darnold1975

Common Myths About Suicide

“When you feel like giving up, just remember why you held on for so long.”

-Hayley Williams

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk about some myths regarding the topic of suicide. I was first exposed to suicide at the age of thirteen. One of my friends and classmate committed suicide when we were in the eighth grade. As a child, how do you manage that? I can tell you that among all of the major events in my life that has changed me in some way, the day that I lost my friend to suicide will always rank high on my list. I think, though, that the biggest impact for me was how our teachers and school administrators dealt with the situation.

I grew up in the 1980’s when child and adolescent mental health was rarely recognized. And, honestly, my generation was sort of left with the attitude of “figure it out yourself.” Situations that left gaping wounds were merely glossed over. And so, me and other friends and classmates turned to a life of addiction and suicide. As a teen who was being abused daily by a teacher, and the complete lack of protection from the adults, I was forced to just “figure it out.” I did it in total “self-preservation mode.” The behaviors that I developed were not healthy, but they were there when no one else was.

In the 35 years since my friend’s suicide, I have lost a lot more friends. And sadly, I have built walls all throughout my life that continue to help me through my pain. The one thing that has seemed to resonate through the years is how religion constantly attacks those who have been through the most. And I grew up being marinated in the ideology that suicide was “selfish,” “a sin,” “immediate condemnation to hell,” “the easy way out” and the most “self-centered” act known to man. 

A lot of the “indoctrinating messages” I was raised to believe, life made me realize how very untrue and damaging they are and will continue to be. I have been on all sides of suicide. And from a personal standpoint, those beliefs couldn’t be any farther from the truth. Below are a few common myths regarding suicide.

Myth 1: Talking about suicide increases the chance a person will act on it.

Fact: Talking about suicide can reduce rather than increase suicidal ideations. It improves mental health related outcomes and increases the likelihood that someone will seek treatment.

Myth 2: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.

Fact: People that die from suicide have often told someone about not wanting to live anymore. And it’s always important to take it seriously. In my own family, these statements have rung true. Or most often, those statements are ignored.

Myth 3: Suicide can’t be prevented.

Fact: Suicide is preventable but unpredictable. Most people have experienced intense emotional pain, hopelessness and a negative view on life and the future. Suicide is a product of genes, mental illnesses and environmental risk factors. Intervention can and does save lives.

Myth 4: People who take their own lives are selfish, cowardly or weak.

Fact: People don’t die of suicide by choice. The emotional pain that they experience makes it difficult to consider different views. Have you ever turned a gun on yourself? I have.

Myth 5: Teenagers and college students are the most at risk of suicide.

Fact: Suicide rates for that age group is below the national average. The age groups with the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. are women 45-64 and men 75 and older. Suicide is a problem among all ages and groups.

Myth 6: Barriers on bridges, safe firearm storage and other actions that reduce access to lethal methods of suicide don’t work.

Fact: Limiting access to lethal means of harm is one of the most straightforward strategies to decrease the chances of suicide.

Myth 7: Suicide always occurs without warning. 

Fact: There are almost always warning signs before a suicide attempt.

Myth 8: Talk therapy and medications don’t work.

Fact: Treatment can and does work. I don’t agree with big pharma for many reasons. I guess, though, “life over limb.” Lives are saved with both therapy and medication. Therapy has saved my life for many years now. But finding the right one to work with can be taxing. Most people who are in the helping profession do help rather than harm (mayoclinichealthsystem.org, 2025).

Myth 9: You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide.

Fact: 1 in 5 people have thought about suicide at some time in their life. Not all people who die by suicide have mental illnesses at the time they die.

Myth 10: People who are suicidal want to die.

Fact: The majority of people feeling suicidal do not actually want to die; they just want the situation they’re in or the way they’re feeling to stop.

Myth 11: Most suicides happen in the winter months.

Fact: Suicide is complex and not just related to seasons or the climate. Suicide is more common in the spring and a noticeable peak on New Year’s Day.

Myth 12: You can’t ask someone if they’re suicidal.

Fact: Evidence shows that asking someone if they’re  suicidal could protect them (Samaritans.org, 2025).

Myth 13: Strong faith prevents suicidal thoughts.

Fact: Many deeply religious figures including biblical figures have experienced suicidal thoughts. The misconception that strong faith eradicates mental despair is false. Faith doesn’t guarantee protection from difficult emotions and struggles.

Myth 14: Suicide indicates a lack or abandonment of faith.

Fact: Suicidal ideation is viewed from different perspectives. Suicide does not inherently mean that someone has abandoned their faith.

