key element to the practice
shops are not uncommon in many metropolitan
of holistic health and utilizing natural alternatives.
cities, including Tallahassee. Drinking tea, using
As opposed to focusing on the “one cause” approach
oils, and eating fresh foods have been popularized
to illnesses that modern medicine aims for, the
as essential parts of “wellness,” in the media and are
natural route is founded on the principle that the
now much more commonplace holistic practices.
mind and body are connected.
The problem for most is not knowing what
“When dealing with plant-based medicine, that
natural medicine is, but not recognizing the full
means that you have a direct relationship with the
power natural medicine can have on the body.
earth, the soil, the plants, and animals,” Ahmed-
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
El said. “It’s important to return to the earth and
In it he states that modern medicine is a key
return to that healing because that’s what our
factor in helping us all live a little longer. Thanks
bodies were designed for.”
to the invention of penicillin, quick access to
Julia Randolph, a certified master herbalist and owner of herbal-based beauty store Jubilee Beauty, believes that over the past few years minorities are increasingly displaying a more vested interest natural approaches to wellness. “I think people of color are slowly starting to come around because they don’t trust the doctors as they are. To try the natural aspect and do things naturally, it’s more their thing. I think it’s coming around a little bit,” Randolph said. With its expansive history, it is no surprise the
that penicillin, and overall acceptance of medical chemicals like penicillin our life expectancy has increased more than 40 years from 1940. Modern medicine has done a great deal in healing, but too many fail to recognize the source of ingredients for this medicine and how it can sometimes deteriorate your body’s natural defenses. The earth holds just as much healing power as a Tylenol capsule and it’s time to realize all options available. So when you catch a funny feeling, don’t be shy to turn to natural sources for some healing.
natural community has claimed cures for almost every health epidemic known to man including cancer, HIV/AIDS, the common cold, and sore muscles. “Learning what the basic herbs are and learning what you can get your hands on easily can help rebuild all the things your body needs. They make you look younger, stay younger, feel younger and keep your blood fueling through your body,” said Randolph. An appreciation of naturopathic alternatives to medicine is not meant to invalidate the crucial importance of modern medicine in the development of civilization and vastness of global health. There is no denying this fact. This is validated by
Sundeep Mishra’s study
“Does Modern Medicine Increase Life Expectancy?”
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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BY NYA RAMIREZ
ne evening in Wakulla, FL, a seven-year-old boy by the name of Josh Kincaid was at a party surrounded by his best friend’s father, friends, marijuana and alcohol. Kincaid desired to
uncover the mystery behind alcohol and began to “experiment” during the party. He had his first alcoholic beverage at the age of seven. After experimenting at an early age, his addiction for drugs began to grow. Josh Kincaid has been to seven rehabilitation clinics since he was 13 and is currently being treated at A Life Recovery Center in Midtown Tallahassee.
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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It is no surprise that he started drinking at a
environment for Allbaugh, so at age of thirteen he
young age especially being exposed to it heavily
moved out and began working at fifteen. Allbaugh
as a child. “Substance abuse also appears to be
shared that he suffers from drug and alcohol
highly transmissible from one generation to the
abuse, and believes his father played a role in his
next,” says K.C. Pears, who has conducted a study
addiction.
on substance use risk across three generations. In early childhood, it is easy to be influenced by those in the environment because a child is still learning right from wrong. If a child observes its family and peers using a substance, he or she will
As a result of alcohol being easily accessible to minors, it has paved the way for others to use it on a regular basis. “It doesn’t really lead you to it, but it opens the gate to have access to other
around; however, since he was
Substances abuse also appears to be highly transmissible from one generation to the next,
little he spent most his time
- K.C. Pears
most likely want to use that substance as well. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), more than 10 percent of U.S. children live with a parent that abuses alcohol. Kincaid‘s father was not
around his best friend’s family on
the
weekends. In
drug it’s a lot easier to get,” said Robin Staton, a drug court coordinator addiction counselor at A Life Recovery. These days alcohol is readily available to minors through friends, family, or even nice strangers on the street who will buy alcohol in exchange for a tip. According to the American
this
environment, Kincaid was exposed to different substances and friends dealing with addiction. “They were smoking weed and stuff, but I didn’t know what it was. I pretty much copycat what they were doing,” Kincaid explained.
