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We speak with the author of Don't Let It Smoke You: How to Create a Nontoxic Relationship with Cannabis, Tarris Batiste.

Tarris Batiste explains: "I'm originally from Irvine, California but I was born and bred in Cartersville, Georgia. My life has always revolved around sports. However, throughout my journey I always knew I wanted more. Shortly after my professional football career ended, I transitioned into searching for opportunities of significance.

Unknowingly I had found my entrepreneurial side and began to use my story to build something I believed could help others. Throughout my time in athletics I battled with smoking which inspired me to write about finding balance during my journey of growth. My story is a cautionary tale turned into a system that I believe can give a different perspective to allow others to learn the power of conquering struggles at a steady pace.

The legalization of cannabis has seen a spike in recent years and luckily for me it coincides with my personal story and is the subject of my first, original book called “Don’t Let it Smoke You.” This being my first book I wanted to tell my story while addressing the “weed wave” that is already taking over the world. The book is divided into two parts. Part One tells of my childhood, how I started smoking, and my sports career. Part Two is the science and health facts of the cannabis industry, the future of legalization, and a system to improve.

I have managed to overcome the pitfalls others weren’t able to. I've seen friends turn to another life while treating cannabis as their number one priority. I don't believe in telling people how to think, but simply providing them with tools to have the ability to do so.

I describe my struggle with playing football in a small town, learning differently, and marching to the beat of my own drum. I was in the spotlight a majority of my life, all while I continued to smoke heavily. I’ve realized how smoking affects me personally, as well as those close to me. The consistent behaviors had become more harmful than helpful.

The smoke didn’t clear for me until I brought my private life into the public. That's when the impact revealed itself. Those around me thought I had it all together because of my degrees and my NFL opportunities. I felt like a misfit being a jock for most of my life and wanting to pursue different business ventures while most told me I should stick to my physical talent.

I researched as much as I could and interviewed people/organizations from the pro cannabis lifestyle to those opposing sides. The unifying factor is money. I explored the slight economic enhancements from the greed of pharmaceutical companies to what it takes to grow yourself. I aim to inform my audience of the stipulations of using cannabis in a positive way but not allowing the negative aspects of smoking rule their life while also promoting free choice.

“Don’t Let it Smoke You” is my life, it shows some of my most memorable experiences that shaped me into the man I am today. I want this book to offer people a new opportunity and new perspective.