Myth 15: Fear of religious repercussions is a sufficient deterrent for suicide.

Fact: For some maybe the fear of divine punishment can be a factor. However, many faith communities emphasize grace and forgiveness, even for those who die by suicide. And personally, I have rarely seen grace and forgiveness on this topic.

Myth 16: Religion or faith alone is enough to prevent suicide.

Fact: Studies show inconsistent findings regarding the protective effect of religious affiliation on suicide risk. It is crucial to understand that faith alone is not a guarantee against suicide and should not replace professional mental health interventions when needed (https://pmc.ncbi.nim.nih.gov, 2025).

I hope at the very least that some of the myths regarding suicide have been explained. My own personal suicidal feelings have been dismissed the majority of my life. And no amount of “bible beating” has ever helped. It has only made things much worse than they already are. And some of the statements made disguised as “help” by family members, are not help. The statements are just toxic. Saying that you have “x” amount of years living and never considered suicide isn’t helpful. Please don’t play therapist when you’re not one.

Put harmful judgments in the trash where they belong. Love and appreciate those that you love. Because it can all change in an instant. Quit making “their” suicidal feelings about “you.” Because it’s not. And always remember, “Just because someone has a smile on their face doesn’t mean that they’re not suicidal.” Thanks for reading! As always, take what you can use and leave the rest.

Affirmation: I am overcoming depression one step at a time.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Purple Rain Strain Review

“The biggest killer on the planet is stress, and I still think the best medicine is and always been cannabis.”

-Willie Nelson

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today’s strain review will be on the strain Purple Rain. This is another “purple” strain as we continue to bring awareness and prevention for those who are touched, in some way, by suicide. Purple strains are usually dark and indica, which is right up my alley. As with most strains, there is typically more than one terpene profile depending on the genetics. This was the one that I tried.

Purple Rain is an indica-dominant strain and a cross between Chemdawg x Purple Candy Kush x OG Kush. Just looking at the “plant family” genetics, I know that both OG Kush and  Chemdawg are strong and dank fuel taste between the two. And Purple Candy, I assume is a sativa because of the Candy.

This strain I wasn’t sure would be what I needed. On inhale it definitely tastes like a typical purple strain with that “hazy” taste. And for me it acted like a hybrid “creeper” strain. But then that Purple Rain began falling down on me and by the end I was so faded. 

Patients report relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. And I agree. Terpenes in this strain are Limonene, Caryophyllene and Linalool. Probably on of the reasons that the effects came on slower, even at 26% THC. Myrcene is the terpene that can give you that hard “couch lock.” But I have to admit that this is still a nice strain.

Affirmation: It’s called CANnabis not CANTabis.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Suicide Awareness And Prevention Month

“This life. This night. Your story. Your hope. It matters. All of it matters.”

-Jamie Tworkowski

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Thank God, we have made it through most of the hottest months of the year. September is another sticky, humidity filled month before the beginning of the cool down. September is also Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. I know, it’s another upbeat topic. I think that the topic of suicide shouldn’t be taboo. It’s an unfortunate dark part of nearly every culture. And, yes, it has also affected my life in many ways which I’ll share.

Suicide has always been referred to as “the easy way out,” “selfish action,” a  “total disregard for friends and family,” and the most hurtful “a sin.” And it’s really easy for people to throw out opinions that help no one when they are struggling. That is minimizing their pain and abuse.

Having been not only a patient in the mental health system for the majority of my life, and working in the mental health field as a professional, I have also seen and been on most sides of this problem. People are so quick to judge what they don’t understand. And, sadly, suicide is a topic that tends to be discussed in judgment versus with compassion.

I have been chronically suicidal since I was a teenager. I was being abused and put on display for others to see for an entire year in school. I was also locked in a closet in that same room while being verbally abused in any way imaginable. I tried to tell adults about what was going on. However, I was made to feel like it was my fault. This helped the teacher to further perpetrate her abuse. My parents also made me apologize to her for comments that I made to her. But as their child, I was not protected by them or the administration. I was in a difficult situation without the possibility of brighter days ahead for the future.

My suicidal feelings got the best of me one day at school when I took forty aspirin. I had no idea, at that time, that it wouldn’t work. But the thought of continuing one more day at the hands and mouth of s purely evil woman was more than I could deal with. My parents were called and made aware. Nothing was ever done. I was never provided with any kind of help. Maybe it was the “standard” of the late 1980s. I was not given the emotional support to sort out my trauma. 

