Top 10 Stoner Quotes

“If the words ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ don’t include the right to experiment with your own consciousness, then the Declaration of Independence isn’t worth the hemp it was written on.” – Terence McKenna

Not only was the Declaration of Independence drafted and written on paper made from hemp, but the fabric used to sew the first American flag prototype by Betsey Ross was as well. Terence McKenna was a pioneer in the world of psychonautics. He was an American writer, lecturer, ethnobotanist, philosopher, and psilocybin guru from Paonia, Colorado. He was a spiritual guide who aided many in better understanding the depths of human consciousness. His knowledge ranged from topics such as the evolution of the universe and civilization, to alchemy. A true sage of our time, Terence McKenna showed the world, through his gift of the written word, that everyone should explore their own consciousness, with or without mind-altering substances. The Invisible Landscape (1975) and Food of the Gods (1992) are two of his most monumental books. Do your mind a kindness and read them.

“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree.’” – Genesis 1:29

This Biblical quote has caused much dispute as to its interpretation. Many believe that it is quite literally referencing cannabis and therefore, since it is referenced in the Bible, Christian stoners will be absolved at their final moment of judgment. Many other Christians refute this interpretation because there is no proof that it is referencing any one specific plant, let alone a psychotropic one. The dizzying amount of opinions on the topic of marijuana and religion is enough to drive one insane, but let’s take a step back and just read the words, out of context, removing all Biblical and cannabis stigmas. Humans were given the gift of the almighty seed. Marijuana is not directly referenced, nor is it directly forbidden. Cannabis is an “herb bearing seed,” and just like all of God’s many other seeds, it deserves to grow freely in Earth’s rich soil.

“When I was a kid I inhaled frequently. That was the point.” – Barack Obama

One of the most famous presidential quotes was Bill Clinton’s “I did not inhale” debacle. As he boasted that he never inhaled, he claimed that he did not like it. How can one form an opinion about a substance when never experiencing its full effects? This is not a criticism on Bill Clinton’s presidency nor his platform, it is merely a paradigm. When Barack Obama was posed with the very same question, as many politicians are, he happily provided an honest answer. The point is not that he was a recreational marijuana smoker in his youth, but that he did not lie about it, a rare quality in a politician.

“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

Carl Sagan was a legend in the world of astrophysics, astronomy and cosmology. Also a writer and lecturer, two of his most famous books are Cosmos (1980) and Contact (1985), both reinterpreted through film. After dedicating his life to science, he realized that “there was more to living than science.” In the article which is linked above, Sagan describes various experiences he has had with cannabis and how its role evolved throughout his life. Marijuana is no longer viewed as “Above the Influence” PSAs depict it and is no longer exclusively for dropouts and drug addicts.

“Why use up the forests which were centuries in the making and the mines which required ages to lay down, if we can get the equivalent of forest and mineral products in the annual growth of the hemp fields?” – Henry Ford

Known for his revolutionary innovation of the factory assembly line and internal combustion engine, Ford was initially a supporter of the “fuel of the future,” or cellulose based ethyl alcohol fuel. In fact, the Model T was actually designed to consume this type of fuel. Ford’s vision was thwarted, however, by the popularization and convenience of petroleum. Engines operated more smoothly on gasoline because of the materials that were available at the time for engine construction. It’s interesting to speculate what the world would be like now if Ford would have continued down the path of hemp based fuel.

“When you smoke herb, it reveals you to yourself.” – Bob Marley

In the Rastafarian culture, marijuana is a sacred and ritualized practice. Often referred to as their holy herb, it is used as a medium to reach higher levels of consciousness through meditation. It is typically preceded with this prayer, or one very similar, repeated by all: Glory be to the father and the maker of creation. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be World without end: Jah Rastafari: Eternal God Selassie I. Because of its calming and anti-anxiety effects, it was also believed to create a heightened sense of community. When used in harmony with meditation, one can become introspective and peaceful, often arriving at a deeper understanding of one’s own identity, perspectives and emotions.

“People say you can abuse marijuana. Well shit, you can abuse cheeseburgers too, you know? You don‘t go around closing Burger King because you can abuse something.” – Joe Rogan

For years, Joe Rogan was only associated with Fear Factor and UFC. It wasn’t until recently, that his true intelligence began to emerge. In this clip, he professes his perspective on the illegality of marijuana and the ridiculous lies that have kept it that way. He is expressing the idea that the suppression of marijuana is a mode for the powers that be to continue puppeteering the masses and unfortunately for us, it’s working.

“It really puzzles me to see marijuana connected with narcotics…dope and all that crap. It’s a thousand times better than whiskey – it’s an assistant, a friend.” – Louis Armstrong

In the 1920s, Louis Armstrong used marijuana recreationally and as a source of creative inspiration. In 1954, he published a book titled Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans. Though marijuana, or “Gage” as Louis referred to it, was an important part of his lifestyle, his manager actually omitted the parts of the book referring to cannabis. It is rumored that Louis Armstrong jested about releasing a sequel purely dedicated to his sacred Gage.

“The biggest killer on the planet is stress and I still think the best medicine is and always has been cannabis.” – Willie Nelson

One of the world’s largest advocates of cannabis and a member of NORML’s Advisory Board, Willie Nelson will be a fellow stoner until the day he dies. In this clip from Larry King Live, Willie admits to Larry of being under the influence of marijuana during the interview. His candid and honest approach towards marijuana is an inspiration. He even mentions that his daily marijuana use had been affecting his lungs and that he replaced his joints with a vaporizer. Aside from the laundry list of emotional and mental effects that stress inflicts, it can also have a harmful physical effect. Stress hormones, cortisol and nor epinephrine, and adrenaline are released by the endocrine system through the sympathetic and central nervous system in moments of stress and immediate danger. These hormones are meant give to give the body an extra boost for fight or flight situations. When these hormones are not released by either of the prior, they build and cause short term and long term physical ailments such as fatigue, insomnia, migraine, digestive disorders, weaken immune system and high blood pressure, amongst many others. So, next time you find yourself stressed about the imperfections of every day life, think of Willie and take a deep breath, put on your favorite record, and smoke a bowl.

“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

For decades, comedians and musicians have been somewhat immune to talking about and engaging in recreational cannabis use. Steve Martin has always been popular amongst the stoner crowd, not just because of his open opinion about it, but because his movies and stand up are perfect for those stoney evenings spent on the couch. Whether marijuana is used heavily, lightly, medically, or recreationally, its impact on society is something that cannot be ignored forever.