Marijuana Pepsi Vandyck, a 52-year-old educator, has spent her life navigating the challenges and misconceptions tied to her unusual name. Despite facing obstacles, including job rejections and unsolicited comments, she has chosen never to change her name, staying true to the moniker her mother believed would “take her around the world.”

Ironically, Marijuana neither drinks soda nor consumes alcohol or cannabis, according to a report by The New York Post. Her name, a frequent conversation starter, was given to her by her mother, who thought its originality would be her daughter’s ticket to success. However, Marijuana faced endless questions growing up, with many assuming her mother had a history of drug use or incarceration, which was not true.

Today, Marijuana holds a PhD in Higher Educational Leadership and works at the Community College of Baltimore County. She is also the founder of the Action as Empowerment Center for Change, an organization focused on community upliftment and education.

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Job rejections faced by Marijuana and stereotypes

Throughout her life, she has often been asked why she hasn’t considered changing her name. The name has led to several challenges, particularly in her career. “A lot of job applications have been declined because of my name,” she said, explaining that some even believe she shouldn’t be permitted to work in education. Despite never smoking marijuana, she frequently receives business offers from cannabis companies wanting to collaborate. She added, “I get approached by marijuana companies all the time.”

Overcoming judgment with confidence

Living in Live Oak, Florida, Marijuana recalls her childhood experiences, where both classmates and teachers would often question whether “Marijuana Pepsi” was her real name. “I would overhear people speculating if my mother was a ‘crackhead’ – I still have people say that to this day,” she noted. But rather than shy away from her name, she has embraced it. “When people find out my name, they ask for my nickname. I tell them if calling me Marijuana isn’t comfortable, they can call me Dr. Vandyck.”

Her determination to excel academically has always been part of her identity. “I always knew I would get a PhD as I’ve dedicated my life to education – and I thought if people are going to call me Marijuana Pepsi, I’ll be Dr. Marijuana Pepsi,” she said, confidently embracing her uniqueness.

Embracing individuality and defying expectations

She sees her name as a source of strength. “It’s my superpower because I don’t have to live within the expectations of others,” she said. “People think certain things about me based on my name, but I define success on my own terms.” Though her name often makes others uncomfortable, she refuses to change or apologize for it. “I won’t answer to a different name to appease someone who is clearly in their head about what they think it means to call me my own name,” she said. “It’s a problem, but it’s not my problem.”

Despite frequent disbelief, Marijuana remains firm about her lifestyle choices. “People don’t believe me when I say I’ve never smoked weed – because ‘there’s no way someone called Marijuana isn’t a smoker,’” she added. While marijuana companies frequently reach out, she clarifies that she would only consider collaborating with them if it involved education. “I just get high on life,” she said.