FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Rita Marley “One Draw” Original 12” Mix

Build One Spliff An Take A Whiff

The legalization of marijuana is a topic on many a person’s lips. States like Colorado and Washington are spearheading the legal marijuana trade and basically showing the U.S and the rest of the world how profitable and how positively it affects the economy. So why dem nah fi legalize di herb?! We’ve been asking that question for years. With the legalization and medical usage of marijuana seemingly reaching a tipping point, Rita Marley felt it was the right time to re-issue the original extended 12″ hit version of “One Draw.” In 1981 she released an upbeat ode to herb-smoking with a memorable tongue-in-cheek dialogue between a “teacher” and some of her “students” with names such as “Herbie,” “Smokie” and “Mila” (short for “sensimilla”). Even though at its core “One Draw” was reggae song, it was leaps and bounds over the majority of what was being recorded and released in Jamaica at that time. On why she felt it was the right time to re-issue the classic, Rita said:

“The release of ‘One Draw’ in 1981 was during a very significant year for myself and my family,” says Rita Marley. “I never thought it would create the level of global controversy that it did, while still selling over 2 million copies. With the release 30 years later amidst all the discussion on the legalization of herb in the states, it shows how relevant and timeless music can be. To all Fans and Friends. Thank you for standing by me. We are happy to re-release ‘One Draw.’ Hope you enjoy now or better than you did before Jah Bless you all.”

It is important to realize the significance of ganja (marijuana) in Rastafarian culture and in Jamaican culture generally. Many (though not all) Rastas regard ganja as a spiritual aid and smoke it for purposes of meditation or ceremonially. In Jamaican society generally it is reasonably common for it to be smoked recreationally or simply as a way to deal with the stresses of life but also ganja tea has been used medicinally traditionally. It is regarded as an organic, herbal plant, with beneficial uses, rather than a drug. Ironically, it seems that America is just now coming to a more Jamaican understanding of marijuana and the re-release of the full hit version of “One Draw” celebrates that development.

“Marijuana is a herb which helps produce the serenity and insight, it is a healing herb when used properly. As the Bible says, “Herb is the healing of the nation.” As Bob said “When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”   I support legislation of Marijuana, as Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to mankind and I know this because I have my  one draw occasionally.” – Rita Marley

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One Response

  1. Adrian Cool King says:

    was a cool song then still a cool of da chaine song now

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