IMO No.1: From a Brisket-Smoking, Whiskey-Drinking Texan Who’s Had Enough of the Whispering

by Brad Harvey, Founder of Dexter Co

This Is the Part Where the Lawyers Make Me Say Stuff

Alright, friends—before we dive into my love letter to cannabis and common sense, let’s handle the boring-but-necessary disclaimers:

This blog is not medical advice. It’s not legal advice. It’s not even solid life advice. It’s just one large, opinionated man shouting gently into the void about cannabis—and honestly, there are worse ways to spend your time on the internet.

You should 100% check your local laws, talk to a doctor if you’re using cannabis for anything health-related, and for the love of all things holy, do not operate anything bigger than an air fryer while high. (And even that’s pushing it. Trust me.)

Now, just so we’re clear—this is written for folks who live in places where cannabis is legal. If that’s you, congrats! But seriously: why are we still whispering like we’re haggling with a guy named Ricky behind a bowling alley in '92?

Let’s also give a slow clap to the OG states that legalized years ago. Y’all are out here doing cannabis like it’s Napa wine country—with boutique bud, infused everything, and consultants named Sage who do terpene pairings. But if you're in one of the newer states, things might still be a little... crunchy. Aunt Cheryl still thinks your vape pen is a gateway to couch surfing. It's not. It's next to your multivitamins.

And if you live in a state where cannabis is still illegal... I’m sorry. That’s dumb. But it’s changing. Until then, read this like it's speculative fiction—a sneak peek into a saner future.

How I Got Here (And Why I Use Cannabis)

I’m a 6'1", 300lb whiskey-drinking, cannabis-consuming Texan. BS in Math (so I could learn how to think) and an MBA (so I could learn how to BS). Four daughters, three ex-wives, and a strong preference for brisket over salad.

I love documentaries—they make me feel informed and remind me my life isn’t *that* bad. I root for underdogs. I hate our current political environment. I just want to laugh with friends, cook, and spend time with my girls.

And I use cannabis. Not in spite of all those things—but often because of them.

This—in my opinion—is long overdue.

Normal People Use Cannabis

Let’s retire the idea that cannabis is fringe. It’s not just for dorm rooms or desperation.

Normal people use cannabis. Suburban moms. Accountants. Teachers. Crock Pot people. You know—us.

People still whisper about their use like it’s a scandal. Meanwhile, the laws changed and the culture hasn’t caught up. Especially in places where CBD still feels edgy.

Cannabis isn’t just for burnout bros anymore. That’s outdated—and hilarious.

The Branding Is Still Stuck

Most users today don’t see themselves as “stoners.” They want cannabis that fits into their life—like wine, coffee, or melatonin gummies.

And yet, a lot of what’s on the shelf still looks like it was made for someone with a lava lamp and Hot Pockets.

We don’t need it to be fancy. We need it to be normal.

Cannabis Is Not an Identity (Unless You Want It to Be)

Cannabis doesn’t have to define you. It can just help.

It makes food suspiciously better. Music hits deeper. Laundry feels less like punishment. But it doesn’t change who you are.

You can be a cannabis user and still run marathons, watch rom-coms, and file your taxes early. (Okay…maybe not early.)

The “Why” Behind This Series

I got tired of the two narratives: the sterile clinical version and the stoner stereotype. There’s a huge middle ground. And we live there.

This is for:

• Parents who microdose to stay sane
• Consultants who decompress after Zoom calls
• Creatives who want to unlock a new gear
• People whose anxiety ignores chamomile tea but respects a 2.5mg gummy

We’re not a fringe. We’re not a punchline. And we’re tired of pretending—or being judged—because we use cannabis.

In My Opinion Series

This series is 20 articles long. Every Tuesday morning, a new one drops. It’s for the curious, the cautious, and the cannabis-confused.

No TED Talk energy. Just thoughtful takes with a little bite, a little warmth, and a lot of honesty (and maybe a footnote or food metaphor).

Final Thought (For Now)

You don’t need a permission slip to be honest about what works for you.

This—in my opinion—is the start of that conversation.

Up Next in the Series

Next up: IMO No.2: Somewhere Between Reefer Madness and Cannabis Jesus Lies the Truth.

Every debate has two loud extremes. The truth is usually somewhere in the sane, quiet middle.

Want the next one delivered to your inbox? Join our email list. Or follow us on socials. Or just check back next Tuesday—we’ll be here. Cannabis in hand. Opinions loaded.