Blogger
explains why Trayvon Martin was carrying Skittles & "Tea"
Evidence:
Trayvon Martin was a Drug Dealer
“While some people can consume DXM regularly without psychological
consequences, others suffer from severe depression and psychotic breaks, even
leading to a few cases of suicide attempts…”
This
update, like several before it, does not stand alone. To truly
understand the depth of the research and background it is important to
have first read Update #26 Part 1.
This Part 2 builds on the previous presentation of Trayvon Martin’s
lifestyle choices and drug use connections.
This update is a creation of Treeper “Dedicated Dad“, who deserves full credit for
investing numerous hours researching, learning, understanding and fitting
the disconnected puzzle pieces together. What we outline here
was right in front of our face the whole time. Yet we looked past it because
we were in a position of ignorance about what we were looking at. We
just didn’t know. Now however, it all comes together:
Several weeks ago, as further information and discovery came to
the surface the whole framing of the original media narrative began to
crumble, I stumbled over a reference to “DXM” in Trayvon’s Facebook history.
It’s nagged at me since, at
various times popping to the front of my mind when Trayvon’s drug
use was mentioned, was quickly lost to other
distractions. A couple of evenings ago it again came to the
forefront of consideration. This time I decided to dig
in, do a little research, and see if there might actually be something to
it.
What I found was frankly,
quite stunning. So much so that it literally made the hair stand up
on the back of my neck.
After further
reflection this drug use aspect may actually lead to the greatest
understanding, and key, to the whole case. Understanding
exactly where the mindset was of both Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman, and
what influences are now readily available and out in the public forum, a number
of questions are now finding answers about that evening’s events, most
importantly what precipitated and led to Trayvon Martin’s approach
toward being questioned by George Zimmerman.
So I suppose I should start by answering the obvious: “what in
the heck is Dedicated Dad talking about”, and how would research answer
questions about “intent”?
The substance of research was prodded by with this graphic of unknown attribution,
dealing with the possibility that Trayvon Martin was not only an
illegal drug-user, but possibly a drug-dealer. (Large file version here).
While the “graphic” itself is unattributed, the content within the graphic was
easy, at the time, to confirm with a quick review of Trayvon’s Facebook page and
extensive work already done by the TreeHouse and multiple websites
including Wagist.
Go ahead and review the whole thing,
because while it most certainly is “controversial” it is also a good
substantive fact-based background in Trayvon’s own words. But,
again it is only background, and more information is needed for the
rest of this discussion. We will highlight some sections of it, from
Trayvon Martin’s own words, throughout this explanation because it speaks
to a “directional sense” in the lifestyle of an evolving teenager.
As I use these Facebook
discussions from Trayvon I’m going to correct the ebonics unless it seems
necessary to reference directly to the source. Otherwise I’ll do my
best to interpret it into something people unfamiliar with nuance within a
“cultural language” can understand.
Let’s begin about mid-way
down the page on the left-hand side, where Martin says:
“unow a connect for codine” or
“do you know of a
connection for codeine”?
Trayvon is seeking a source for the prescription drug
Codeine. Eventually we learn that he’s not seeking the pill form, but
rather a “liquid” form, which he says he’s “had…before.”
His friend responds that he
doesn’t NEED codeine – that he can just mix Robitussin and soda to make…
“…some fire @$$ lean.”
Our first question then
becomes “What exactly is “lean”"?
WHAT IS “LEAN” ?
According
to Urban Dictionary, “Lean” is
described as follows:
“… 6. Lean is a mixed drink originating in the Southern
Rap culture. It is a mixture of Promethazine and Codeine cough syrup and a
soft drink such as Sprite (usually). While other soft drinks may be used,
Sprite was the original.
There are some variations
of Lean. For example, Promethazine and Codeine syrup is usually Purple in
color. But there are other colors of syrup that work the same way. There is a
golden-colored syrup (hydrocodone based) and other colors as well.
Lean slows you down. It
makes you feel good. It’s meant to be sipped on, and it taste damn good. One of
the best feelings you will ever experience. Euphoria with a hint of sedation.