What I did begin doing was self-harm. I had no idea what it all meant, at that time. But I knew that it made things better even if for just the moment. As I’ve stated about my family’s dysfunctional dynamics, I was told just to make it through the year and everything would be fine. It wasn’t. Yes, the abuse ended. But I was not fine.

By my freshman year in high school, I was “balls to the wall” in addiction. Addiction that presented itself in drugs, alcohol, eating disorders and self-harm. The strongest addiction being self-harm. And 35 years later, it continues.

The depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations never subsided as I was told. One day I finally told my mother that had I had access to a weapon, I was going to kill myself. Instead of offering help, of any kind, I was met with anger and told that I was being selfish. My thoughts were anything but selfish. I was hurting in ways that no one knew. And no one seemed to care. So, I suffered in silence for many years.

As a child/teenager when traumatic events occur, your mind goes directly to self-preservation. You do whatever you can to either tolerate the darkness or end the pain. Meanwhile, the trauma of life continued at a level that no one is capable of dealing with alone. My next real relationship was abuse that lasted 14 years. And again, I felt trapped.

If you don’t understand the concept of Pavlov’s dogs, then you don’t understand what it’s like to be held mentally captive while the world sees your situation with an easy out. And the sad part about it, is that they think that you deserve everything you get because you don’t just leave. My parents attributed all of the chaos of that relationship as being something that religion could fix. So, we got involved in church. If anything, the abuse got much worse because now his weapon was a Bible that he read and used as justification that I should be “submissive” to his every demands. Mentally, I was trapped again without any way out. And my self-harm was not about survival. It was about making the pain end. 

I would reach a mental breaking point and would stand out in the front yard where we lived and pointed a gun at my chest and pulled the trigger. The strange part was that I seemed to be witnessing rather than taking an active role. I watched that whole event as a spectator. I don’t expect you to understand the power of dissociation. Most people, in fact, are very ignorant about it. Again, I was met with anger from my mother. She kept saying, “Hush! Hush! Do you want to go back to Pine Grove?” That is the local mental health facility. And at that moment all I needed was compassion. But again, I faced anger and judgment. I wasn’t trying to “take the easy way out” or be “selfish.” I just wanted the pain to end. And everyone seemed to lose sight of that reality but me.

The bullet went into my shoulder only a few inches from my heart. And even hospital staff treated me as though I was taking up space much better suited for someone else. Self-harm became a way of life for me. It’s been there when people should’ve been there. But self-harm doesn’t always mean “suicide attempt.”  And this is a very sore subject among family members. But I sit as an outcast by my family who want nothing more than the family name to not be tainted by abnormality. They acknowledge that bad things happen. But they just want it to disappear and to quit bringing shame to the family name and instead just move on with life. But the biggest factor, is that they don’t want to be perceived as “parental failures.” It’s still all about the reputation of the family.

 People that is not how trauma works. And saying, “We just didn’t know how to help you” is “shit”of an excuse. I was a child when it began. You were in the position to help protect your daughter and you didn’t. Remember, the part of the story where I said, “Just make it out of the 8th grade and everything will be better.” It’s 35 years later and it’s not better. It has crippled me as an adult. And has stolen my hopes and dreams. And I still deal with suicidal ideations on a daily basis. Those never went away either. So, I guess feeling like a “burden” to those who say that they love me but treat me as such will forever be the unhealthy narrative. I’ve asked them to do therapy to help with our relationship. But again, it’s of no importance. And the unspoken belief that I’m unworthy continues.

I wrote this blog to say this, “Quit making someone’s struggle with suicidal thoughts and actions be all about you. You are not helping anything. You only make it worse.” Simply say to them, “Your thoughts and beliefs are valid. Let’s find some compassionate help that will help you thrive. Throwing Bible verses in their face is not helpful. Telling them that they will go to hell is not helpful. They are already living in an emotional hell. 

This is not rocket science! Just don’t be an asshole as a rule of thumb. I have been in the position of being the last one to talk to a person moments before they completed suicide. I can tell you this, “I’m not mad at that person. I don’t condemn their actions. I don’t say, “Well I guess they’re in hell now. How selfish of them.” I simply say, “I hate that they were in so much pain that nothing anyone said could break through the cloud of despair.”

Until you’ve been in that position, you have no idea how strong emotions and thoughts are. And if the person felt like they had exhausted all of their means of trying to end the pain in an acceptable fashion, then they see no other way out. Judgmental comments about, “well, they didn’t seek out every source of help” is you seeing in from your perspective only. If you can’t see it from their perspective, you’re one of the lucky ones. Thanks for reading! Take what you can use and leave the rest.

