I had tried marijuana several times, but in the words of my friend and longtime assistant Janet Stark, When I smoke pot, it makes me want to hide under the bed with a box of graham crackers and not share.
This quote highlights the very personal and varied reactions individuals have to substances like marijuana. For some, the experience can be relaxing or enlightening, while for others, it may evoke anxiety, paranoia, or a desire for solitude. Janet Stark’s description captures a humorous yet honest perspective—her inclination to retreat and indulge in comfort foods like graham crackers when under the influence. It underscores how cannabis affects people differently; what may be enjoyable or mild for one person could be overwhelming or unsettling for another. This sentiment is especially relevant given the cultural context of drug use, which can be fraught with stigma and misconceptions. On a deeper level, her words remind us of the importance of understanding and respecting individual responses to substances, especially in an era when legalization is becoming more common. It also hints at the human need for safety and comfort during altered states of mind—seeking refuge or engaging in familiar habits can provide a sense of security amidst unfamiliar feelings. At a broader societal level, such candid confessions challenge the often sanitized narratives around substance use and highlight the genuine, nuanced experiences people have. Her humorous tone humanizes her experience, dispelling the myth that everyone perceives drug effects uniformly. As someone reflecting on this quote, it encourages open dialogue about personal reactions to substances, acknowledging that everyone has their unique response and that these reactions can be both amusing and serious. It’s a reminder that laughter and honesty can coexist when discussing unpredictable aspects of human behavior and experiences with mind-altering substances.