…”
Lean is also the drug mixture that killed Pimp C.
nigga pimp c died on an overdose of lean (urban dictionary descriptive)
OK, so now we know Trayvon is seeking a source for a
powerful cough syrup, commonly used in the ”drug culture or circle” to
make an intoxicating drink called “Lean” – also known as the infamous “purple drank/Purple Lean/Lean/Sizzurp.”
Purple Lean, or Lean, is an intoxicating beverage also known by
the nameslean, sizzurp, and liquid codeine. It
is commonly abused by southern rappers and wannabe suburban teenagers. It is a
mixture of Promethazine/Codeine cough syrup and sprite, or other beverage [such as Arizona Watermelon]
with a few jolly ranchers and/or
skittles thrown in.
There are your “DXM” ”Watermelon Lean”
Ingredients
Arizona Watermelon Juice purchased from 7-11 included in the Crime Scene Photographsand
incorrectly listed/discussed as “Tea” by Benjamin Crump, the media, and
even police reporting authorities.
Promethazine with codeine, consumed in such large amounts as is
popular with such southern rappers as lil wayne, slim thug, and Big
Moe, produces an opiate-like high that is potentiated by the Promethazine.
Promethazine by itself will not produce a high. The beverage must be sipped slowly,
and not guzzled, in order to avoid unconsciousness and/or life threatening
overdose.
But what does this have to
do with Robitussin or “DXM”? Trayvon clarifies in his next message:
“codine is a higher
dose of dxm”
As the
conversation continues, Trayvon indicates that he plans to quit smoking
marijuana because he doesn’t want to risk being busted or “roped”, because it
is discoverable in drug testing, and possession of Marijuana is
illegal….. (Obviously he never did actually
quit)
….. and further believes he can obtain the same high by
drinking “Lean” .
But that’s not nearly as important as the fact that he’s clearly under the impression that
prescription Codine is a stronger form of the drug DXM found in
various versions of cough suppressant or cough medications.
So,
what then exactly is “DXM“?
“DXM” is an abbreviation
for the cough suppressantDextromethorphan Hydrobromide —
which is the active ingredient in the cough-syrup brand Robitussin.
According to numerous websites found with a search, DXM is
increasingly being abused as a recreational drug. One of the more
scholarly and scientific sites found with in-depth analysis of DXM
and its various uses is “Erowid.org“. According to its “FAQ”, Erowid is:
“…a small non-commercial
organization that operates in the controversial and politically challenging
niche of trying to provide accurate, specific, and responsible information
about how psychoactives are used in the United States and around the
world. We are committed to protecting the privacy of
contributors and reporting on the topic non-judgmentally. Although our primary
focus is on the Erowid.org web site, we also provide research and data for other
harm reduction, health, and educational organizations.”
In short, it’s a site
filled with information on various forms of drug abuse, mostly to enable the
abusers to do so with as little risk as possible. It is not
within the scope of this discussion to make any value judgements about this
fact so we’ll continue our discussion – considering Erowid a valuable
resource for our research and typical of the sort of information someone
can easily locate on today’s Internet.
According to Erowid’s ”DXM Home Page“:
DXM is a widely available over-the-counter cough suppressant.
When taken far above its standard medical dosage, it is a strong dissociative used primarily by
teens.
Their “DXM Basics” page further makes clear that it is:
“…a semisynthetic opiate derivative which is legally
available over-the-counter in the United States. It is most commonly found in
cough suppressants, especially those with “DM” or “Tuss” in their names. It is
almost always used orally, although pure DXM powder is occasionally snorted…“
At this
point you’re probably thinking – as I did at first – “how bad can this stuff be if it’s available
over the counter!” However, as we’ll see, it’s
actually startlingly dangerous stuff!
Erowid begins
to hint at DXM’s seriousness in their “DXM Basics” discussion:
“…High
doses … are sometimes compared to the effects of other dissociatives such
as PCP or ketamine…”
This stuff
is compared to PCP ?
This is no exaggeration! DXM in higher doses is actually a very volatile
and dangerous drug, and they
are quite right when theycompare DXM to PCP and Ketamine!
