A Cold Afternoon and an Encounter with a Weed Addict

It was a very cold, freezing afternoon in Jersey City. After a trip to the store, I was fortunate enough to find a parking spot right in front of my building. I parked, and as I stepped out of the car, I noticed a young man, likely under 30 years of age combing through the snow with an intensity that caught my attention. He looked as though he was searching for a lost gold coin.  

Curious and concerned, I couldn’t help but ask what he was looking for, especially since he was near my car. His response was simple but surprising: "Weed." At first, I thought he meant grass, but he clarified “marijuana”. His English was limited, but his intent was crystal clear. I couldn’t help but ask, “Why here?” He pointed toward the story building above us.  

I knew exactly what he was talking about. I’ve observed the guys up in that building more times than I can count, often laughing, coughing, and smoking marijuana almost all the time. The smell is unmistakable, often irritating enough to trigger coughing among them and passersby alike. It’s clear they have an uninterrupted supply and plenty of resources to sustain their addictive habit.  Don't try weed if you have never smoked it. 

It struck me as strange that, on such a freezing day, someone would be out searching through the snow for a discarded joint just to get high. It was a sobering reminder of how deeply addiction can grip someone. He wasn’t deterred by the cold or the indignity of picking through snow for some leftovers. He just needed his fix.  

I have read and heard stories about marijuana being laced with harmful substances for maximization of profit and that is something that underscores the risks involved. Marijuana, once a serious offense that could land someone in prison for a long time, has been decriminalized in recent years. Now, people smoke it openly in broad daylight without a second thought. Yet, despite its legalization in many places, I still see it as a serious drug with serious consequences.  

My brief interaction with this man revealed how addiction can enslave a person. He didn’t seem to care about the risks of smoking second-hand, discarded joints. It was a stark illustration of how far someone might go when they’re hooked.  

Out of curiosity, I asked him where he was from. Switching to the little Spanish I have learned over the years, I found out he was from Ecuador. It’s a small, beautiful South American country, and I have met many wonderful people from there. This young man’s struggles didn’t change my view of the place, it’s still a nice country in my opinion.  

I had just come from the store with a few supplies and some food, so I asked if he was hungry. He replied, “No hambre” (not hungry) but mentioned someone he knew who was. I offered him the food I had, hoping it might help. I had no weed to offer but food, I did. 

After unpacking my items, I found myself reflecting deeply on this encounter. Addiction is such a powerful force, and witnessing its grip on someone, even for a brief moment, raises so many questions.  

What do you make of this? Have you ever smoked marijuana? If so, what’s your take on it?  

This blog doesn’t judge.  We are like planet fitness: judgements free zone. We simply observe the world around us and document what we see.  

God bless you, and have a wonderful Sunday. 

Pal Ronnie