Contributor: D. Thomas
The advocacy of cannabis by celebrities isn’t exactly a new thing. In fact, it has been around for quite some time. There are a lot of advocates that come to mind when reflecting on the history of cannabis in America. But there are a few that stand out amongst the ranks a bit more than others.
Some musicians (and/or movie stars) may have, at times, mentioned the plant in passing, but few have dedicated their entire image and lives to it in the same way these individuals have done. Whether in television, films, music, or movies, these individuals have contributed to a movement. A movement that we are extremely lucky to witness coming to a culmination right before our very own bloodshot eyes. These people have paved the way to legalization in one way or another. They, unlike many, never treated cannabis like the illegal Schedule One drug that it is deemed to be. Instead, they saw how it could assist us, and they made that message known to the public.
Oh yeah, I saw it coming…In fact, I kind of planned the whole thing out.
Cheech & Chong
This list couldn’t be started (or finished), without the mention of Cheech & Chong. These two cannabis comedy moguls have been at it since 1971, and in many various forms. Mostly, they are known for their hilarious films, wherein they play exaggerated caricatures of their stoner selves. Not only was this series a massive success, but Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong both became extremely successful in their own rights when it came to film, television, and standup. This comedy duo has even won a Grammy for Best Comedy Album, Los Cochinos, in 1974.
Cheech Marin went on to have a successful acting career, making appearances in nearly every one of Robert Rodriguez’s films, as well as doing voices for several animated movies.
Tommy Chong often played roles as the stereotypical hippy stoner, making appearances on several sitcoms, and enjoying a nice run from 1999-2006 as ‘Leo’ on That 70’s Show.
In June of 2012, Tommy Chong was diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer after being drug free for about three years. Since then, he has been using cannabis heavily to battle the symptoms. He has even created his own line of cannabis products called, Chong’s Choice. Paris Chong, Tommy’s son, jokingly claims that his father likes to test every batch.
When asked about his thoughts on legalization, Chong quipped, “Oh yeah, I saw it coming…In fact, I kind of planned the whole thing out.”
Believe it or not, Tommy Chong is now 81 years-old, but one could never tell by his lighthearted and affable demeanor. Who knows, maybe it’s the cannabis that keeps him so youthful.
Willie Nelson & Company
What would this list be without the original outlaw cowboy, himself? Born during the Great Depression, Shotgun Willie has been at it for 86 years now, and takes the throne as the elder of the tribe on this list of cannabis aficionados. Wille has acted in over 30 films, and has written (and co-authored) several books, as well. Amassing a music catalog of 94 studio albums and counting, Willie’s legendary status is a tall order that few, if any, can measure up to.
Willie lit up his first joint over sixty-five years ago, and Rolling Stone recently deemed him “America’s most legendary stoner, and a walking testament to the power of weed.” After all this time, that notion would certainly be hard to argue with.
Like many others, Willie also has his own brand called Willie’s Reserve. His official title is CTO, “Chief Tasting Officer.” He even had his own business cards made up. When asked about his favorite strain, Willie replied, “Pot is like sex —it’s all good, some is great.”
Willie Nelson says he’s high “pretty much all the time.” When getting wind of this, Keith Richards, legendary guitarist of the Rolling Stones, joked, “At least I wait ten minutes in the morning.”
Cannabis, for the most part, is generally well-accepted within the history of the music industry. Several notable stoners have surfaced over the decades. Bob Dylan famously introduced marijuana to The Beatles in 1964. It was at that time that the pop-y boy-band from Liverpool transformed into a group with more lyrical depth and deeper meaning. Who knows, if not for cannabis, the world may have never been introduced to Sgt. Pepper’s, The White Album, or Abbey Road.
The Grateful Dead should also be given an honorable mention here, as everything about this San Francisco based group goes hand in hand with cannabis. From the extended instrumental jam sections in their music, to the dancing bear visuals at their shows. And let’s not forget the colorful Deadhead tie-dyed T-shirts worn by their loyal legion of fans.
However, 60’s counterculture music wasn’t the only musical style that adopted cannabis. As time rolled on and music evolved, another musical gene also took it under its wing.
Snoop Dogg
As rap music came to the forefront of the scene, so did Snoop Dogg in the early 90’s. Snoop has been synonymous with cannabis, or as he would most likely call it, “chronic” throughout his extremely lengthy career.
Snoop has evolved over time to become a larger than life caricature of himself. Appearing in numerous films and television shows, such as Half Baked, Training Day, Starsky & Hutch, and three of Comedy Central’s Roasts, just to name a few. The list is lengthy, and could go on and on.
Snoop has worked with a lot of different people in various mediums and forms of entertainment, and is just an all-around likable guy. In fact, that characteristic seems to be a common trait amongst the advocates mentioned here.
Whether it be Tommy Chong, Willie Nelson, or Snoop Dogg, these cannabis advocates are beloved by all. And righteously so. Over the years, there has been so much unjustified negative stigma placed on the users of cannabis. Yet, when you look at some of its biggest advocates, they have some of the largest hearts in the world.
Nowadays, there is even a rush of ex-athletes getting into the mix with the likes of Mike Tyson, Gary Payton, Jose Canseco, and Rob Gronkowski. What is interesting about the advocacy from athletes on such a substance is that no other “drug” has ever been treated in this fashion.
It remains true that alcohol advertising utilizes models and movie stars to sell their product to people, making them think they can become the next “Most interesting man in the world.” But I still can’t recall a time when an athlete (present or past) has come to the table claiming alcohol has helped them in one way or another, and I doubt we ever will.