In fact, the drug has come to be known in
some circles as “Poor-Man’s
PCP!”
Perhaps more importantly, unlike marijuana and many other drugs
of abuse, DXM does not cause sedation, and in fact can produce profound agitation hence
the comparison to PCP.
In
the “DXM
Basics – Problems” section, Erowid notes:
“…DXM causes physical and psychological effects that may be
frightening or unpleasant… Psychological effects can include profound
disorientation, depression, a feeling of personal disintegration, or a feeling
of “unreality” and disconnection that may persist for days. Chronic use may cause depression,
psychological dependency, and possibly brain damage. Large doses may be associated with psychotic
breaks…”
It was at this point that I first noted the feeling of the hair
standing up on the back of my neck – but this sensation would become much more
common and pronounced as I continued reading and gaining understanding.
One of the best sources I’ve found for DXM info is Erowid.org’s “DXM Vault.” One
article in particular was especially helpful – “The
DXM FAQ by William E. White – Version 4“, published at the
previously linked site Erowid.org.
This
document is, to be blunt, written for “recreational users” of DXM – those who
will use it “to get high.” I will refer to “recreational
use” by its proper term: Abuse.
In the document’s
“Introduction”, the author notes that as the number of people abusing
DXM has grown since he published the first version of his FAQ, so to the
number of adverse effects and problems has also grown:
“… A few people, on the other hand, seem to be greatly
susceptible to DXM addiction and some
of these have suffered long-term health consequences. A very
few may have suffered permanent brain damage from extremely heavy use of
DXM (e.g., an 8oz bottle of Maximum Strength syrup every day). On the
other hand, some people consume the same amount for years seemingly without
consequence.
And while some people can consume DXM regularly
without psychological consequences, others suffer from severe depression and psychotic
breaks, even leading to a few cases of suicide attempts…”
He goes on
to note the growing indications that there is a possibility of a phenomenon
called “NMDA Antagonist
Neurotoxicity (NAN)” – microscopic holes in the brain
called “Olney’s Lesions.”
Perhaps with the understanding that Trayvon used “Lean” to get
high the Medical Examiners notes in the autopsy of Trayvon’s brain
cultures now have a new light shed upon them.
For these reasons, the author points out, ”as of the
time of his writing (coincidentally in 1995, the year Trayvon was
born!) there just wasn’t any significant quantity of medical research into the
long-term effects of DXM abuse, which he hopes (unsuccessfully, as it turns
out) will be resolved in the following years, and notes “…Until then, my official recommendation is not
to use DXM at all!“
Of course he knows people will not stop using, so he goes on to
express his “own personal belief that DXM
is probably
pretty safe when used occasionally (e.g.,once or twice a month) at the lower plateaus, and rarely (e.g., once or twice a year) at the higher plateaus.”
Mr. White then gives hints at the otherwise unclear “data”
he’s gathered by saying “I
have yet to hear from anyone who used DXM with this or less frequency who has
suffered any impairment, temporary or permanent. Actually, to be
technically correct,nobody
using it once a week for less than six months has ever seemed to have problems,
but it’s always best to keep a wide safety margin…”
Unfortunately, teenage boys, especially those from within
Trayvon’s cultural demographic, are not known for their temperance, much
less “keep[ing] a wide safety margin.“
To the contrary, it’s likely that a young man like Trayvon would
consider Robitussin an easily obtained standby for times when marijuana
was unavailable. In his own words he has already expressed his
opinion that it gives him “the
same vibe” – and he is in fact likely to PREFER the DXM as
it’s less likely to get him “roped”
(busted).
Subsequently a rational framing would be the odds of him
limiting his use to “once a
week for less than six months” is highly unlikely. We
know from his own words to his friends that Trayvon has used DXM as far
back as June 2011.