Affirmation: I’m always healing and never alone.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Tink And The Rubber Band

“Cat fact: Once you own a cat the probability that you bring up cats in conversation increases by 200%.”

-@mickeyandmort

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to share a short story that I wrote a few years ago. It involves my cat Tinkerbell. Sometimes you just have to take time out to thank the universe for giving things a second chance. This was one of those times.

One night I visited my parents who live no more than 60 ft from my house. I stayed over there for maybe an hour and came back home. My cats never miss a chance to greet me at the door like I’ve just returned from a 21-day furlough in Denton, TX. And they meow like they haven’t been fed the entire time. They do this because when I go to the store to pick up my groceries, I always bring back a snack for them. Therefore, every time I leave and come back that means that they have a new treat. (Yes, I have created this situation, and I hate myself for doing it.) but after ignoring their cat woes they will eventually settle down and find a place to sleep or breakout in an all-out sprinting and body slamming each other which is another little love language behavior. Not paying attention to anything but the movie, I look and see Coco beginning to settle down in her rocking chair. Tink was quiet and out of view. This means the same thing as it does for a toddler, trouble.

I get up and start looking for her. Then I heard what can make me sit straight up in the middle of the night, the sound of a cat vomiting. I flip the light on in the kitchen and realize that Tink has her back to me. The closer my hand gets, her growl lets me be aware that she is trying to hide something from me. Again, I can see that she’s chewing on something and gagging even more. I decided to go in even if I need a rabies shot soon after. I go in for the kill and stick my hand into the dark bracing myself for her angry bite. And I feel something that is not her and yank quickly. All I can do is shake my head. She was trying to swallow a rubber band. She darts out quickly. I angrily shout, “Dammit Tink you could’ve died!!!!” She scurries under the bed and out of sight. I take a deep breath knowing how lucky my sweet, crazy girl was in this situation. I clean the mess off the floor. I take another deep breath. And turn the light off. I look for her frantically to find her sound asleep on the bed and I whisper, “Thank you, Universe.”

Thanks for reading! Never forget to thank the universe for the little gifts that it blesses you with. Keep smiling! 

Affirmation: I have the power to get in trouble for no good reason.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Forbidden Runtz Strain Review

“Let us burn one from end to end, and pass it over to me, my friend.”

-John Lennon

 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I’m going to review the cannabis strain Forbidden Runtz. I know, the name had me curious as well. This strain is like when you meet someone and they’re all sweet initially. And then there’s some kind of stink that surprises you at the end. That’s what this little “sweet and stinky” little “twink” is all about.

The lineage for this strain goes like this. It’s a cross of Cherry Pie x Tangie. Let’s look at this a little deeper. The “grand” genetics for Cherry Pie are in one version Grandaddy Purple x F1 Durban Poison. And that’s where the “indica” presents itself genetically. Tangie is a cross of Tangerine Dream x Skunk #1 x California Orange. I’ve had several of the strains that are in this lineage that are very enjoyable. This strain has stink all through it, but the Runtz soften the taste for those that don’t like diesel taste. 

The only advice I have for using this strain is “Sit down and get comfortable” for a few minutes and then you can leave. I began taking small tokes because the flavors are all over the place. Initially you get the sweetness of the Runts. And then on the back end comes a little sour fuel taste. The major terpene is myrcene with is associated with pain relief. This strain is still not the strongest that I’ve ever smoked but I still score it at above a 4 on a 5 scale.

This strain for me is a “total package” from beginning to end. The flavors are all over the place. And when concentrating on deciphering all those, you are getting absolutely ripped. I can’t complain about this strain. Tell me what you think. Keep smoking. Keep smiling. And continue moving forward. 

Affirmation: I love the way cannabis makes me feel about myself.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

The Girls And Self-Care

“When I feel bad, I just look at my cats and my courage returns.“

-Charles Bukowski

 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to discuss and let you see how the girls’ practice self-care. It’s such an integral part of staying both mentally and physiclally healthy. And I have tried to impress upon the them the importance of this concept. I will take you cat by cat to prove that they have grasped the idea of the importance of self-care.

COCO

Spread out and give yourself room
Get plenty of rest.
Feel your feelings and stay safe.
Find a safe place

Tinkerbell

Make new friends
Do yoga.
Eat a good old fashioned snow cone.
Exercise

Make sure you get plenty to eat.