Addiction
Center,
alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the United States with marijuana coming in second. Most people explain that after trying alcohol it leaves them curious to try other substances. But with it alcohol being so readily available
client at A Life
and drinking being deemed as an encouraged
Recovery Center, recalls his dad as an avid drinker.
social norm, how can a person identify if they
His father’s drinking created an unhealthy living
deal with alcohol addiction? Staton explains
Heath Allbaugh, a former
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drugs, because alcohol is a legal
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
there are different types of drinkers; for
isn’t projected on letting up any time
example ones who drink every single day,
soon. Alcohol, though less regulated than
or others who only drink on the weekends.
many other substances, is highly addictive;
According to Staton, even if a person only
unfortunately, genetics and family history
abuses alcohol on the weekends, they are still
can predispose you to contracting the
considered addicts because they can’t stop.
addiction. However, it can be treated and
“If you’re the last man standing in your group of friends, you know everybody else is done, but you want to keep going. You need to take a look at that, because you probably have an addiction,” Staton explained. In the city of Tallahassee, it’s no secret that most college students engage in some form of alcohol use throughout their college
there are a number of ways to seek help with personal addiction or assistance with a loved one battling alcoholism. A Life Recovery center offers many intensive outpatient support groups for drug addicts such as alcoholics anonymous, narcotics anonymous and other resources that aid in helping people get over addiction.
career. According to the National Institute of
If you’re having trouble overcoming
Health, one in four students report academic
addiction, you can contact A Life Recovery
consequences from drinking such as missing
Center at 1-877-630-0562.
class, falling behind in class or doing poorly on exams. It has become a fad to engage in drinking alcohol at most college functions including football games, pep rallies, social events, fraternity/sorority functions, etc. According to the NIAAA, drinking at college has become a ritual that students often see as an integral part of their higher education experience. Alcohol is one of the most commonly used mind-altering substances that cuts across all genders, races, religions and cultures. It has been ingrained into the lifestyle practices of American society since its genesis and
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gone girls Party girls aren’t meant to sit still. They’re forever making a sweet escape from the scene, leaving a trail of glitter and mischief in their trail. Meet the Gone Girls: where elegance meets ecstasy in this golden glamour and cocktail dresses steal the limelight everytime.
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
STYLED BY Kathryn Lewis Jayla Cash PHOTOGRAPHED BY Sabrina DiGeorge Dekorey Hobbs ON SARAH Lulu’s Dress, ZARA heels, Banana Republic bracelet, Model’s own earrings
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
ON SHUKURA I Am Kouture Dress, ZARA heels, Banana Republic bracelet, H&M earrings, BCBGMAXZRIA necklace
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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ON JESSICA I am Kouture Dress, Steve Madden heels, Jord Watches watch, Riley Rose headband ON MYA I am Kouture Dress, Dillard’s watch, Forever 21 earrings
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
ON SHUKURA Pretty Little Things Dress, ZARA heels, Banana Republic bracelet, H&M earrings, BCBGMAXZRIA necklace
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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FLOYD BY THAI
Y
oung adults are impressionable and are constantly
“I started using it when I had a test that was going to
surrounded by peer pressure. This can be found in
make or break my grade,” Taylor said.” I was so nervous that
making new friends or maintaining a good social
I couldn’t focus on anything.
standing. Even if they normally wouldn’t, using drugs is included in the realm of peer pressure and allows a person to believe that taking on life will become a little bit easier. According to addictioncenter.com, college students are a large portion of drug abusers. They most often use drugs to enhance their academic performance. Stressors that can affect college students involve heavy course loads, homework, studying and working. These stressors then lead to a lack of focus as well as emotional and mental health issues. As a solution, students are starting to take “study drugs” to help them relax and balance their collegiate lifestyle. One of the most popular study drugs amongst students is adderall. This is a prescription medication that is normally used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD ) and Narcolepsy. The drug increases your focus and helps you pay attention. Taylor, a student studying sports management at Tallahassee Community College, works up to 35 hours a week as a bartender. Using adderall on a daily basis allows him to stay awake and focus while in school.
