Cannabis: A Dads surrender and A Grandfather’s acceptance

by Brittiany Ralls

Starting on my journey to finding an Okie that has had a conversation with their Dad or Grandfather about cannabis and its now legalization has proven to be difficult, to say the least. It seems that the common backstory for a lot of Okies, is that they actually learned about cannabis from a dad or grandpa!

How lucky are all of you, having such a large group of an older generation that is cannabis friendly.

With It being so difficult to find some one to interview, it led me to realize that it makes a lot more sense as to why cannabis went legal in Oklahoma so quickly. There has been a lot of support for it, for a long time. But, not all of us have had the opportunity to learn from someone we would trust like a dad or Grandpa.

Which sometimes left a lot of us learning from friends, acquaintances, and siblings. This is where I learned about cannabis and then was able to become much more versed by being given the opportunity to work with cannabis in Colorado. Since moving back to Oklahoma I’ve been able to speak with both my grandfather, my dad and my husband’s dad about cannabis legalization and its medicinal benefits. 

As a child my family was very against “drugs” especially since my family was very religious and grew up with very religious ideals themselves. Not really leaving much room for discussion about anything “drug” related. I was a good kid and I always wanted to do right by my parents and grandparents so I never even tried cannabis until I was eighteen years old. Which I used here and there until I moved to Colorado, where it was legal and I felt more safe to consume.

Once gaining a job in the industry, I was more bold in speaking with my dad and grandfather about my use and why I use it.

When I spoke with my father about cannabis the first time, he wasn’t necessarily for or against it. Growing up in a time and an area where cannabis users are persecuted to the fullest extent didn’t make my father even want to try cannabis. Now living in Texas, where it’s still not readily available to a variety of patients, leaves him not wanting to be open to the possibilities of using for medicinal purposes.

When we chat about our lives it’s not a big deal at all to talk about cannabis and what it has done for me and my family. Which is nice compared to how things used to be when I was younger. 

Upon moving back to Oklahoma and the fact that it just became legal, allowed my grandfather to be very open with me about his interest in cannabis for the past few years. My grandfather had worked as a flooring installer his whole life after being in the military.

Leaving his body worn from all the hard labor. As a child he had a hardcore stance against any intoxicating substance. Before I was born my grandfather struggled with alcohol addiction and was able to stop using and has been sober for a very long time now. So this is something he takes very seriously.

So I was very surprised at him being so open with me about his interest.

The more I learned about what prescription medications he was taking the more I understood his interest. Getting up there in age and not being able to afford surgeries he needs he is left with pain management options. After so many years of trying to manage his pain, his doctor seemed to be left with no choice but to start prescribing medications like Fentanyl.

Leaving my grandfather worried of his addiction issues from the past and prompting him to seek other options like cannabis.

He even spoke with his doctor about cannabis being an option, and was told that if he started using cannabis his doctor would take him off of his pain medications. Thus leaving my grandfather with less options. When my grandfather told me of the situation I recommended he get another doctor. 

Just the fact that my grandfather was willing to come to me and be honest about his situation fills my heart with hope. Hope that through understanding and patience that my father will see the benefits also. It’s not always easy for the fathers and grandfathers of older generations to admit when they are in need. This used to be a sign of weakness. Maybe in the future it will be signs of strength.