Piper

Find healthy outlet for your anger.
Stay nice and warm.
Stay hydrated even if it’s your momma’s drink.
Ask for what you need.

AND ABOVE ALL….PRAY!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this blog. Always remember that self-care isn’t a chore. It’s a necessity. Keep smiling!. And keep reading!

Affirmation: I choose to relax and enjoy the moment.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

What Are The Streets Saying? Lean

“My lean cost more than your rent, ooh (it do)

Your momma still live in a tent, yuh (brr) “

-Lyrics by Lil Pump’s song “Gucci Gang.”

 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to discuss a drug concoction known as “Lean.” And how very dangerous it can be.

What is Lean? Lean is known as “purple drank,” “sizzurp,” “dirty sprite” and is a very dangerous addictive mixture of prescription-strength cough syrup, a soft drink, and sometimes hard candy  and sweeteners due to the unpleasant taste. The main ingredient is codeine which is an opioid. The misuse of codeine can cause a person’s heart rate and breathing to slow leading to an overdose and possible death. And it’s even more dangerous when combined with alcohol or other drugs such as benzodiazepines and Phenergan. High doses can cause hallucinations, vivid dreams, or nightmares. And can cause both physical and mental dependence .

Lean came on the scene in the music industry with such artists as Justin Bieber, Lil Nas and Three 6 Mafia in Houston, Texas. You can buy codeine over the counter in some countries (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com, 2025). However, in the United States, it can only be bought with a prescription. And with the crunch on doctors prescribing opioids, they syrup is more difficult and more expensive buying it on the street. Cough syrup that contains codeine usually costs between $250 and $800 per pint. Premade Lean on the street sales for up to $1000 per pint (https://www.arkbh.com, 2025).

 The precise number of lean specific overdoses and fatalities are not known. However, there are risks that must be considered including:

 I’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve never tried lean. I was one of those kids who always ran and hid when it was in liquid medicine form. If it was in pill form, there is a high likelihood that I would’ve used and probably gotten addicted to it. Thanks for reading. Take what you can use and leave the rest.

Affirmation: You are in charge of your life story.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Devil’s Den Strain Review

“Smoke the marijuana and get high. Stay above the wicked and fly.”

-Snoop Dogg

 Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Nothing says August heat in the south like a description of the devil. Like whenever you leave your house in the morning, you step outside, and it feels like the devil just farted in your face. So, for this strain review we will be looking at one called Devil’s Den.

Devil’s Den is an indica-dominant hybrid that is a cross of Devil Driver x Apple Mints. The grand genetics in Devil Driver are Melonade x Sundae Driver sativa-dominant strain. Apple Mints is an indica-dominant hybrid strain that is a cross of Apple Fritter x Kush Mints. This strain acts more sativa than indica. And is a great strain to have on a lunch break that won’t cause “couch lock” like heavier indicas.

This is not a bad strain by any means. I’m just a very heavy indica user. When the southern heat and humidity get you down, grab some of this flower and take time out to remember the beauty of the season. And knowing that there are fewer hot days remaining than when we first began. 

Terpene profile on this flower is Linalool and Limonene. It works great for aches and mild pain, depression and stress. Again, not too heavy. And if you like hybrids it’s almost a true 50/50. However, there is the lean towards the sativa side where I would place it more 70/30a dominant. Thanks for reading! Keep smiling. Keep laughing. And keep blazin’!

Affirmation: I smoke my weed and mind my business.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Tink and Coco’s Hide-And-Seek Troubles

“Cats choose us; we don’t own them.”

-PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. I know lately I’ve been storming the door with some hot topics. So, I thought that I would take time out to talk to you about some of my cat parenting woes. Tink and Coco are my girls, and I love them dearly. But one thing I have come to notice is how they suck at playing the game “Hide-and-Seek.”  I had finally reached the end of my rope while suffering in silence over this. And I had to just breakdown and get a “Hide-and-Seek” tutor. Do you know how difficult they are to find?! 

When I’m finally brave enough to ask a tween to help explain the concept to my children in a way that they can understand, I have to face my fears and tell them that my children that have the issues are not “technically” human children. They are my cats. They begin laughing hysterically. Not the cats. Coco and Tink are horribly embarrassed and are not grateful for my efforts. The child that has empathy for our situation prefers to remain anonymous.

Ok, I’m going out on a limb, while swallowing my pride, to show you the reasons why I had to get a tutor for my cats. Below are a few examples.

Tink: Psst! guess who?

Coco: Tink you have to put your ears down dummy.

