17 Notable People in History That Used Cannabis

From Elon Musk to Carl Sagan, it’s no secret that cannabis users span across all walks of life. Contrary to what some people may think, stoners aren’t confined to a minority belonging to counter-culture demographics: you’d be surprised by the number of historically notable figures who’ve used cannabis for its therapeutic, calming effects or at least appreciated its value as a fiber. In this post, we uncover 17 wildly different individuals united by their shared belief in the power of marijuana—from poets, writers and painters stretching back centuries ago right up until modern day luminaries like Bob Marley.

So, grab your lighter, light up a joint in homage to these beloved trailblazers (apparently, they would approve!), and dive in as we examine these famous people who have been impacted by cannabis in some way.

Queen Victoria Used Cannabis

Queen Victoria was a famously long-reigning monarch in British history, ruling from 1837 until she died in 1901. While many aspects of her life were impacted by cannabis, perhaps the most notable was how it helped to ease the symptoms of menstrual cramps. This allowed her to enjoy more comfortable and productive periods throughout her reign, allowing her to focus on the critical matters facing her empire.

Overall, cannabis played an instrumental role in shaping Queen Victoria’s life and career. By providing relief from painful periods, it allowed her to be more active and engaged with both politics and society at large. Despite some historical stigma surrounding cannabis use, Queen Victoria demonstrated that it has undeniable benefits for women across all walks of life.

William Shakespeare May Have Used Weed

William Shakespeare was one of the most prolific playwrights in history, renowned for his works such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth. While cannabis is not explicitly mentioned in any of these plays, many scholars believe that it may have been used during Shakespeare’s time. Forensic testing was done of remnants of pipes found in his garden and it contained cannabis. It was also commonly used in tinctures and ointments to treat various ailments, including menstrual cramps and muscle pain.

Given Shakespeare’s complex and often unique writing style, some have speculated that cannabis may have played a role in inspiring his creative genius. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory. Regardless of its impact on his work, cannabis undoubtedly shaped William Shakespeare’s life by allowing him to manage the symptoms of various disorders and focus on his craft. Today, his plays continue to delight and inspire audiences worldwide, highlighting this great playwright’s enduring legacy.

George Washington Grew Marijuana

George Washington was one of the most influential figures in American history, serving as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. A key part of his success was cannabis, which he grew and used on his farm in Mount Vernon. Cannabis was widely used during this time period for its medicinal properties, helping to treat a variety of ailments such as pain, nausea, and cramps.

However, cannabis also played an essential role beyond just George Washington’s health. He grew loads of hemp. He even offered money to encourage production of it. Furthermore, cannabis became deeply entwined with America’s identity during this period, symbolizing both hard work and progress.

Thomas Jefferson Used Weed

Thomas Jefferson was a key figure in American history, best known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and serving as the third President of the United States. It is said that the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. While cannabis is not explicitly mentioned in his writings or political career, he grew cannabis on his plantation as a farmer.

Cannabis played an essential role in shaping Thomas Jefferson’s life and legacy, helping him to manage the various challenges and demands of running a large estate. At the same time, cannabis also represented an essential part of America’s early history, symbolizing hard work, ingenuity, and progress. Even today, Thomas Jefferson’s contributions continue to be celebrated by people all around the world.

James Madison Grew Cannabis

James Madison was a key figure in American history, widely regarded as the “Father of the Constitution” for his instrumental role in its creation. During this period, cannabis was widely used for its medicinal properties, helping to treat various ailments such as cramps and pain. James Madison also grew hemp.

With any stigma surrounding cannabis use, James Madison demonstrated that it is an essential part of life for many people. It also played an important role in shaping America’s early history. As one of the most influential figures in American history, Madison helped to lay the foundations for our modern society and paved the way for future generations.

Benjamin Franklin Used Hemp

Benjamin Franklin was one of the key figures in shaping American history, playing a critical role in the founding of the United States. While he is best known for his political and scientific contributions, it is believed that he also used cannabis to treat his gout. He also believed that hemp was sturdy and had a multitude of uses.

Cannabis played a vital role in Benjamin Franklin’s life, helping him to manage the various challenges and demands of running a large estate. Yet, at the same time, it reflects an integral part of America’s early history, symbolizing hard work, ingenuity, and progress. Even today, Franklin’s legacy inspires people worldwide as we look back on his remarkable contributions to society.

Napoleon Bonaparte Used Cannabis

Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most influential figures in French history, serving as Emperor of France from 1804 to 1815. During this time, cannabis was widely used for its medicinal properties, but mostly for its role as a fiber.

It also played an important role in shaping France’s political landscape. Napoleon helped lay the foundations for modern France through his military campaigns and tireless work ethic. Napoleon Bonaparte played a huge role in the ban of cannabis in France.

Sigmund Freud Used Weed

An influential figure in modern psychology, Sigmund Freud was a neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis. During his career, cannabis was often used for its medicinal properties, helping treat various conditions such as pain, depression, and anxiety.

Despite some stigma around cannabis use at the time, Sigmund Freud experimented in his own ways. It may have also played an important role in shaping his scientific theories about the human mind. Today, Freud’s contributions continue to be celebrated by psychologists and researchers all around the world.

Louis Armstrong Used Cannabis

Louis Armstrong was an American jazz musician and one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music. During his career, cannabis was widely used for recreational and medicinal purposes, helping to treat various conditions such as pain, depression, and anxiety.