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
I would look at the material and freak out, so then one of my friends gave me some and I ended up getting an A.” Most of the time Taylor works, but when he does get a day off he uses the full day to recuperate. “Dealing with distractions and fatigue from working and going to school, I just take Adderall and drink coffee which ultimately leads to remaining focused the whole time,” Taylor said. Taylor, a student studying sports management at Tallahassee Community College, works up to 35 hours a week as a bartender. Using adderall on a daily basis allows him to stay awake and focus while in school. “I started using it when I had a test that was going to make or break my grade,” Taylor said.” I was so nervous that I couldn’t focus on anything. I would look at the material and freak out, so then one of my friends gave me some and I ended up getting an A.” Most of the time Taylor works, but when he does get a day off he uses the full day to recuperate.
“Dealing with distractions and fatigue from working
While taking these drugs alleviates stressors for many
and going to school, I just take adderall and drink coffee
college students, healthcare professionals do not recommend
which ultimately leads to me remaining focused the whole
it. The short-term and long-term effects as well as the
time,”Taylor said.
possibility of overdosing are still associated with drug use
Taylor relies on adderall only when he has assignments that need to be done in a timely manner because they improve his performance as he is working. “I take these just to enhance my performance in school, I wouldn’t use them recreationally,” Taylor added.
in any capacity. Recreational use of these “study drugs” may also lead to addiction. Tracy Clark Bass, a registered nurse at Central Florida Regional Hospital, advises that if a drug is not prescribed to you then do not buy it off the street. There is a risk that the drug can be laced meaning it is mixed
“It makes you fidgety, makes your mind race when you’re not using it for something and that isn’t a good feeling just to have.” And while Taylor reasons that his use of adderall is only for homework completion, the question arises of whether his dependency could lead to a real addiction. Trinity, a psychology student at Florida State University, uses adderall in a slightly different way than Taylor.
I take these just to enhance my performance in school.
“[Adderall] has helped me focus. Smoking relaxes me which is why I use it the most. It can also make you too relaxed which is why you have to be aware of how much you take,” Trinity said. Trinity admits that the use of adderall and weed has become a regular routine for her to complete school work. “My grades have improved and I have a system of how I do things,” Trinity said. “Adderall gets the job done and
or cut with other drugs that could harm you. “Stimulants increase the energy level in our brains, they eliminate the need for sleep and even appetite sometimes, long term use of Adderall can lead to the loss of our ability to experience things without chemical support,” Bass said. Bass
also
emphasized
that
recreational drugs, over time, may create a dependency on those drugs. This could lead to the user having
a high tolerance for the drug, however, the cravings will still be there. The user might feel like they need to heighten the drug dosages in order to feel a suitable high. The consequences of this are increased health problems or fatal overdoses. In the moment, popping pills and using drugs might be fun, but the long term effects could hinder your life in the future.
then marijuana brings me back down so that I am able to get back into a normal rhythm.”
