Today’s the day, that’s right 4/20…Can we be real for a second and talk about the elephant in the room for a few minutes? I’m talking about that green sticky stuff with the funny smell when lit. Some people call it Pot, Grass, Herb, Mary Jane and remember back in the day some people even called it Reefer? For the purpose of this article, I will refer to Marijuana as “weed”. I wanted to talk about the possible effects that weed can have on your voice. Before we get into this very interesting and controversial topic let me be clear, I’m not here to judge or point figures, nor pick sides to each is own. I’m here to point out some facts and perhaps give you something to chew on, pun intended LOL!

Taken in a public store in a state where “Weed” is illegal…

Many of you know that April 20th often just referred to 4/20, international “Pot” holiday, originated by five high school students from California in 1971. The story itself is pretty fascinating but whats even more fascinating, to me is how it quickly became an international holiday all over the world. If this subject tickles your fancy, you’ll have to do a little research to learn more.

As I look through different articles looking for the long and short-term effects weed (the most used illegal drug in the world ), I was surprised at the small amount of information I found about the cause and effects with emphasis on the voice. I found this interesting because many of you already know artists and musicians are often perceived as heavy drug users of many different kinds, not always weed. While we often hear about and are driven to focus on harder drugs, weed it’s often accused to be the gateway drug. We all know or have read about singers, rappers, actors, pastors, even former President Bill Clinton was accused of using the drug many refer too as “weed” but don’t fret, he didn’t inhale…

Okay, here goes the tea… Regardless of how you smoke weed, (or any other substance) rather it’s in a vaporizer, pipe, blunt or old fashioned joint, any inhaled agent has the ability to over time damage the overall quality of your voice. Just as caffeine, heating/cooling systems and allergy medication, and even sleeping with your mouth open at night dry your voice and sinus completely. Dryness in your throat causes a plethora of problems you might not even be aware of some of which include difficulty swallowing, coughing, heartburn and body aches, just to name a few. Some studies show that a vaporizer is safer because the substance isn’t burned and fewer toxins are actually produced. However, other studies shown say that any smoke at all inhaled has potential to damage your voice.

Marijuana is now legal in nine states for recreational use and other 15 states for medical purposes, weed has quickly become in higher demand among the states that haven’t been considered for legalization, as of yet… You can cut the tension with a knife among both citizens and legislators when this touchy subject resurfaces. 

Fully stocked up help citizens celebrate 4/20 in a state where weed isn’t legal

We live in a stressful world that seems to be constantly on the move, with pressures of becoming bigger and better by the microsecond. People who suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD and health problems, particularly pain and much more is at an all-time high in our nation as a whole. From the stress of raising a family to the stress of being an entrepreneur creating your dream job, weed has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Millions of people all over the world swear by the substance called “Marijuana”. In a small serve, I conducted today, some claim they couldn’t, and some even stated they wouldn’t live without. Weed helps “take the edge off and calms me down at the end a stressful day,” several people said from my serve, verbatim.14-20 people I asked, (would like to remain anonymous) admitted to consuming daily.

I served:

6 Singers   (2 college students)

4 Males     (over age 60)

3 Mothers (between 25-44)

7 Professional “White Collar” (Unisex ages 23-52)

All of which had valid reasons why consume daily, all of which were compelling. The other six had various reasons for daily use from chronic pain to high anxiety. At the end of the day, we all must do what we think is best for our overall mental health and well-being. Being a person who was without a voice for almost three years, I tend to examine things a little differently than I once did, especially when it comes to my voice. 

 #thatsall ♥

-Deonna Cattledge 

Deonna Marie | The Gift of Voice, Professional Classical Singer, Vocal Coach, and Speaker

Facebook: @thegiftofvoice

Instagram: @thegift_ofvoice

Email: deonnamarie2003@gmail.com

Youtube: Deonna Marie Cattledge 

The beautiful and talented Songstress Sybil sat down for an exclusive interview with Exposure Magazine CEO & Founder of @MsTam Lawrence- during the Women’s Gathering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 9th 2018.

Sharing her take on walking in your purpose. Sybil drops some golden nuggets on the audience, “Trust the process and believe in you!” Sybil graced the stage with her heartfelt presence–singing her hit single, “Don’t make me over.” 

Tam Lawrence: Sybil have you ever been in a dark place? If so, how did you break-through?

Sybil: [to read more about how Sybil spilled the good tea– pick up a copy of Exposure Magazine’s March issue being released on 3/15/2018

Founder of Exposure Magazine

Media Contact

Instagram @ExposureMagazine

Facebook: @MsTam Lawrence

Email: TL@RLASSC.COM