Rapper Wyclef Jean Talks Cannabis, Psychedelics And Hip-Hop: ‘They Were Counter-Culture For A Long Time’

“My mind is constantly spinning around new thoughts and ideas every second. Sometimes it feels like I’m hearing a million voices at once, but I’ve learned… cannabis calms voices.” It helps me focus more,” Grammy-winning musician and producer Wyclef Jean said in an exclusive interview.

The artist shared his thoughts on cannabis, his connection to hip-hop culture, and his own journey with cannabis in a pre-performance interview at The Grass Is Greener Gathering in Hadley, Massachusetts.

‘Cannabis events are now attended by hedge fund managers.

As widely discussed in this column, the connection between cannabis and hip-hop culture is undeniable. But for Wycliffe, the connection is deeper than many think, and he argues that cannabis and hip-hop face an uphill battle to be accepted alike.

“Both cannabis and hip-hop have been countercultures for a long time,” he explains. “Now there are hedge fund managers who enjoy both hip-hop culture and attend cannabis events. It was just a banger hit. I think it’s come full circle. Inclusion and acceptance is the future. “

Wycliffe’s personal journey with cannabis began as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. However, the artist also points to the human endocannabinoid system and the long history of human cannabis consumption, believing that cannabis offers a more enjoyable and relaxing experience than alcohol. “Some people want a drink after work, some want a ‘J’. Enjoy responsibly.”

Beyond recreation and drug therapy, Wyclef also uses cannabis for creative purposes. This herb helps you focus by calming the thoughts and voices swirling around your head. This mental clarity has influenced his work, allowing him to use his creativity more effectively.

Wyclef’s Journey in the Cannabis Industry

Back in 2020, Wyclef announced a partnership with cannabis lifestyle brand Cali Life to create the BOOM BAP cannabis collection. The product line included pre-rolled hemp blunts infused with dried flowers, flavored distillates and kief.

“It wasn’t until I woke up in the morning that I decided to launch the brand. say. “After that, I didn’t want to be another hype brand, so I spent time learning about the market. I did.”

But this is not Wyclef’s only business. “The first rollup of 2020 was Mr. Birdsall’s Wonder Elixir. The product line included over 100 infusion products specifically formulated for veterans and children with developmental disabilities and epilepsy.

“The foundation of my cannabis company has been built with heart and is much more than just cash grabs for me,” he says. “he [Mr. Birdsall] She liked my vision so much that she even gave me the nickname “Weedy Wonka” because of my passion for healing. I guess that means I’m Charlie and I have a golden ticket. “

Wycliffe stresses the importance of inclusion and ensuring that those imprisoned for cannabis have a table in a growing market. “POCs who have been jailed for cannabis have a right to a table.

Federal Cannabis Legalization and Its Impact

Wycliffe is also a supporter of federal cannabis legalization, citing safe access, quality control and clinical testing as potential benefits. “Safe access to cannabis is paramount. Much of the negative talk about cannabis comes from the fact that it has been banned for so long and it is a seller’s market. People have the right to choose the best quality. The key benefits are that diamonds will shine and the public will continue to have access to safer, more reliable products with laboratory-tested quality controls.”

On the downside, he jokes, “DoorDash and Instacart drivers may end up working double hours.”

Wycliffe also believes in psychedelics, especially microdosing, as a potential treatment for conditions such as depression, PTSD, and addiction. “Current research shows that it has many potential treatments for a variety of illnesses and injuries,” he says. “I hope microdosing may have the potential to help many brave veterans and citizens who want alternative treatments.”

Festival of cannabis, music and culture

At The Grass Is Greener Gathering, Wyclef performed with a diverse line-up of artists, and the event also hosted the annual ‘The Greenskeeper Cup’ for cannabis growers. Artists believe that competitions like this motivate producers to come up with the best products and have a positive impact on the industry.

The festival also included attractions such as professional wrestling and car shows. All of this came to Wyclef’s attention. “I have one of the best collections of cars of my generation and I launched Attucks, a mobility company focused on the future sound of green cars, flying cars, and EVs. and continues to do so. I’m right at home on the lawn,” he said, sharing his interest in cars.

“Also, if you want to question my wrestling skills, you can watch some music videos of me doing the stunts myself. Again, I’m at home.” he added.

looking to the future

Looking ahead, Wyclef has big plans for his involvement in the cannabis industry, with a new product line set to launch in the coming months.

He encourages his fans to keep an eye on what he’s built over the past four years and stay tuned. “You can see what I’ve built in those four years,” he affirms.

In conclusion, Wyclef looks back on his collaboration with Shakira, who set every Guinness World Record for a song with Argentinian producer Bizarup earlier this year.

“Well, I always say that what’s done is done. I’m not going to repeat the past, but I would love to work with Shakira again,” he concluded.

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This article originally appeared on Forbes and is reprinted here with permission.

Read in English: Wyclef Jean Breaks Taboos: Talks Cannabis, Psychedelics and Creativity

Photo: Matt AJ via Wikimedia Commons.