Kottonmouth Kings Don't Just Blow Smoke

When your records, songs and videos have titles like "Nickle Bag," "Joint Venture," "The Munchies" and "Royal Highness," someone's going to wonder what you've been smoking.

Southern California's Kottonmouth Kings, purveyors of punk-laced hip-hop and a live-free attitude, have an unmistakable message: Let potheads smoke pot. Legally.

Weed culture considers the six-man group friends, heroes and revolutionaries. Kottonmouth Kings received a Golden Lung Freedom Fighter award from NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, and was named 2006 Stoner Band of the Year in High Times magazine's Doobie Awards.

Kottonmouth Kings also have a strong following in Bakersfield, where they've performed regularly over the last few years. The group returns for a show at 7 p.m. Friday at The Dome with Mower and Potluck.

Band member Brad X recently answered questions from The Californian without flinching, but wants it known that his opinions aren't necessarily shared by everyone in the group.

The Bakersfield Californian: Why should pot be legalized?

Brad X: For the simple fact that it's a plant, and how could any man be arrogant enough to outlaw a plant -- the creator's creation, you know? To question the wisdom of the creator, to question the purpose of the creator?

Now, I'm not saying it should be used by everybody. ... The plant is a powerful plant, and it has different effects on different people. If you abuse something, it will abuse you. I'm not saying it's for everybody and that it's a positive thing for everybody.

TBC: What would America be like if personal use were legalized?

Brad X: Let me put it to you this way: When you go to Amsterdam (Netherlands), weed is legal, and it's not an issue. Their society functions normally. People are out riding their bikes, living healthy -- just a thriving society, and it's just not that big of a deal. Weed, whether it's legal or illegal in America -- don't kid yourself and think that thousands and hundreds of thousands and millions of people (don't) enjoy smoking marijuana. That's just a fact.

I don't think it would be that much different, tell you the truth.

TBC: Have any of the band members been busted?

Brad X: A couple have in California, but those were just tickets. One time, we did get pulled over in Ohio, and we got some tickets and some confiscation, but, of course, we don't travel with any large amounts, for obvious reasons.

TBC: Has anything happened in Bakersfield?

Brad X: No.

TBC: What goes on at the shows?

Brad X: We call the style "rip-hop." It's like a punk rock and hip-hop kinda combination. It's kinda taking the energy and attitude of punk rock, and, of course, hip-hop is, I think, the roots of Kottonmouth Kings. And then we go into some classic rock and roll -- stoney-acoustic-reggae-style stuff, so our music delves into a lot of different styles.

Sometimes you'll see bodies flying, slam pits. Other times you'll see the whole crowd (with) lighters in the air, people enjoying it, having a good time to real mellow stuff, so it takes you on a journey.

TBC: Do you ever wonder if, someday when you're in your 60s or 70s or 80s, you might possibly regret that you spent the best years of your life getting stoned?

Brad X: No, I don't have regrets. I probably would have regrets if I didn't pursue and chase my dreams, you know, if I let people condemn what we were doing. The bottom line is, we're a band, we make music, we have a good time, we affect a lot people in a positive way.