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
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WE(ED) TH BY A’NIRE GLENN
M
of the Un
arijuana is known by many names: cannabis, weed, Mary Jane or your mom’s favorite, “the devils lettuce.” Although many Americans indulge and promote marijuana use, it is important to note that not all
50 states are all not down with the legalization cause. Tolerance of growing and smoking marijuana is different throughout the states. Some places are more lenient and vary from allowing recreational to medicinal use. Recreational use as defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary states that it is “a drug used without medical justification for its psychoactive effects often in the belief that occasional use of such a substance is not habit-forming or addictive.” Contrastingly for medicinal use of marijuana users must qualify under state guidelines in order to receive a permit where they can purchase legal medicinal cannabis from certain dispensaries. Glaucoma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s or diseases that cause chronic pain or nausea often qualify for use of medical cannabis; however, these guidelines vary greatly from state to state. Although some people think that recreational means free smoking anytime and anyplace without consequences, there’s fine print to how it can be used and where. Most businesses and housing complexes may still forbid smoking inside their facilities. For example, Governing.com explained, “Vermont became the first state earlier this year to legalize marijuana for recreational use through the legislative process, rather than via a ballot measure. Vermont’s law allows for adults age 21 and over to grow and possess small amounts of cannabis. However, it does not permit the sale of non-medical cannabis. Some other state laws similarly decriminalized marijuana, but did not initially legalize retail sales.” Recently, following the 2018 Midterm elections, Michigan became the first state in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana while North Dakota voted not to legalize marijuana in any form. Still not quite seeing the big picture? Well we broke down the degrees of legalization of marijuana in the U.S. state by state–this may come in handy when planning you next road trip, you’re welcome!
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
Alaska
HE PEOPLE,
nited States
Legal
Legal for Medical Use Legal for Limited Medical Use Not Legal
Hawaii
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • October 2018
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
29
plug
BY BRANIELLE EDMONDS
plug
MEET THE
MEET THE BY BRANIELLE EDMONDS
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JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • October 2018
30
define a “typical drug dealer.”
with your homeboy or homegirl who aces every quiz and is heavily involved on campus. You probably wouldn’t
suspect that he or she knew where to get drugs from, let alone is the plug.
The reason why women and men become drug
C
dealers has evolved over the years. What started off as
the broke and struggling project kid who makes a way for themselves by getting in the game of drug dealing, has now turned into regular people choosing to sell drugs for added income. The latter type of dealer has completely
by their threads, swagger or color of their skin, in the end it’s quality
comes in all shapes and sizes.As a rule of thumb, don’t judge a dealer
cartel leaders. Being a drug dealer is one of the many careers that
neighborhood thugs, white college students nor are they all hispanic
There is no set in stone image of a dealer. They aren’t all black
“A lot of these people are my friends and don’t mean any harm,
they’re just trying to make sure everyone is good,” Canady said.
of service that really matters.
the two parties.
“I found it strange and funny how people could look
at me in my cop uniform and speak, dap me up and go
drugs for added income. The latter type of dealer has completely
all different occupations.. You can be sitting in a class
dealer at one point during his career.
of drug dealing, has now turned into regular people choosing to sell
On a college campus like FAMU, there are many
people from different walks of life, and subsequently
Damon Miller, a Tallahassee Police Departments
Public Informations Officer went undercover as a drug
project kid who makes a way for themselves by getting in the game
seamlessly with the stereotypes that plague society today.
who you expect it to be.
evolved over the years. What started off as the broke and struggling
student, Jordan Canady said. His perception fits in
drug dealer. In fact, they could be the exact opposite of
The reason why women and men become drug dealers has
carry what they need to carry,” Florida A&M University
It’s safe to say that the cliché saying, “don’t judge a
book by its cover” is befitting for identifying the typical
on about their day,” Miller said. “They even did the same when I dressed up with my white beater, messy dreads, and weed in my socks. They had no idea!”
The relationship between a drug dealer and buyer is
similar to going to the same hair salon and doctor’s office for years. Relationships, trust and the promise of the “hook up” are what bond the two parties.
“A lot of these people are my friends and don’t mean
any harm, they’re just trying to make sure everyone is good,” Canady said.
There is no set in stone image of a dealer. They aren’t
all black neighborhood thugs, white college students nor are they all hispanic cartel leaders. Being a drug dealer
is one of the many careers that comes in all shapes and plug.
someone who wears all black, long, drapery clothing to
the preppy school boys.”
suspect that he or she knew where to get drugs from, let alone is the
“I like to think of a drug dealer as a low-key person; someone
statuses, personalities, clothing and swagger making it impossible to
them to be, but they have varying races, values, socioeconomic
They are not all black or latinx as the hollywood as largely pictured
This isn’t a realistic description of most drug dealers in 2018.
