How Weed Makes These 7 Writers More Creative

You probably already know they smoked weed. Either because you are a guilty casual smoker, or because society has led you to believe that extremely creative people are more subject to try psychotropic drugs – or, recreational drug usage.

Some people think it’s hearsay that marijuana makes you more creative. But a quick look at the history of literature, music, and philosophy would suggest otherwise. And so would a lot of modern-day stoners. Many literary and musical geniuses boast the special powers that smoking weed gives them when it comes to creativity. Somehow, smoking weed gives us access to the parts of our minds that are full of ideas, and it is from this place that artists bring us their creations. This article is a tribute to the authors who smoke weed; those who brought us the books and plays that we bury ourselves in when we get stoned!

Hunter S. Thompson

Why not start where American literature really counts? Hunter S. Thompson is one of America’s iconic writers, becoming famous for his book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. This wasn’t his only literary masterpiece, but it’s clear that Thompson has an affinity for the herb (and other drugs) in this book – which is actually all about that. Despite being a connoisseur of drugs, Hunter S. Thompson was deeply respected for his literature, whether it was in the form of books or journalism.

Carl Sagan

Creator of the famous documentary series, Cosmos, Carl Sagan is another on this list of famous authors who smoke weed. “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,” is the way that Carl Sagan describes the current legal situation in the world with respect to marijuana. Sagan said that marijuana inspired him creatively, giving him access to a library of thoughts and ideas that were otherwise unavailable to him. And no doubt, writing while high was a favorite pastime for Sagan.

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Stephen King

If you ever read a novel by Stephen King, then you definitely got the feeling he was smoking something every now and then… at the very least. In his biography, King admits that he spent a lot of the 80s using cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana. Even though he isn’t proud of his past drug addictions, there was a lot of fuel in there for his interestingly twisted stories. And though he doesn’t use cannabis anymore, Stephen King advocates its legalization.

Quentin Tarantino

This writer, director, and actor has become an icon in the American film industry. He is well known for his non-linear storylines that are full of action and satire. Tarantino is open about his use of marijuana, although he doesn’t use it while directing. In an interview after the release of Django Unchained, Tarantino said, “You smoke a joint, you put on some music, you listen to it and you come up with some good ideas…I don’t need a pot to write, but it’s kind of cool.”

William Shakespeare

Okay, this one has largely been speculation… until now. William Shakespeare never admitted to using cannabis, but there is evidence to suggest that he may have enjoyed a pipe every now and then. Some tobacco pipes were dug out of Shakespeare’s garden by a team of South African scientists. When they tested these pipes, which were over 400 years old, they found cannabis in eight of the samples. So, it’s entirely possible that while Shakespeare was busy being one of the most influential writers in the history of literature, he was also smokin’ the herb!

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is one of the most celebrated writers and poets in the USA. When it comes to authors who smoke weed, the famous writer also made it to our list of influential women who like the herb. In her autobiography, Gather Together In My Name, she goes into great detail about her experiences with cannabis. She talks about what it was like to smoke weed and eat her mother’s dinners or go on adventures around town.

If you are enjoying this article, check out our other Literary reads, here.

Alexandre Dumas

We’re finishing this list of authors who smoke weed with Alexandre Dumas, the French writer responsible for The Three Musketeers. His literature was so popular, it was translated into over 100 languages. Alexandre Dumas was a founding member of Le Club de Hashishins, literally translating to the Hash-Eaters Club. It was a Parisian group dedicated to exploring drug-induced experiences, and it seems that the group itself didn’t lack writers. Charles Baudelaire, who we mentioned earlier, was also part of the Hash-Eaters Club.