Marijuana is not a recent discovery, nor is it something only used in modern times. Many historical figures enjoyed a relaxing toke of the piece pipe.
Cannabis has been around since at least the eighth century BC, first used for building material and medicine. Its use was restricted for the first time in Arabia in the 14th century, and the misconception of its effects took a life of its own. Today, the use of medical marijuana, especially CBD, is becoming more and more accepted and no longer taboo. It was legalized for recreational use in 2012 in two American states, Washington and Colorado. We still have a long way to come, as it is still embedded in our minds that people who smoke are lazier or less intelligent and so on. Let’s take a look at some notable, famous people, who despite smoking weed, made an impact in this world and its people.
“I used to smoke marijuana. But I’ll tell you something: I would only smoke it in the late evening. Oh, occasionally the early evening, but usually the late evening—or the mid-evening. Just the early evening, mid-evening and late evening. Occasionally, early afternoon, early mid-afternoon, or perhaps the late-mid-afternoon. Oh, sometimes the early-mid-late-early morning…But never at dusk.” – Steve Martin
Pharaoh Ramses II
Pharaoh Ramses II
Also referred to as Ramses the Great, he is the most famous of the pharaohs and responsible for an increase in temple, city and monument building. It is known that the Egyptians used marijuana for medicinal and medical purposes. It was used similarly to today to ease pain, help with glaucoma and depression. Evidence has been found that indicates that even Ramses was fond of the old Mary Jane. Traces of cannabis have been discovered on his remains; his mummy is currently undergoing an autopsy and has been flown to various exhibitions.
“When I was a kid I inhaled frequently. That was the point.” – Barack Obama
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
You must have heard of this world-famous British poet and playwriter. His most famous plays include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Macbeth. Some of his less famous works include Much ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure and so on. Maybe you’ve also been wondering where and how he got inspired for his works. Could it be that marijuana sparked his imagination? The answer is yes! Traces of marijuana have been found on pipes buried in his garden and his home in Stratford-upon-Avon. If you’re thinking of re-reading his masterpieces, maybe getting high will help you get in the zone.
“They’ve outlawed the No. 1 vegetable on the planet.” – Timothy Leary
George Washington
George Washington
The first leader and President of the United States, the Founding father, a military general and political leader. His everyday life was full of responsibilities, so we couldn’t help but wonder, how did he relax after his long days of work? We know for a fact that the founding fathers Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison and Washington all grew hemp. Hemp was used for producing paper, making rope and other supplies. There is no evidence that they smoked marijuana nor that they didn’t.
“Make the most you can of the Indian Hemp seed and sow it everywhere.” – George Washington
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
A famous Italian who studied mathematics, astronomy, cartography and navigation. He is most well-known as the man who discovered America for the Europeans; he set sail in 1492 with his three trusty ships, the Nina, the Pinta and Santa Maria. Supposedly, with food, rum, supplies and whatnot, the ships carried huge quantities of hemp and marijuana, both full-grown plants and seeds ready to plant or trade in the new world.
“Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit… unnatural?” – Bill Hicks
James Monroe
James Monroe
James Monroe was the fifth president of a young United States of America. He was one of the Founding Fathers, a lawyer, a diplomat, and he also served in the Continental Congress. His presidency is synonymous with the Era of Good Feelings. After the Federalist Party collapsed, Monroe signed the Missouri Compromise, which resulted in banning slavery from northern territories. As we have concrete evidence that Monroe has indeed smoked marijuana, it seems like the good feelings were contagious. Rowan Robinson is the man who wrote down in history, or rather in his book The Great Book of Hemp, that in the time Monroe spent in France, he enjoyed hashish and continued to enjoy it until the day he died.
“Marijuana… that’s not a drug, that’s a plant.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
How much is a Q of weed
Jokes aside, I highly doubt that this was a question our famous weed smokers ever had to ask at the peak of their powers, or would have, in those words, given their social standing. But as we can see, some of the most influential people praised marijuana and used it regularly. Today you can pick and choose how you want to get your fix, from ingesting it in the form of brownies or smoking it out of a bowl or bong. Some of the famous people who consume it today include Willie Nelson, Woody Harrelson, Kate Hudson, Barack Obama and others. Used sensibly, marijuana is not a gateway drug and it doesn’t mean you will become less motivated. If you are a creative person stuck in a rut, consuming cannabis can help you find inspiration again, just follow the old saying. All things in moderation.
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