There are still people who view pot in the same perspective as the 1936 black and white film called “Reefer Madness” or more recent characterization in famous movies such as Brad Pitt in True Romance or James Franco in Pineapple Express.
The truth is that there is a long list of brilliant artists, scientists and CEO’s who have consumed marijuana and contradict the anti-pot PSA‘s you may have seen on TV in the 90’s.
In this article we will look at 5 brilliant minds who couldn’t be further from the stereotypical pot head sometimes portrayed in movies.
Steve Jobs
Also known as the “Billion Dollar Hippie”, Jobs is one of the most well known CEO’s of our time and co-founder of Apple smoked marijuana and LSD in his college years. It was during that time that he broke into the market of personal computers. He has received accolades such as the National Medal of Technology from President Reagan and Fortune Magazine dubbed him the most powerful person in business. His legacy lives on through the company he started which today dominates the mobile market among things.
“The best way I would describe the effect of the marijuana and the hashish is that it would make me relaxed and creative” -Steve Jobs
Carl Sagan
It was not secret that Carl like his pot as he became a huge advocate for medical marijuana during his fight against cancer. Sagan was an American cosmologist, astrophysicist, astronomer, astrobiologist, author, Pulitzer price winner, popularizer of science and of course pothead. He has published over 600 scientific papers and articles and was the narrator of the hit television show “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage”.
“The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.” ― Carl Sagan
Bill Gates
Technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Bill Gates has undoubtedly changed the world of technology. As the founder of Microsoft Corporation which became the largest PC software company in the world. In 1987 Gates was recognized as one of world’s wealthiest people and as of 2018 he was worth over $90 BILLION.
“As for drugs — well, Gates was certainly not unusual there. Marijuana was the pharmaceutical of choice.” (From Gates: How Microsoft’s Mogul Reinvented an Industry — And Made Himself the Richest Man in America, by Stephen Manes).
Richard Branson
This English magnate, investor and philanthropist has not been quite about his thoughts on marijuana and has also criticized President Trump’s administration.
Branson owned Virgin Records which was one of the largest record stores and eventually went on to owning Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines and Virgin Mobile.
He has not been quite about his love for cannabis and claims Keith Richards taught him how to roll his first joint. Today Richard Branson is one of the most prominent advocates of medical cannabis and legalization.
“I’d like to see the government back a program of research into the medical properties of cannabis and I do not object to its responsible use as a recreational relaxant.” -Sir Richard Branson
Stephen King
Stephen KingOne of the most famous authors of horror, fantasy and science fiction. It’s not surprising that King smoked weed to tap into his creative side to bring us some of the greatest stories and movies such as the Shining,Stand By Me, IT, Shawshenk Redemption and almost one hundred other books/movies.
“I think that marijuana should not only be legal, I think it should be a cottage industry. It would be wonderful for the state of Maine. There’s some pretty good homegrown dope. I’m sure it would be even better if you could grow it with fertilizers and have greenhouses.” -Stephen King
Conclusion
The list of famous and successful marijuana users and pot advocates can go on and on. With cannabis legalization nearing in Canada, I believe the negative stigma we’ve seen in anti-pot commercials and old TV shows making pot looks like it can fry your brain and ruin your life.
I believe this perception will slowly change with time as it will become not only acceptable but a form of medication and of course recreationally.
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