Even more troubling, the
author goes on to note:
“Another thing to keep in mind is that DXM in the upper plateaus is a considerably
different experience than the lower plateaus, and may be better
suited to spiritual or ritual use. Even at the lower plateaus,DXM is not really well suited as a frequent
recreational drug
… In summary, I’m not nearly as convinced that DXM is a benevolent
psychedelic as I used to be. It
is in many ways considerably more powerful (and certainly more dangerous)
than LSD or mushrooms. Like all psychedelics it can profoundly
change you; unlike others, these changes are not necessarily under your
control, especially if you are not very familiar with yourself.
I don’t think there are too many people less “familiar with themselves” than
teenagers whose sense of ”self” is still highly formative.
The concern from this discovery was growing quickly, but this next section
really took the feeling of concern to entirely new heights:
DXM can be a great tool for spiritual rebirth, but it can also turn you into a paranoid, antisocial asshole…
It is a unique and uniquely powerful mind-altering drug, and one which I think most people would do best to avoid. “
In short, the “drug-user world’s” foremost “expert” on DXM abuse
is clearly advising against regular, chronic use for some very good
reasons. But if a teenager like Trayvon were even aware
of such a recommendation what degree of confidence would there be that the
would actually heed it? Remember, this is a young man
who thinks “codeine is a higher dose of DXM” and is
actively seeking to find it.
Therefore, the odds of him accidentally and naively
stumbling into enough of a habit to render himself “A paranoid, antisocial asshole“,
in the words of Mr. White, are probably quite high.
But… Let’s read on!
Physiology of DXM / Lean Use
We know from Trayvon’s own words that he’s experienced “lean” –
and since he knows what DXM is – but thinks the promethazine/codeine
cocktail is “a higher dose” then he’s also experienced DXM, at least at a “lower plateau.”
In answer to the question “What’s the DXM Trip Like”
the author says:
“Well, that depends on how
much you take. There are four different kinds of experiences, based on the
dosage; these are called plateaus.
The first plateau is a mild stimulant
effect with a little bit of a buzz, and has been compared to MDA [a more
psychedelic cousin of MDMA -aka-"Ecstasy"].
The second plateau is more intoxicating
and has been compared to being drunk and stoned at the same time.
The third plateau is dissociative, like
a lower dose of ketamine.
The fourth plateau is fully dissociative
like a higher dose of ketamine.
You should not [emphasis original!] attempt higher plateau doses
unless you have someone with you who can take care of you in case you get
sick or freak out. It happens on DXM.
Many things can happen unexpectedly on upper plateaus, such as
spontaneous memory recall, complex delusions, hallucinations, out-of-body
experiences, near-death experiences, and perceived contact with spiritual or
alien entities. You need to be pretty stable and grounded before you can handle these things“.
“Stable and grounded” would not describe the behavioral or
social pattern of Trayvon Martin who was moved from house to house, parent to
parent, and surrounded by a litany of on-again, off-again, relationships from
his parent’s partners. Could a “complex delusion” or “hallucination“ perhaps elicit a
paranoia ”tracked” by George Zimmerman?
One thing is sure – young Trayvon was CLEARLY ANYTHING BUT
”STABLE AND GROUNDED”
in both his physical and emotional address.
In another section – “Is DXM Dangerous” – the Author again makes note of the
possibility of “bad
trips…psychotic breaks…psychological addiction and depression and irreversible
brain damage“.
To repeat the obvious, THIS IS VERY VOLATILE,
DANGEROUS STUFF especially in the hands of an impulsive,
cognitively immature, and adolescent minded individual like 17-year-old
Trayvon Martin.
One of the problems with DXM is that with long-term or regular use
“most of the pleasurable effects
of DXM tend to go away … Tolerance can build rapidly, leaving one only with a
general sensation of being high and stupid.“
In young and impulsive individuals, this can lead the person to
take higher doses, looking for the same “vibe“,
and thus accidentally lead the individual to find themselves on a much
higher “plateau” than they
intended.
Lacking both the knowledge
and experience to understand what is happening to them, and the skills or
assistance needed to deal with the ”surprise” effects, an ungrounded
teen can suddenly find themselves in a dangerous – even potentially fatal
– situation!
The “FAQ” lists
the following “Risks” (among others):
§ “Major Risks of Occasional Use:
§ Panic Attacks
§ Psychotic Breaks
§ Impaired Judgement in Critical
Situations (!!)
