Cannabis Social Impact Award Speech
“Herb.” “Ganja.” “Marijuana.” “Dope.” “Pot.” “Mary Jane.” “Weed.”
These are some of the thousands, yes thousands, of words for cannabis.
…This is also the result when you Google: “how to start a speech on a “high” note”.
A man intentional with his words, my father, Peter Tosh, deeply respected and appreciated cannabis. He understood the power of solidarity in the cannabis legalization movement, and championed the community surrounding it. He would be moved to see the diverse audience in front of me. Everyone in this room represents the diverse corners of cannabis. Whether you work in medicine, law, business, activism, or are a consumer, we all benefit from my father’s work and sacrifice. None of us in this room are strangers to the negative messaging around cannabis. Being in this industry means you are both a fighter and a messenger; two qualities that my father strongly held in lifelong fight for equal rights and justice. I am honored to be here today to present the Peter Tosh Award in recognition of his life and legacy.
A Grammy award-winning reggae legend, Peter Tosh is an undeniably talented generational artist. A founding member of the “Wailers”, Tosh penned iconic anthems like “Get Up, Stand Up”, “Legalize It”, “Equal Rights”, “Bush Doctor”, and “Apartheid”. His influential lyrics empowered the oppressed through critical times in world history. Tosh is not only the godfather of the legalization movement, he also made the playlist for the revolution.
He blossomed as a musical prodigy at a young age. As a kid, he came across a man in the country playing the guitar. Mesmerized, he spent half the day watching the man play the same tune. Peter then picked up the guitar and played the tune back to the man. A guitar legend was born. After moving to Trenchtown, Tosh taught guitar to his future bandmates, Bob Marley and Bunny Wailers, leading to the formation of the legendary band, “The Wailers”, in 1963.
Known for his musical talents, Peter Tosh’s legacy spans beyond the stage. Through his art, he was a teacher, a revolutionary, visionary, activist... I can keep going, but you get the point. I am privileged to know those close to him. They describe him as humorous, intellectual, spiritual, and an influential communicator. A devout Rasta, he deeply understood the importance of consciousness and honoring your perspective and values. Aware of the power of his lyrics, he said: “If the music does not penetrate the heart, the soul, the mind, and the body… Then you ain’t gon’ feel it.”
As a child growing up in Westmoreland, Jamaica, Peter recognized the inequality plaguing his community. He questioned the oppressive systems that reinforced his reality. He knew things could be better. And he fought for this dream his entire life. His global platform promoted honorable values like equality, freedom, and empowerment. He boldly served as a voice for the oppressed locally and abroad, openly challenging racial, economic, and political marginalization.
After a decade playing alongside Bob and Bunny, Peter pursued a solo career, further elevating his artistry and activism. All the way back 50 years ago, he knew that cannabis was much more than a plant. He recognized the roots of this mighty little herb, touching so many prongs of injustice and oppression. He also saw that it held a remedy to uplift the economy, treat medical conditions, and reduce corruption and racial oppression. Simply put, he was a man ahead of his time.
In 1976 his certified platinum debut album “Legalize It” spread powerful messages on the spiritual, cultural, medicinal, and political significance of cannabis. Originally released as a single track in Jamaica, “Legalize It” was quickly banned from Jamaican radio broadcasts. In classic Peter Tosh fashion, he printed the lyrics in The Gleaner newspaper and handed a copy to Prime Minister Michael Manley, signed “from one living legend to another.” The ban was lifted. In 1977, Tosh released his second album, Equal Rights, inspired by the political unrest in Jamaica and around the world.
Law enforcement feared Tosh’s powerful global platform and strong political messaging, making him a constant target of police retaliation. Attempting to make an example of him, Tosh was frequently arrested, jailed, and beaten. Nearly beaten to death on several occasions, his message came at a grave cost to his health and safety. Nonetheless, Peter Tosh refused to be silenced. He will forever go down in history for courageously speaking up for what is right.
My father fought proudly and relentlessly. Everyone in this room is a testament to his sacrifice. In recognition for his immeasurable contributions, 4/20 is internationally recognized as Peter Tosh Day. This week marks the 35th anniversary of my father’s tragic death. With his passing, we mourned not only him, but feared that we lost everything he stood for. Here in Jamaica, as in many parts of the world, we still await legalization. We still await an industry that is inclusive and diverse. An industry that pays homage to, not punishes, those who created it. We are still crying for restorative justice for the individuals and families destroyed due to the current status of cannabis under the law. The money and privilege required to navigate the political minefield of this industry will lead to our collective detriment. Despite all of these obstacles, with some of us impacted more than others, we all must fight.
My father knew this fight would span generations. He understood that there is a community and culture around this industry that is core to not only its success, but its survival. To be in this industry, you must be a fighter and a messenger. In this fight, we have the opportunity to be one of the greatest industries in the world. We can do what other industries have failed to do, exactly what my father fought for. Recognize its problematic past and have the bravery to make amends and form a real community where everyone can succeed and thrive. I am inspired by the wisdom and talent in this room. We are all invested in this industry. We want this industry to win. Therefore, we all have a role to play. Now is the time. As his daughter, I proudly pass the torch (and spliff) to everyone in the industry. We are all elevated by Peter Tosh’s lifelong contributions. We must unite and fight.
I am incredibly honored to present the Peter Tosh Award to an individual who continuously speaks truth to power. Bushman is a talented musician whose artistry fueled the roots reggae resurgence in the late 90s. A prolific artist, his soulful music boldly shares his point of view and concerns about the world. An admirer of my father’s life and legacy, Bushman paid homage through his studio album “Bushman Sings The Bush Doctor - A Tribute to Peter Tosh.” Through his own songs, including “Cannabis” and “Weed Fi Burn”, Bushman continues to uplift the legalization movement. Just like my father, his artistry and activism are one and the same. Bushman, on behalf of the Tosh family, I am thankful for you honoring my father’s legacy. I invite everyone to join hands in celebrating the contributions of Bushman, recipient of the 2022 Peter Tosh Award.
