A few months ago, we introduced you to Saskia Dure. Known as the Toking Traveller, Saskia lives in Spain. She chronicles her life as a Black woman, cannabis consumer in Europe on her Instagram and website. She’s also penned some words for us!
Recently we had the chance to profile Saskia. Our first installment went up in April. Read the second installment of our talk below
CashColorCannabis: In a piece you did for CashColorCannabis.com, you spoke about how growing up in Connecticut and Georgia really shaped how you began to view your Blackness. Speak to us about what you learned growing up in those areas and how they led to you embracing your Blackness?
Saskia Dure: Well, that is a load question, but I am ready to answer it. In Connecticut, there is much more diversity when it comes to Black cultures. You have people from all over the diaspora there. I went to school with Afro-Latinos, Africans, and Islanders. Each have their own distinction in culture but being underlyingly African connected them all.
In Atlanta, it was a bit different because most of the culture here was African American and outside cultures of the diaspora were not always accepted with open arms and vice versa they did not always seek to be accepted. The divide, which is still prevalent today, made it difficult to understand my Blackness in adolescents. Once I got into my late teens, I became more involved with my African American peer, though they did make the most effort to remind me of the fact I did not meet some of the standards necessary to be “BLACK” in their eyes. So, I began trying to mimic the behaviors they applauded for being Black, like getting into a physical altercation with other Black girl, trading in Kompa for Snap and Trap music. Both sides of this journey have helped diversify my perspective of Blackness as not being a uniform journey even within the same communities but one that is tailor to personal experience. We are deeply connected but the attempt to make the journey of same in order to be recognized as Black will diminishes Blackness and its beauty.
CashColorCannabis: During that time, when did cannabis come into play in your life?
Saskia Dure: When I was 18 years old, I started smoking cannabis with a group of friends at a local park. It was kind of my initiation into the group. Proving to them I was not a square and fully willing to do anything to prove this. The high was euphoric and eventually became part of my daily routine. I learned to roll blunts and even haggle with dealers.
CashColorCannabis: Do you know why you consume?
Saskia Dure: I consume to help quiet my racing thoughts down to walking or crawling thoughts. That way I can react more rationally and with calmness. I also enjoy the effect of cannabis on amplifying my experiences in travel, dining, and much more.
CashColorCannabis: What are some of your go-strains? What are some of you favorite ways to consume?
Saskia Dure: The best high I have had was with GOLDEN GOAT strain in Denver! It is a sativa that truly helps with alertness and productivity. As of now, I have been enjoying Somango White Widow Hydroponic from my local club. I originally started smoking blunts and did so with Swishers for years but have recently went to joints and edibles only.
CashColorCannabis: Currently you are in Spain living. How did you end up overseas?
Saskia Dure: Well FIRST OFF, TRUMP! But in honesty before his election I was making plans to move abroad. I got certified to teach English and found this program through the school I got my certification with. The program would give me a visa for a year to live in Spain as a language assistant. There are several other countries in various parts of the world that offer teaching as a route out of the States— long term or short term.
CashColorCannabis: The Black experience rarely changes from place to place. In your words, what is it like being a Black woman in Spain? What’s it like being a Black cannabis consumer in the country?
Saskia Dure: As a Black American woman, I am much more socially accepted in Spain because my first language is a European one. I still do not feel completely accepted in the community as I am a token or rarity to them. The awe for them mostly comes from the way I smoke. I smoke pure joints, which means NO TOBACCO, while many of them smoke spliffs, which can have varying amounts of tobacco in it. This is done to cut the cost of buying pure and also the potency.
CashColorCannabis: Speak about cannabis culture overall in Spain? How does the country take to the plant? Are there still people heavy opposed to the use?
Saskia Dure: The country of Spain overall is very accepting of the use of cannabis. Those like I said above it is mostly mixed with tobacco, you will see people openly smoking spliffs or joints in public. I have even seen someone riding a bike and rolling a spliff before. On average, you can possess up to 4 plants and 3 grams of flower on your private property but varies from region to region. The clubs are a cooperative setting for many people to grow at once. This produces higher yields and more variety for members.
CashColorCannabis: I often run into people who haven’t travelled outside the country for many reasons. What would you say to a person of color who is considering traveling to Europe and also is a consumer?
Sade Dure: My biggest suggestion is to do the research on places that are of interest. There are many bloggers of Color that will give you insight on their experiences in different locations. While each person’s experience is different it will give you an idea of what to expect. The same goes with traveling as a cannabis consumer! Look up the cultures and laws in advance or HIT ME UP and I will consult you on the laws of your destination. Many places have relaxed their laws at least medically and there are ways for you to get medically approved in some places before even arriving.
I would suggest a place like Puerto Rico as a starting point. First it does not require a passport. Secondly, it has a strong AFRO presence. Finally, medical cannabis is legal and relatively easy for you to get a recommendation.
CashColorCannabis: From the outside looking in, what’s your opinion about what your seeing in the states when it comes to cannabis? Do you feel like people of color here are fighting hard enough for a piece of this ever growing pie?
Saskia Dure: I think Black people need to be educated more and that education should be tailor to generations. There is a great difference in perception especially generationally that is causing the lack BLACK presence in the community. Our community is fearful of investing in cannabis and I understand why. I have seen many people give up their dreams of running a cannabis business because the lack of support. I have felt this way, but I keep connecting with others like myself that truly want to make the best of legalization in our community from criminal justice to financial equity.
CashColorCannabis: When will we see you back in the states?
Saskia Dure: Honestly, I do not know when or if I would come back permanently. I have been eyeing Canada, if I do return to North America but really would like to create a cannabis business ABROAD for People of Color especially in Afro-countries across the world.