§ “Risks of Regular Use and
Binges:
§ Mania
§ Violent Ideations, Antisocial
Behavior and Paranoia
§ Habituation and Psychological
Addiction
§ Tolerance and Physical
Addiction
§ Psychosis
§ Liver, Kidney and Pancreas Damage“
At this point it is highly important to remember, or refer
to, the coroners report about Trayvon’s
Liver? (a
screen grab is below)
In addition to the risks of DXM itself, many DXM-containing
products contain other active ingredients that can be dangerous. Common
additives include acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause fatal liver-damage
in large doses. Products containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate such
as Coricidin Cough and Cold should especially be avoided. See DXM Healthfor more
information.
When you take acetaminophen,
[such as would be used in making Purple/Watermelon Lean] your liver
breaks it down into a substance called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, or
NAPQI, which is toxic to your liver [...] Your liver contains an
antioxidant called glutathione that can keep NAPQI from causing damage, but too
much acetaminophen reduces glutathione and leaves your liver open to harm
[...] acetaminophen only causes liver damage if you take more than your
body can handle.
These
post-mortem symptoms of DXM use would also mask themselves as a
variety of causes for ‘mild fatty metamorphosis of the liver’ if you were not
specifically knowledgable of the subject’s history. Obviously in
this example neither Tracy Martin, nor Sybrina Fulton would be informing the
Medical Examiner of prior drug use.
We can confirm from his
Facebook and Twitter Accounts that Trayvon had essentially been
“sippin sippin” (using Lean or DXM) for at least a year, perhaps
longer. It would appear from the Medical Examiners report Trayvon’s liver
was showing the early indicators of excessive use consistent with such a
timeframe.
Psychology of DXM Use
In the FAQ’s section on “Psychotic
Breaks” the author notes:
“…Be very
careful in trying to restrain the tripper, since she orhe may perceive this
as a threat, and will probably be mostly immune to pain...the tripper, like a cornered animal,
could beat the living shit out of you without thinking twice. (!!) …”
So, where does all of this lead? At this point, after
reviewing all the information, it appears quite probable that a pattern of
drug cocktail use specifically led to the mindset, or psychological
environment, between George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin on the night of
February 26th.
The tone or hostility of
the encounter, and Trayvon’s response to being confronted, would more easily be
understood against the backdrop of the discovery for his prior drug use;
and more specifically the types of drugs being used.
It is quite
possible that Trayvon Martin – experiencing the tolerance effects caused
by chronic use of DXM - potentially took a larger dose of DXM than
he’d had before, or at the very least was recently indulging himself in
an admitted actitity. Maybe even suffered a “psychotic break”,
but at least the behavioral paranoia and psychological
stress consistent with the use of long-term DXM use might have to
a physical and psychological reaction to questions by George
Zimmerman, and ultimately to his aggressive response.
Trayvon would not
necessarily have needed to be under the “immediate influence” of the
“trip” at the time (Robotrippin’), he could just as easily have been
preparing for his next “trip” while still holding the long-lasting effects from
prior use. The timing of prior use may contribute to his emotional
state, or the cumulative effect could have been a contributing factor.
Both are just as potentially dangerous.
If however, Martin was in the midst of a stress induced ”psychotic break”, or under duress exacerbated
by George Zimmerman’s “eyeballing
him“, well, then, there’s really nothing George
Zimmerman could have done once the confrontation began. Any
confrontation at all could have led to the same outcome.
The FAQ advises a
“Tripper’s” “Safety Person” to:
“…Instead of restraint, try
talking him or her down. Be calm, soothing, and repeatedly remind the tripper
that they have taken a drug which has critically impaired their perceptions.
