Have you ever wondered about the historical figures who used cannabis? From royalty to renowned authors, many influential individuals throughout history have been known to consume cannabis. In this article, we will delve into the lives of some of these notable figures and explore their relationship with cannabis.
Why Should We Care About Historical Figures Who Used Cannabis?
Cannabis has been intertwined with human history for centuries. Whether used for medicinal purposes, creative inspiration, or recreational enjoyment, historical figures who smoked marijuana often found unique ways to incorporate it into their lives. By examining their stories, we can better understand how cannabis has influenced art, politics, science, and culture.
Are you curious to learn which historical figures embraced cannabis and why? Let鈥檚 dive in!
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria, one of the most famous monarchs in British history, was known to use cannabis for medical purposes. Her physician, Sir J. Russell Reynolds, prescribed cannabis to ease her menstrual cramps and other ailments. This was a time when cannabis was widely accepted and used in various medical treatments.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, the legendary playwright, is another historical figure who is believed to have used cannabis. Archaeologists have found clay pipes containing traces of cannabis in the garden of his Stratford-upon-Avon home. While there is no definitive proof, many scholars speculate that Shakespeare may have used cannabis for creative inspiration.
Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott, the author of “Little Women,” was known to use cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. In her journals, she mentioned using hashish, a form of cannabis, to alleviate pain and stimulate creativity. Her experiences with cannabis may have influenced her writing and personal life.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X, the renowned civil rights activist, also had a history with cannabis. In his autobiography, he openly discussed his use of marijuana during his younger years. He described how cannabis helped him cope with the struggles of his early life and influenced his journey towards becoming a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.
Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan, the famous astronomer and author, was a strong advocate for the legalization of cannabis. He wrote an essay under the pseudonym “Mr. X” in 1969, where he discussed the benefits of cannabis and its potential for enhancing creativity and intellectual pursuits. Sagan believed that cannabis could open new perspectives and inspire innovative thinking.
Alexandre Dumas
Alexandre Dumas, the author of “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Three Musketeers,” was known to be a member of the Club des Hashischins, a group dedicated to the exploration of hashish. Dumas wrote about his experiences with cannabis, describing its effects on his creativity and imagination.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, has openly discussed his past use of cannabis. In his memoir “Dreams from My Father,” Obama admitted to using marijuana during his younger years. He has since advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy, emphasizing the importance of treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.
Francis Crick
Francis Crick, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, was known to use cannabis. Some accounts suggest that Crick was under the influence of LSD when he made his groundbreaking discovery, although this has been debated. Nonetheless, his use of cannabis is well-documented, and he believed in its potential to enhance creativity and problem-solving.
Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I is another royal figure who is believed to have used cannabis. Historical records suggest that she may have used cannabis for medical purposes, similar to Queen Victoria. The use of cannabis in the royal court was not uncommon during her reign, as it was seen as a valuable medicinal herb.
The Beatles
The Beatles, the iconic rock band, were known to use cannabis during their career. In interviews, band members have discussed how cannabis influenced their music and creative process. Their use of cannabis was reflective of the cultural shifts of the 1960s, where experimentation with drugs was seen as a way to expand consciousness and artistic expression.
Top 50 Most Influential Marijuana Consumers
1. Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT)
Sen. Bernie Sanders has been a vocal advocate for the legalization of marijuana. He has introduced legislation to end the federal prohibition of marijuana and has spoken openly about his support for cannabis reform.
2. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA)
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher has been a long-time supporter of marijuana legalization. He has introduced several bills aimed at reforming federal marijuana laws and has been a vocal advocate for states’ rights to legalize cannabis.
3. Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)
Sen. Ted Cruz has expressed support for states’ rights to legalize marijuana. While he has not been as vocal as some of his colleagues, he has indicated that he believes states should have the authority to set their marijuana policies.
4. Barack Obama
As mentioned earlier, Barack Obama has openly discussed his past use of marijuana and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy. His administration took steps to reduce the harsh penalties associated with marijuana use and to support state-level legalization efforts.
5. Clarence Thomas
Clarence Thomas, a Supreme Court Justice, has not publicly discussed his views on marijuana. However, his judicial philosophy of originalism could potentially support states’ rights to legalize cannabis, as the Constitution does not explicitly address the issue.
6. Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert, the popular late-night talk show host, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis on his show and has advocated for its legalization.
7. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey has not publicly discussed her use of marijuana. However, she has been a vocal supporter of legalization and has invested in companies that produce cannabis-infused products.
8. Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton famously admitted to trying marijuana but claimed he “didn’t inhale.” Despite this, his administration took a tough stance on drug policy, which included harsh penalties for marijuana use.
9. George Soros
George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist, has been a major financial supporter of marijuana legalization efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to organizations advocating for cannabis reform.
10. Bill Gates
Bill Gates has not publicly discussed his use of marijuana. However, he has been a supporter of legalization and has invested in companies that produce cannabis-infused products.
11. Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart, the former host of “The Daily Show,” has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis on his show and has criticized the harsh penalties associated with marijuana use.
12. Bill Maher
Bill Maher, the host of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” has been a long-time advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis on his show and has criticized the war on drugs.
13. Gov. John Hickenlooper (CO)
Gov. John Hickenlooper has been a supporter of marijuana legalization in Colorado. He has worked to implement the state’s legalization law and has advocated for a sensible approach to cannabis policy.
14. Roger Stone
Roger Stone, the political consultant, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis and has criticized the war on drugs.
15. Sen. Rand Paul (KY)
Sen. Rand Paul has been a supporter of states’ rights to legalize marijuana. He has introduced legislation to reform federal marijuana laws and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
16. Rihanna
Rihanna, the popular singer, has been open about her use of marijuana. She has discussed her experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
17. Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio host, has been a vocal critic of marijuana legalization. However, he has admitted to using prescription painkillers, which some have compared to the use of medical marijuana.
18. Jay Z
Jay Z, the rapper and entrepreneur, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has invested in cannabis companies and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
19. Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele, the comedian and filmmaker, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
20. LeBron James
LeBron James, the NBA star, has not publicly discussed his use of marijuana. However, he has been a supporter of legalization and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
21. Eugene Monroe
Eugene Monroe, the former NFL player, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis to manage pain and has criticized the NFL’s policy on marijuana use.
22. Jim McMahon
Jim McMahon, the former NFL quarterback, has been open about his use of marijuana to manage pain. He has advocated for the legalization of cannabis and has criticized the NFL’s policy on marijuana use.
23. Gov. Charlie Baker (MA)
Gov. Charlie Baker has been a supporter of marijuana legalization in Massachusetts. He has worked to implement the state’s legalization law and has advocated for a sensible approach to cannabis policy.
24. Jay Williams
Jay Williams, the former NBA player, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
25. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA legend, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis to manage pain and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
26. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (NY)
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been a supporter of marijuana legalization in New York. He has worked to implement the state’s legalization law and has advocated for a sensible approach to cannabis policy.
27. Stephen King
Stephen King, the famous author, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
28. Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl, the musician and former drummer of Nirvana, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
29. Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa, the rapper, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis in his music and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
30. Emma Stone
Emma Stone, the actress, has been open about her use of marijuana. She has discussed her experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
31. George W. Bush
George W. Bush, the former President of the United States, has not publicly discussed his use of marijuana. However, he has been a supporter of states’ rights to legalize cannabis.
32. Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg, the actress and comedian, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. She has discussed her use of cannabis to manage pain and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
33. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson, the astrophysicist, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
34. Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, the singer and actor, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
35. Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre, the rapper and producer, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis in his music and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
36. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, the singer and actress, has been open about her use of marijuana. She has discussed her experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
37. Ted Turner
Ted Turner, the media mogul, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis in interviews and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
38. Montel Williams
Montel Williams, the talk show host, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis to manage pain and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
39. Aaron Sorkin
Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
40. Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman, the actor, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis to manage pain and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
41. John Kerry
John Kerry, the former Secretary of State, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy and has discussed the benefits of cannabis reform.
42. Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy and has discussed the benefits of cannabis reform.
43. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, the rapper, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis in his music and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
44. Rick Steves
Rick Steves, the travel writer, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis in his travels and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
45. Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson, the actor, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
46. Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon, the actress, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. She has discussed her use of cannabis in interviews and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
47. Al Gore
Al Gore, the former Vice President of the United States, has been a supporter of marijuana legalization. He has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy and has discussed the benefits of cannabis reform.
48. Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito, the actor, has been open about his use of marijuana. He has discussed his experiences with cannabis in interviews and has advocated for its legalization.
49. Sanjay Gupta
Sanjay Gupta, the neurosurgeon and medical reporter, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed the medical benefits of cannabis and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
50. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson, the country music legend, has been a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization. He has discussed his use of cannabis in his music and has advocated for a more sensible approach to drug policy.
12 Historical Figures Who Smoked Marijuana
Get Your Medical Card
If you’re inspired by these historical figures and their experiences with cannabis, you might be wondering how to get your medical card. The process varies by state, but generally involves consulting with a healthcare provider and obtaining a recommendation for medical marijuana. Once you have your card, you can access legal cannabis products and explore the benefits for yourself.
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus, the famous explorer, is believed to have brought cannabis to the New World. Historical records suggest that hemp was used on his ships for rope and sails, and it is possible that he and his crew used cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Queen Elizabeth I
As mentioned earlier, Queen Elizabeth I is believed to have used cannabis for medical purposes. The use of cannabis in the royal court was not uncommon during her reign, as it was seen as a valuable medicinal herb.
George Washington
George Washington, the first President of the United States, was known to grow hemp on his plantation. While there is no definitive proof that he used cannabis for recreational purposes, he was aware of its medicinal benefits and advocated for its cultivation.
Queen Victoria
As discussed earlier, Queen Victoria used cannabis for medical purposes. Her personal physician prescribed cannabis to ease her menstrual cramps and other ailments.
James Monroe
James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, was known to use cannabis for medical purposes. He was introduced to the plant while serving as the U.S. Minister to France and continued to use it throughout his life.
Alexandre Dumas
As mentioned earlier, Alexandre Dumas was a member of the Club des Hashischins and wrote about his experiences with cannabis. He described its effects on his creativity and imagination.
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc, the French heroine, is believed to have used cannabis for medicinal purposes. Historical records suggest that she may have used cannabis to alleviate pain and other ailments.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, is believed to have used cannabis for medical purposes. He suffered from chronic back pain and may have used cannabis to manage his symptoms.
William Shakespeare
As discussed earlier, William Shakespeare is believed to have used cannabis for creative inspiration. Archaeologists have found clay pipes containing traces of cannabis in the garden of his Stratford-upon-Avon home.
Louisa May Alcott
As mentioned earlier, Louisa May Alcott used cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. She mentioned using hashish in her journals and discussed its effects on her creativity and personal life.
Francis Crick
As discussed earlier, Francis Crick was known to use cannabis. Some accounts suggest that he was under the influence of LSD when he made his groundbreaking discovery of the structure of DNA, although this has been debated.
Carl Sagan
As mentioned earlier, Carl Sagan was a strong advocate for the legalization of cannabis. He wrote an essay under the pseudonym “Mr. X” in 1969, where he discussed the benefits of cannabis and its potential for enhancing creativity and intellectual pursuits.
FAQs
What are the benefits of cannabis?
Cannabis has been shown to have a variety of medical benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved mental health. It has also been used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.
Is cannabis legal in my state?
The legal status of cannabis varies by state. Some states have legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use, while others have only legalized it for medical use. It is important to check the laws in your specific state to determine the legal status of cannabis.
How can I get a medical card?
The process for obtaining a medical card varies by state, but generally involves consulting with a healthcare provider and obtaining a recommendation for medical marijuana. Once you have your card, you can access legal cannabis products and explore the benefits for yourself.
What are the different ways to consume cannabis?
Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Is cannabis safe to use?
Cannabis is generally considered safe to use, but it can have side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and increased heart rate. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. It is also important to consult with a healthcare provider before using cannabis, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Conclusion
The historical figures who used cannabis come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, but they all share a common thread: a belief in the benefits of cannabis. From royalty to renowned authors, these individuals have used cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, and their experiences have shaped our understanding of this powerful plant.
As we continue to explore the benefits of cannabis, it is important to remember the lessons of the past and the pioneers who paved the way for legalization and acceptance. Whether you are a seasoned cannabis user or just starting to explore its benefits, there is always more to learn and discover.