Janelle Monáe Gets Candid About Drug Use and Overcoming Childhood Trauma

– Janelle Monáe grew up fearful of marijuana due to their parents’ addiction issues and warnings that it was a gateway drug.
– They started using marijuana during the COVID-19 pandemic to manage anxiety and it inspired a change in their lifestyle.
– Monáe will release their album “The Age of Pleasure” on June 9, which they describe as an oasis created by and for themselves to enjoy unapologetically.

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Janelle Monáe has given a candid interview to Rolling Stone in which she discusses her views on recreational drug use. Despite having grown up fearful of marijuana due to her parents’ addiction issues, Monáe has become increasingly open to its use as a means of managing anxiety. This newfound attraction to weed was triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led Monáe to experience anxiety attacks while recording her 2018 album “Dirty Computer”.

During the interview, Monáe speaks frankly about her father’s addiction to crack cocaine and how this experience had a profound effect on her. She describes how her father always warned her and her siblings that “weed is the gateway drug to being a crackhead.” However, Monáe has since reconciled with her father and during a recent appearance on “Red Table Talk” called him her “best friend”. Monáe’s personal experiences have informed her latest album, “The Age of Pleasure”, which she says is about “living in an oasis created by us for us”.

Despite her openness about marijuana use, Monáe is clear that she is not advocating for drug use. Rather, she believes that everyone should have the freedom to make their own choices, “I think that everyone should have the right to decide what they want to do with their body. I don’t think that it’s something that we should be policing.” As a high-profile artist and advocate, Monáe’s views on drug use are certain to spark further discussion and debate within the industry.

Monáe’s willingness to talk about such personal issues reflects her strong belief in authenticity and empowerment. With her latest album, she hopes to inspire others to live their lives unapologetically, especially during these times of uncertainty. By speaking candidly about her experiences, Monáe shows that vulnerability can be a powerful tool for promoting growth and change.