Remind them of who they are and how they got here, and that the experience will
end…”
That sounds great, on paper, - except for the fact that
George Zimmerman had no idea Trayvon Martin was potentially “Robo-tripping“, and it’s rather
difficult to “be calm, soothing”
and so on when the “tripper” has
already snapped and is busy “beat[ing]
the snot out of you without thinking twice!!“
Common Sense
We know from Trayvon himself that last summer, between the school
years, in or around June 2011, Trayvon was engaged in DXM/Lean and
Marijuana use. We also know there are multiple
behavioral side effects from DSM/Lean use. Those side effects and
impacts on cognitive judgement increase with prolonged exposure.
The more you use, the worse the psychological affects are.
Now consider this in the developing physiology of a teen in
the full hormone raging puberty phase of 15/16/17 years of age and you can
magnify those psychological and physiological effects exponentially.
Hormones = Sex = Teenage
boy normal.
Hormones + psychotic
psychological addiction from DXM/Lean drug effects = Super Aggressive
Sexual Thoughts, actions, expressions. Teenage boy NOT normal.
It would be
intellectually dishonest to frame as coincidental or
disconnected that he apparently started seriously engaging in the
DXM/Lean/Pot culture in the summer break of 2011 ;
and then was suspended from school three times for behavioral issues
in the very next school year. A rapid downward progression would be
an inevitable outcome from frequent use of DXM and Marijuana.
Trayvon
also subscribed to the U-Tube
feeds of drug use, drug culture, street violence and
activities in this same Summer between school years. Not
accidentally in the same timeframe he gained significant interest in
MMA style street fighting. This is not at all just random
coincidence. As we have meticulously outlined aggressive anti-social
behavior is a specific, frequent, and documented side effect from DXM/Lean
use.
Trayvon was admittedly, according to his Facebook
conversations, a user of DXM and Purple Drank/Lean since at least June
2011. He was also an admitted smoker of Marijuana which
was found in both his urine and blood tests. His liver
indicates the beginning stages of an unusual degrading known as “mild
fatty metamorphasis”, and his brain tissue appeared compromised, both
conditions symptomatic of DXM use.
In addition he was
suspended from school three times in the past seven months prior to the
shooting for behavioral issues. He was detached from adult supervision at
the time in question, in a relatively unfamiliar place, and according to
his father Tracy Martin, grounded. His girlfriend describes their
phone call as Trayvon being “paranoid”.
Trayvon makes a trip
to the store and buys two of the specific three ingredients needed to blend a
drug cocktail he was well versed in making (Lean). And appeared
slightly exagerrated, tenuous, and wobbly (swaying) when you
objectively review his physical movements on the video of the store during
the purchase.
He was a little more than a
half a mile from home (Brandy’s house), yet he left the store at 6:24 and was
first noted at the clubhouse at 7:09pm. If he intended to go
straight home from the store, and under normal cognitive capacity, he should
have made the 1/2 mile trip in well under 30 minutes, well under.
The facts, and new
understanding, as it now presents itself, would certainly lend weight to the
strong possibility that Trayvon Martin was motor impaired, or at least
influenced, by some altering condition. At the very least this
bears considerable merit for further inquiry, and a serious toxicological
analysis for an understanding of exactly what metabolic influences may have
been in place at the time of the encounter between George and Trayvon.
The toxicology review
should specifically look for trace evidence and levels of DXM agents in
his system. Both to understand if he was robotrippin’ at the immediate
time of encounter, as well as if longer term use created a cumulative effect,
and was a contributing factor in his physiology or state of mind.
One such well known, and well documented side-effect is “anger”, or, “violent
temperment”.
§ 7-11 Store Check out time
6:24pm - Shooting 7:17pm
§ 53 minutes from the time
Trayvon left the store to when he was shot.
§ 53 minutes to travel
.60/mile
Zimmerman: Hey we’ve had some
break-ins in my neighborhood, and there’s a real suspicious guy, uh, [near]
Retreat View Circle, um, the best address I can give you is 111 Retreat View
Circle. This guy looks like he’s up to
no good, or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking
around, looking about.
By Dedicated Dad – Now
knowing all of this information, take a closer look at the new discovery for
what REALLY happened at the 7-11 on the night in Question.
This too, opens eyes to a FAR GREATER UNDERSTANDING.
--
+%231ab.jpg?SSImageQuality=Full)
