What's the friggen deal?

[Zombbg4]

I've been trying to get in with more and more players in my area to jam and just get my name out, ya know if so and so's normal bass player can't make it, or their back up can't make it, i'll pretty much take anything. So I get invited over to a guys house who is a complete jazz legend in the area and many people nation wide know of this guy, a certain well know sax player often stays and the guys house when he's in town. I'm just hanging, chatting, checking out things and people when out of no where i smell something familiar...and dammit some people start smoking pot, then more, and more. I didn't want to seem "square" to these guys so i acted like it was cool and made sure i wasn't anywhere in the rotation but didn't make it obvious, then left shortly after.

So what the *%#? Why is smoking pot such a cool thing to do for jazz musicians? ( i know it's not just jazz players, but that's the stereotypical group) I really don't like being around that kind of stuff but i want to still try and get in on jams and such with these guys. Rant over. What do you guys think i should do? Never go back? Only hang with em in public or some where that they can't light up?

[Araillac]

well when ever im around someone lighting up and they offer it to me i just say no thanks, im straight edge. and they're always like, ah ok that's cool. no pressure or anything. you just gotta let them know with the tone of your voice, nope not gonna do it but im still a cool guy to be around. and if it really bothers you, just let them know, hey im gonna head out now while you guys do that. some of them will catch the drift and if some like you and want to play with you they'll probably put it down while they're around you

[Col Pruse]

remmeber the scene in Back to the Future when the band is smoking pot? "woah, we don't want to mess with no reefer addicts..." classic

I don't think anyone will mind if you did or didn't want to smoke, unless you're in a rasta band, just don't be a jerk about it either way.

then when they show each other their new guns, one will probably shoot the other because he's high...

[stflbn]

Maybe not do jams at someone's house. Participating in an establishment probably helps keeps that sort of things a bit more 'private'.

[standupright]

legal or not, it's a recreational activity. just don't participate. some people don't like alcohol and it used to be illegal as well. big deal right?

[Joel S.]

My gf isn't down with the wacky tabbaci. Out of respect, the guys in my band who do smoke make sure to do so away from her. I don't mind, and used to, but not so much anymore.

Just tell them you'd rather not be around it if at all possible, and if they're cool people, they'll respect that.

[Stumbo]

If alcohol or cigarettes were being consumed, would you have the same problem?

[MatticusMania]

Alright, first thing you need to learn as a musician (not really first, but something to learn for sure) is that a LOT of musicians smoke pot. And its perfectly acceptable to be the guy that doesnt. Most people who are cool are not going to try and force it on you or anything, you can even hang around while they do it, they wont mind, just dont give them any grief about it. And if its something you absolutely cant even stand to be around, go take a breather while they do, then get back to jamming.

Its not that its a "cool" thing to do, its just a part of peoples lifestyle, like my own. For some it puts them in a good mindset to jam, for some its medically prescribed to alleviate pain.

Maybe not do jams at someone's house. Participating in an establishment probably helps keeps that sort of things a bit more 'private'.

All this does is relegate the "smokers" to the parking lot.

[tomvelsor]

Originally Posted by standupright

legal or not, it's a recreational activity. just don't participate. some people don't like alcohol and it used to be illegal as well. big deal right?

well put..

seriously, just chill out about it..i mean, i personally dont do it but if someone else does..so what. its their desision. when they go to pass you a spliff just say no thanks, not "I WOULD NEVER DO THAT BECAUSE ITS WRONG," you dig?

ive never had anyone have any problem with me denying it..and im around a lot of those stereotypical jazz cats, a lot.

[lunarpollen]

Personally, I don't care what people choose to put into their bodies as long as it doesn't unbalance their brains enough to make those people risks to other people's heath and property. The issue I have with pot smoke (or cigarette smoke) is that the fumes are extremely irritating and invasive and foul-smelling to anyone except those who enjoy smoking it or who have become long-acclimated to it. Anyone who is inviting newcomers to their home should make it known in advance to potential guests that there will be fumes present, whether it be cigarette, cannabis, incense, recently-applied pesticide, urine stench from two dozen cats, etc.

[getfunky]

I don't understand why you have such a problem with it. Clearly they didn't try to pressure you into smoking, and any mature individual won't ever try to do so. What are you so worried about? Second-hand smoke? Contact buzz? Got a saliva test for a job in the morning? Whenever you step into someone else's home you're going to have to accept that you may be stepping outside of your comfort zone a little. I think you're going to have to be a little more tolerant if you want to get your name out; nobody's going to call you if they have to change their whole routine every time you come over.

[Bluesy Soul]

Originally Posted by tomvelsor

...seriously, just chill out about it..i mean, i personally dont do it but if someone else does..so what. its their desision. when they go to pass you a spliff just say no thanks, not "I WOULD NEVER DO THAT BECAUSE ITS WRONG," you dig?

Like yeah, dude. I don't know about the OP, but I dig. In fact, the next time someone passes me a doobie, I'm gonna be chill and say "no, thanks" just like you suggested. But then I'm gonna add: "Like, I don't feel the need for any weed, but I think I'll fart. Any of you dudes wanna join me? Go ahead. Rip off one of your own or just sit there--all chillin' and groovin' and smellin' mine. It's your decision."

It's all cool. I dig. We can all, like, just chill. It's all just a lifestyle choice. There's no legal or illegal. No one really puts anyone else in jeopardy. Being tolerant, er, I meant "chill", is more important than being considerate. Hey, anybody have a sister I can molest?

Bluesy Soul

[standupright]

Originally Posted by Bluesy Soul

Like yeah, dude. I don't know about the OP, but I dig. In fact, the next time someone passes me a doobie, I'm gonna be chill and say "no, thanks" just like you suggested. But then I'm gonna add: "Like, I don't feel the need for any weed, but I think I'll fart. Any of you dudes wanna join me? Go ahead. Rip off one of your own or just sit there--all chillin' and groovin' and smellin' mine. It's your decision."

It's all cool. I dig. We can all, like, just chill. It's all just a lifestyle choice. There's no legal or illegal. No one really puts anyone else in jeopardy. Being tolerant, er, I meant "chill", is more important than being considerate. Hey, anybody have a sister I can molest?

Bluesy Soul

i've been known drop bombs without warning while playing with random people. they get over it. as a matter of fact, i quite enjoy it.

[Spector_Ray]

Originally Posted by standupright

i've been known drop bombs without warning while playing with random people. they get over it. as a matter of fact, i quite enjoy it.

There's nothing like crop-dusting a stage during a live performance!

I don't get it either but it happens. Bottom line, if you're invited to somebody's house and they light up, just excuse yourself and leave. Problem solved.

[standupright]

Originally Posted by Spector_Ray

There's nothing like crop-dusting a stage during a live performance!

I don't get it either but it happens. Bottom line, if you're invited to somebody's house and they light up, just excuse yourself and leave. Problem solved.

i loved crop dusting the drummer. he always had a fan pointed right at him........line it up.....let 'er rip. instant gratification.

[ryco]

If you don't want to toke, just say "no thanks" when the reefer is passed to you. No big.

I used to be a rastadude, but now I don't smokadeganj when I play. I prefer playin' straight anymore.
Bein' stoned seperates me from my spirit. I could care less if others do –– *unless* it messes up the gig. Then def not cool and I will bitch.

[Snackbass97]

make up an excuse and go