It’s no secret that weed has inspired some of the most iconic TV shows and movies. For many filmmakers, ranging from Hollywood elite to up-and-coming indie directors, the herb plays an active role in the creative process. Here’s our list of 9 filmmakers who smoked weed, on and off camera.
1. Oliver Stone
Not only is Oliver Stone one of the best-known directors today, he has also graced the front cover of High Times. In his 2012 interview, Stone described getting busted during the War on Drugs for smuggling marijuana into the US.
“I was facing five to 20 on a federal smuggling charge,” Stone explained.
After narrowly avoiding jail time, Stone has continued to use the herb that almost sent him there.
Stone says about his experience with marijuana, “I’ve found it very enlightening. Some people don’t—they find paranoia and worry. I think if you can control your mind, if you contain it, you can make marijuana be a friend, an ally.”
Stone’s penchant for putting forth conspiracy theories (Snowden) and investigating governments (Nixon, JFK and The Putin Interviews) doesn’t end on screen.
The Academy Award-winning Platoon director has stated, “Marijuana, as well as many other drugs, should be legalized and taxed and regulated by the states. It’s a great source of income. It should be sold like it is in liquor stores, and there should be no social stigma. It’s an insane hypocrisy.”
We’re with you, Oliver Stone.
Since his arrest, Stone has protested anti-marijuana legislation.
“We questioned it, we fought it—and, frankly, I’ve had my lapses, but I’ve never stopped questioning it.”
Stone’s dedication to the herb makes him one of our 9 filmmakers who smoked weed.