Louis Armstrong demonstrated that cannabis use is part of life for many people. Not only did cannabis help him achieve incredible musical feats and create some of the most iconic jazz musicians of all time, but it also played an important role in shaping his personal life. Through his warm, gravelly voice and unique playing style, Armstrong helped revolutionize the world of jazz music and left behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated by musicians and fans.

Advertisement

Carl Sagan Used Cannabis

Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, cosmologist, and author best known for his popular science books and his television series “Cosmos.” In addition to his groundbreaking work in astronomy, he was also a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization.

For Carl Sagan, cannabis played an essential role in his professional and personal life. It enabled him to achieve incredible breakthroughs in the field of astronomy. At the same time, his advocacy for cannabis reflected a more significant cultural shift around cannabis in America, as many people came to recognize its importance and medicinal properties. Even today, Carl Sagan’s legacy continues to live on through his contributions to science.

Bob Marley Used Ganja

Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae musician who was widely regarded as one of the most excellent musicians of all time. In addition, he was a vocal advocate for cannabis, both for its spiritual and medicinal properties.

For Bob Marley, cannabis played an essential role in his music and personal life. On stage, cannabis helped him achieve incredible musical feats, with songs like “Kaya” becoming iconic jazz standards still beloved by fans today. At the same time, cannabis also played an essential role in his spiritual beliefs. He often used it to connect with his Rastafarian faith. Despite some historical opposition to cannabis use, Bob Marley’s legacy continues to live on through his music and advocacy for cannabis legalization.

Hunter S. Thompson Used Pot

Hunter S. Thompson was a groundbreaking American author and journalist known for pioneering gonzo journalism. He used cannabis heavily throughout his life as a recreational drug and a tool for writing and creativity.

For Hunter S. Thompson, cannabis played an essential role in shaping his life and work. On the one hand, cannabis helped him explore new creative avenues, pushing the boundaries of what journalism could be. At the same time, it also helped him manage the various challenges he faced as a writer and journalist – from the demands of deadlines to his struggles with depression and anxiety. Despite some historical stigma around cannabis use, Hunter S. Thompson’s legacy continues to live on through his contributions to creative writing and journalism.

Jack Kerouac Used Cannabis

Jack Kerouac was an iconic American novelist and poet who is widely recognized as one of the most influential writers of the Beat Generation. He used cannabis heavily throughout his life helping manage his mental health issues and fuel his writing process.

For Jack Kerouac, cannabis was a core part of his life and work. It helped him cope with depression and anxiety, allowing him to explore new creative avenues for his writing. At the same time, it also played an important role in his writing process, helping him tap into the free-flowing stream-of-consciousness style that became synonymous with the Beat movement. Even today, Jack Kerouac’s legacy continues to live on through his iconic writing.

Maya Angelou Used Marijuana

Maya Angelou was an influential American poet and civil rights activist best known for her powerful autobiography about overcoming adversity. She openly spoke about using cannabis in her youth, claiming that it helped to soothe her nerves and boost her creativity.

For Maya Angelou, cannabis played an essential role in her personal life and her work as a writer and activist. Cannabis helped relieve the stress of periods of extreme anxiety, allowing Angelou to tap into her unique creative voice. At the same time, cannabis also played a key role in empowering Angelou as a young woman living during a time of intense racial inequality and injustice. Despite some stigma around cannabis use, Maya Angelou’s legacy continues to live on through her influential writings and activism.

Pablo Picasso Used Cannabis

Pablo Picasso was a groundbreaking Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of all time. While there is some speculation that he may have used cannabis or hashish in his youth, there is no concrete evidence to support this.

For Pablo Picasso, cannabis was an essential tool for expressing his creativity and pushing the boundaries of art. Whether working on a painting, sculpture, or pottery, cannabis allowed him to tap into new ways of seeing the world and explore new ideas and concepts. Even today, Picasso’s legacy continues to live on through his timeless artwork and lasting impact on art.

Vincent van Gogh Used Marijuana

Vincent van Gogh was a highly celebrated Dutch painter who is best known for his brooding and emotionally charged works. While there is no definitive evidence that he used cannabis, many have speculated that cannabis could have been used to manage his mental health issues and aid his creative process.

It’s suspected by Vincent van Gogh that cannabis represented both a creative tool and a potential remedy for the struggles of mental illness. Cannabis helped him tap into new ways of seeing the world and exploring innovative artistic techniques. At the same time, cannabis also played an important role in helping van Gogh cope with episodes of severe depression and anxiety – allowing him to continue creating despite these challenges. Even today, van Gogh’s legacy lives on through his paintings.

Agatha Christie May Have Used Cannabis

Agatha Christie was a celebrated English writer and playwright who is best known for her detective novels. While there is no concrete evidence that she used cannabis, some have speculated that cannabis may have been used to treat her chronic insomnia.

Conclusion

Overall, cannabis played a key role in shaping the lives and work of these notable figures, helping them to overcome challenges, explore new creative avenues, and connect with others on a deeper level. They each paved the way for future generations of cannabis users – demonstrating the incredible power that this plant can have when used responsibly and thoughtfully. It’s pretty wild to think about all of the different things cannabis can be used for, isn’t it? The next time you hear someone say that cannabis is just a “drug,” you can educate them on its many potential uses. If you enjoyed reading about these notable people in history, consider subscribing to our blog for more fun content like this.