This interview first appeared in the Sports Edition of Fat Nugs Magazine, released May 2024.
Ever wanted to find a way to let that road rage personality live out in the open? Maybe ram your car straight into another one? Yell, scream, laugh, and smile bigger than you ever have while doing so? Well, there are people who get to do just that anytime they want.
Meet Alec ‘Craze’ Zammitt – 420 Artist and Demolition Derby Driver. Alec is a member of The Craze™ Collective, an Australian-based misfit crew of makers, movers, and shakers. The Craze Collective, as they describe it, represents a network of like-minded artists, activists, businesses & initiatives. They specialize in creative solutions for community and commercial obstacles and are passionate about art, cannabis, secular culture, sports, sustainability, and local community.
Alec was cool enough to answer some questions about demolition derby, cannabis, and how Australians actually feel about legalization.
An Interview with Alec ‘Craze’ Zammitt
What is a Demolition Derby? Can you explain it for those of us who aren’t familiar with it?
Demolition derby is an adrenaline-fueled motorsport that sees multiple cars crash into each other, with the last car still operating deemed the winner and other awards given to the most damaged-looking car. Most drivers aim to reverse their cars into the front of their competitors’ cars to protect their motors while immobilizing their opponents.
How does cannabis fit into Demolition Derby? Is it being consumed prevalently throughout the community/sport?
I wouldn’t say cannabis and the sport are synonymous, although, in Australia, many athletes consume medicinal cannabis for a range of ailments. It is prevalent throughout the country, not just in my sport.
When were you first introduced to cannabis and by whom?
I was first introduced to cannabis by a friend, as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Prior to consuming cannabis, I was prescribed tablets that had side effects that were hard to deal with. From time to time I still need the tablets, however, cannabis has greatly replaced these with minimal side effects. The biggest side effect associated with cannabis consumption has nothing to do with the plant itself but rather is due to the draconian drug-driving laws we have in Australia.
How has cannabis positively impacted your career and life overall?
Cannabis has enabled me to greatly reduce the use of pharmaceutical medications to the point where I barely take any. It has eliminated the side effects that were associated with the pharmaceuticals I was taking while allowing me to get on with day-to-day life. It is also a great aid in recovering from injuries sustained when competing.
Do you experience negative backlash because of your cannabis consumption and advocacy?
No not really. I have been advocating for cannabis law reform for over a decade now, our advocacy is always done in an entertaining way that doesn’t impose on the day-to-day lives of Australians.
Do you consider cannabis performance-enhancing? Why or why not?
I guess if being happier and more relaxed is performance-enchanting, then maybe, but jokes aside, no, not really. Though it is a great aid in recovery if an injury is sustained.
What do you want other athletes to know about cannabis?
For anyone prescribed opiate-based painkillers, I highly suggest giving medicinal cannabis a try, as cannabis is natural and non-addictive, it may help you avoid the nasty side effects and consequences of consuming traditional pharmaceuticals that are thrust upon people.
