It's Just Some Weed

What's That Smell? In one of the book's pivotal scenes, It's Just a Plant's protagonist, Jackie, stumbles upon her parents "relaxing."

by Cory Frolik

As far as Ricardo Cortes is concerned, teaching drug abstinence to kids doesn't cut it. Cortes, the Brooklyn-based author and illustrator of It's Just A Plant, a children's book that centers around issues of marijuana usage, favors more comprehensive education.

In its 48 pages, It's Just A Plant tries to reverse what its author calls the "brainwashing" employed by the media and anti-drug groups. It's an alternative to intimidation tactics, says Cortes.

The story follows Jackie, a young Hispanic girl, who stumbles upon her parents smoking a peculiarly scented cigarette. The next day, Jackie's mother takes her on a bicycle ride, stopping to visit an array of folks who each know a bit about dank bud. They meet Farmer Bob, who grows the stuff and gives a rundown of its botanical features. They meet Dr. Eden, who explains that though it may be just a plant and relatively harmless, medically speaking ("it can help other people relax"), it's not for children. And finally, Jackie encounters a police officer, who gives a very thin overview of how it became illegal.

The text wouldn't be so compelling if it weren't complemented by Cortes' artwork, a visual orgy of powerful, bright imagery, tiptoeing the line between magical realism and psychedelic hallucination. Cortes says he was careful to not make it appear "too stony."

"The story is meant for children and their parents," says Cortes, meaning Jim Breuer aspirants should look elsewhere.

In efforts to keep it children-oriented, some of the factual aspects of the narrative have been glossed over. Cortes decided if he were to discuss the implied racism underlying the history of prohibition or debate at length the penal system, it would have become too heavy for children. Still, despite its educational tone, some people are not vibing with the work.

Appearing on a number of Fox News talk programs like The O'Reilly Factor earlier this month, Cortes has been attacked by claims that talking about smoking pot endorses it. Indiana Republican Rep. Mark Souder held up the book in session and denounced it for teaching kids "how to smoke pot."

Cortes defends himself: He's not "introducing pot to kids. Kids already know about it. This is introducing education."

For more information, visit www.justaplant.com.