1990’s Oldmobile Cutlass or a custom colored truck that sits on 24’s
Jordan’s on his feet. All while driving around in an old thugged out
wears the cleanest clothing with the most recent pair of
‘strap’ that has been popularized by tv and black film. He
a stereotypical gangster-like male who carries around a
“I like to think of a drug dealer as a low-key person; What do you imagine? For many it’s some variation of
lose your eyes and in your head picture a drug dealer.
drug dealer.”
A drug dealer by definition is someone who sells illegal drugs.
and swagger making it impossible to define a “typical
said. “On my campus and people who I know deal are even
every quiz and is heavily involved on campus. You probably wouldn’t
values, socioeconomic statuses, personalities, clothing
who wears all black, long, drapery clothing to carry what they need
community.
largely pictured them to be, but they have varying races,
Relationships, trust and the promise of the “hook up” are what bond
during his career.
drugs. They are not all black or latinx as the hollywood as
waves,” Florida State University student, Prince Dezulme
You can be sitting in a class with your homeboy or homegirl who aces
A drug dealer by definition is someone who sells illegal
to going to the same hair salon and doctor’s office for years.
in 2018.
with golds in their mouth, wild dreads, or short cut with
different walks of life, and subsequently all different occupations..
This isn’t a realistic description of most drug dealers
The relationship between a drug dealer and buyer is similar
Cutlass or a custom colored truck that sits on 24’s
culture automatically see [dealers as] young black males,
On a college campus like FAMU, there are many people from
driving around in an old thugged out 1990’s Oldmobile
beater, messy dreads, and weed in my socks. They had no idea!”
know deal are even the preppy school boys.”
with the most recent pair of Jordan’s on his feet. All while
“A lot of people outside of the African American
today.
by tv and black film. He wears the cleanest clothing
said. “They even did the same when I dressed up with my white
could be the exact opposite of who you expect it to be.
carries around a ‘strap’ that has been popularized
black community.
perception fits in seamlessly with the stereotypes that plague society
variation of a stereotypical gangster-like male who
cop uniform and speak, dap me up and go on about their day,” Miller
dealer. What do you imagine? For many it’s some
to carry,” Florida A&M University student, Jordan Canady said. His
“I found it strange and funny how people could look at me in my
Informations Officer went undercover as a drug dealer at one point
Damon Miller, a Tallahassee Police Departments Public
It’s safe to say that the cliché saying, “don’t judge a book by its
cover” is befitting for identifying the typical drug dealer. In fact, they
student, Prince Dezulme said. “On my campus and people who I
mouth, wild dreads, or short cut with waves,” Florida State University
“A lot of people outside of the African American culture
automatically see [dealers as] young black males, with golds in their
disembodied the first narrative that still lingers in the black
C
lose your eyes and in your head picture a drug
sizes. As a rule of thumb, don’t judge a dealer by their threads, swagger or color of their skin, in the end it’s quality of service that really matters.
disembodied the first narrative that still lingers in the
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
31
Love. Sex. Dream BY KAVIENA SPENCER
R
We make love under pretty lights, LSD (Acid) I get a feelin’ it’s a trippy night Them other drugs just don’t fit me right Girl, I really f***n want love, sex, dream. apper A$AP Rocky crooned these lyrics over the psychedelic,
into a deeper sleep then gives you the power to dream more clearly,”
mellow beat of his hit song “Love.Sex.Dreams.” Though Rocky is
Smith added..
no psychologist, his vivid illustration of the marrying of drugs and
Marijuana depresses your nervous system which means it slows down
intimacy are not off base from the influence narcotics can have on
your brain function. This explains why many users become tired shortly after
our sex hormones. When it comes to drugs being used as aphrodisiacs, many people tend
to have adverse opinions. According to a study conducted by SexInfo.Online,
is common narrative for many, weed can have negative effects on one the Rapid Eye Movement or REM sleep cycle.
I know I dream a
a scholarly article hosted by the University of California Santa Barbara, some
An important function of REM sleep is being able to relive experiences
couples feel closer to their partners when they narcotize inhaled substances
from the day before. During this type of sleep, unconscious action, as well as,
before engaging in sexual intercourse.
hyper-focused memory can occur.