Tink: you big idiot! You just gave away my hiding place!!!! Ugh!!! She wouldn’t have noticed!! I hope you get a dingleberry the size of a tennis ball!!!!

I understand that their recovery is “a marathon, not a sprint.” And I ask for your prayers for the three of us as we continue to work as a family, to continually face our fears to help Tink and Coco with their deficits in playing a simple game that is shared and played throughout all cultures and regions of the world. And how one day we can bring awareness to other cat families about how we can learn to live unaggressive and how to enjoy “family time” comfortably again in the near future. Thanks for your support as we struggle!

Affirmation: I am perfect enough.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife 

darnold1975

What Are The Streets Saying? Salvia Divinorum

“I never experienced anything in its natural state that was as shocking as salvia divinorum.”

-Jim Woodring

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk about a product that I tried many years ago, Salvia Divinorum. It was a legal hallucinogenic that I only used a couple of times. I’ve always been a willing participant at using substances. But when I smoked Salvia for the first time, it only happened two or three more times, because I got more than I had bargained for. Sit tight while I explain this substance and its effects.

Salvia Divinorum is a plant that is in the sage family and is harvested for its psychoactive substances. It is native to Southwest Mexico. Names given for the plant are “maria pastora”, “seer’s sage”, “yerba de la pastora” or “magic mint.” The active ingredient is salvinorin A. And it is considered a structurally unique diterpenoid and is a potent k-opioid agonist. The effects come on very rapidly and quickly dissipate. Historically, it’s been used by shamans in spiritual healing ceremonies. It can induce a dissociative state or hallucinations. 

Ok. Yes, I have tried salvia several times and I can tell you that it was the worst hallucinogenic experience that I have ever had. I actually tried it when I spotted it in a head shop in Florida in about 2008. However, in 2007 reports on the internet began showing  videos of teens using the drug which, in one case, led to suicide.

Mel and I took it back to the motel where we were staying. The employee had told me that whatever I do, do not freak out. Maybe that should’ve been my first clue that this wouldn’t turn out good. But in typical “Dana” fashion, I got excited as I plan to take a big rip like do when smoking weed. The taste of the smoke is horrible. But I was literally excited because I was about to try a “legal” hallucinogenic. I used acid several times in high school. But salvia, is another kind of monster.

I got my pipe filled and ready to go. I took a small toke to begin with just to taste it. . I think it would’ve tasted better had I grabbed a tootsie roll from the litter box and smoked it. I remember saying, “These tastes horrible but it’s doing nothing.” Remember, the blog about cannabis edibles? And how my downfall was making that statement prematurely. Well, the same thing happened with salvia. 

I rared back and planned my choking strategy as I take a “man size” hit. I choked my ass of and said, “I’m so disappointed. This is a waste of…….Oh shit! Oh shit! AHHHHH!” Mel said, “What’s wrong?” I said, “I puked on that guy at the party!” She said, “Dana, what are you talking about? You have not been to a party.” I also said something about seeing frogs coming out of the wall. She kept telling me, “It won’t last long. Just stay put and wait for the effects to stop.” I did and I made it through the experience. There is absolutely no way that I could’ve driven a car. And I can promise you that I have a history of driving impaired in my much younger days. It was not a pleasant experience. The hallucinogenic effects were not like those of LSD. It was much worse. 

I can totally see why it’s not a substance with abuse. There is no way that people can use that and get addicted to it. That plant needs one thing. Not fire but Roundup! I tried it a couple of more times just to see if maybe it was something that’s an acquired taste in some way. Uh-no I never acquired anything. It was just as bad as the first time. So, I never used it again.

In the United States, an amendment recommending Salvia Divinorum as Schedule 1 at the federal level was proposed in 2002. But it did not pass. Opposition to the proposed bill was argued that medicinal research could not be done for potential medical benefits. Even though it’s not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act it has been made illegal in thirteen states. And countries all over the world have varying legislation as well. 

I my opinion, Salvia Divinorum, should be illegal. This is not a safe plant that can be used by teens or irresponsible adults. If someone tried to drive while on this substance, they could kill someone. If you have ever been curious about the substance, you aren’t missing anything pleasant. It’s much safer to smoke weed instead.

I hope that I have provided you with some useful information about this plant. Whatever you do, discourage use of this product if anyone tells you that they use it. Most people who try it won’t try it again. So, I don’t worry about the potential abuse. Stay safe. Stay informed. And keep reading!

Affirmation: I am learning from this mistake and growing stronger.

***Don’t forget to watch the video***

#Thispuzzledlife