I think about her
Some users claim that marijuana fosters a greater
Dr. Hans Hamburger, a former somnologist and
bond between partners and facilitates a more beautiful,
neurologist at Holland Sleep Research, explains. “By
open connection.
smoking weed, you suppress the REM sleep, and with
The study also reveals the cons of mixing drugs and sex stating, “...Some partners find that under
I 'm ridin' 'round
that, you also suppress a lot of important functions of that REM sleep,”.
the influence of cannabis they tend to lose focus or
Recreational smoking is an occasional indulgence
internalize their thoughts; as a result, they tend to
for some and for others a ritual practice that can greatly
emotionally distance their partners instead of bringing
impact ones sensory experiences.
them closer.” Younger male users suggest that weed stimulates an increase in their sex drive and performance. Jordan Smith, a second-year business administration student from Atlanta, believes that smoking heavily hurts sexual performance.
Kion Bufford, a first-year Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities student at FAMU, shares,“It gives off a good vibe, some people laugh a lot when they’re high, some people just rather be high in case they regret wherever they go.” “If you are going to something artistic or a concert, I feel like smoking
“I feel like if you are a heavy or a constant smoker that it negatively affects
weed, zones you in on what’s going on and gives you a wider perspective,”
your performance because of your slow stamina, but honestly I don’t think it
Smith added.“But, if you’re going to a party or a something like that, it more
has that much of an influence otherwise,” said Smith.
so calms you. You feel like you are going to have a good time.”
Contrastingly, a study from liveabout.com reports that 75 percent of
In many ways we are all chasing a high. Whether accessed through illicit
participants reported an increase in how long they lasted in their sexual
drugs or more legal means, it is hard to deny the immense impact that
encounters when they smoked marijuana beforehand.
marijuana and other narcotics have had on our physical being and intimate
Marijuana does not only influence a person’s sex life, but it can also affect the dream sequence. Studies have shown that dreaming can suddenly intensify after smoking dope. “I think smoking interferes with your dreaming. I think it makes you go
32 1
inhaling the smoke. While the sensation is a deep sleep most smoke sesh
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December October 2018 2018
relationships. Every action comes with a reaction and the same is to be said for drug intake. While psychoactives can elevate sensory experiences to new heights, they also have their fair share of drawbacks. Whether you choose to part-take or leave it to the thrillseekers, the most important thing is to stay informed and engage responsibly.
STRANGE strains BY: KWAME MANU
Fact:
Not all weed is created equally. What many fail to realize is that there are hundreds of marijuana strains that exist in the world making it easy to confuse the many wonky names
and options he or she has to choose from. The type of plant and cultivation process dictates the shape, color and texture of ganja resulting in unique effects. This is important as bud is suited for a certain setting while others may not be. So whether you’re in for a soothing laid back night or ready to discuss existential issues there’s a strain for every type of night. These are just some of the few strains of weed that can have beneficial uses for the right person.
Indicas
Sativas
Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating,
Sativas tend to provide more invigorating, uplifting
perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap
cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity,
before bed.
social gatherings, and creative projects.
Hybrids Hybrid strains contain a mix of sativa and indica genetics. Depending on their lineage, can take on
GREEN CRACK
characteristics from both strain families.
This name itself is likely to leave beginner cannabis users reluctant to touch the strain, however, its
PURPLE KUSH
properties are still natural, yet incredibly potent.
Known for its deep, purple hue of leaves, is an indica
This fluffy-textured strain fights fatigue, stress and
known for its stress-relieving properties. Its effects
depression and is reported to keep one’s energy at a
are known to be long-lasting and decrease one’s pain,
working pace throughout the day as opposed to other
stress and sleeplessness. This strain is ideal after a long
types of weed. Credit-hour-cramming students look no
day of class, meetings, or nagging professors.
further the Green Crack, this strain could be a match
GSC (GIRL SCOUT COOKIES)
made in heaven.
This is the Migos’ most referenced strain of weed. GSC is a hybrid that gives the user both body and cerebral highs, leading to feelings of happiness and euphoria. Those with severe pain, nausea or appetite loss can rely on this strain to reverse their woes.
BLUE CHEESE
SOUR DIESEL
Although it appears nothing like it’s name, the plant’s
Sour Diesel has been considered a favorable pick for
dense, green buds have been reported to alleviate
medical patients. The benefits bring euphoric, happy
stress, pain and depression. It provides users with a
and energetic feelings to the user in exchange for their
relaxed feeling and calms down muscle spasms and
stress, depression and pain. Its name derives from its
stress. For ladies, this is your preferred strain when
odoriferous smell similar to gasoline. Like the rapper,
cramps gets out of control.
Daddy Yankee once said, ‘Dame mas gasolina.”
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
33
G
The Secret Life of a Black Girl on Blow rowing up in Miami, FL, I’ve always been overexposed to the lifestyle the city has to offer.
but my white friends knew this was only the beginning.
The first time I ever tasted alcohol was at my best
My squad and I bought a bag of cocaine for our group
friends family party in sixth grade: Jell-O shots were the
and blasted ‘Toxic’ as our anthem all summer long. We
main attraction. Me and my bestie snuck into the kitchen
took Vince–our code name for coke–everywhere. Late
one at a time grabbing two for each other. We’d make sure
night adventures, beach sunsets, movie nights and
to rearrange the plate perfectly so that we’d never
parties, Vince was always by our sides.
get caught.
When my friends went back to college that fall
The first time I blacked out was junior year of high
I thought I was safe. But once again I fell victim to the
school at a party rightfully labeled ‘Cloud Nineteen.’
white powder and agreed to what would end up being my
Strippers, endless amounts of alcohol and security
final coke straw.
making sure the cops wouldn’t intrude was the making of a normal house party for us Palmetto Bay kids.
On Thanksgiving night after we’ve all celebrated with our respective families, we plan to meet up at someone’s
The first time I got high was senior year of high school.
house for Black Friday shopping. The designated driver
I was hanging out with my ‘That 70’s Show-esque’ friend
is assigned–yes there are still parts of our safety we care
group –if Mila Kunis’s character was a 17-year-old black
about–and we wait for 11 o’clock to hit so that we can
girl, of course.
head over to Dadeland mall.
This all led up to the ultimate peer pressured stunt coaxed on to me by my wild group of caucasian besties.
Everything seemed to come full circle that night as we played the notorious Toxic by our queen Britney and start
It was the summer of 2017. May 13th, the first day my
using that blow. We’re on the verge of having the night of
entire high school squad is together after a stressful first
our lives when just our luck we end up running into every
year of college. Some would say we we’re living our best
teacher, student and security guard from our high school
life, sipping on mixed drinks on my best friend’s older
at the mall.
sister’s balcony in Brickell.
From the millions of questions about college to the
Toxic by Britney Spears begins to play when my best
drawn out explanations about future plans, I’d never felt
friend’s older sister slips out her makeup compact and
so stuck in a time wrap. The level of paranoia we faced
just like we’re in a coming of age movie: she politely grabs
ruined any chances I’d ever have of doing coke again, not
the baggie of cocaine, whips out her 2017 Mercedes Benz
to mention my nose had taken a beating. After that night
key and takes a bump.
I knew Vince and I needed to break up, for good.
That was when I knew I was dealing with the real-deal Miami party-goers. She then walks up to me first, as if I was destined to try cocaine. I’m hesitant and immediately say no. She then yells, “Don’t be a wuss, this is the best environment for you to try it.” My friends start cheering me on, all I can picture is my black mother running towards me with her belt, but I say “YOLO”–how fitting–and take a bump.
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I’ve now done cocaine and thought it was behind me,
JOURNEY MAGAZINE • December 2018
And when asked why I didn’t want a line anymore I found the most Miami excuse I could think of. “I gave it up for Lent.” It works every time.
-A