5 Smart people who smoke Weed
In the world of intellect and innovation, it's becoming increasingly clear that cannabis use is not merely limited to stereotypes of low-achieving individuals.
A study published in the British Medical Journal even suggests a correlation between higher IQs in childhood and an increased likelihood of cannabis use by the age of 30. Today, we’re debunking the myths and exploring this intriguing connection between intelligence and cannabis use by showcasing some of the brightest minds known to partake in marijuana consumption.
Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan is a name recognized globally, not just for his contributions to the field of astrophysics and cosmology but also for his ability to bring complex scientific concepts to the masses. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author, famous for the science television series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,” played a crucial role in popularizing science and making it more accessible.
Sagan was an avid cannabis user, openly acknowledging its impact on his personal and professional life. Under the pseudonym “Mr. X,” Sagan penned an essay for the book “Marihuana Reconsidered,” where he delved into his experiences with cannabis. He attributed the herb with a broad range of effects that fueled his creativity and heightened his sensory perceptions.
Sagan revealed that cannabis use enhanced his appreciation for art and music, transforming these experiences into something far more profound and immersive. He said that even simple activities like taking a shower turned into a deeply enjoyable and almost epiphanic experience when under the influence of marijuana.
In terms of professional benefits, Sagan claimed that cannabis sparked his imagination and creativity, aiding him in his scientific pursuits. He proposed that the plant helped him visualize abstract concepts and ideas, an ability vital to his line of work. He believed that marijuana expanded his perspective, allowing him to approach scientific problems from different angles.
Beyond his personal experiences, Sagan was an advocate for the legalization of marijuana. He criticized the societal stigma around cannabis use, arguing that the plant was not only harmless compared to legal substances like tobacco and alcohol but also had potential therapeutic and psychological benefits.
However, Sagan also emphasized responsible and mindful consumption. He cautioned against overuse and the potential negative effects of dependency. His balanced, rational, and open approach towards cannabis use presents a model for how society can view and manage marijuana use.
Steve Jobs
Jobs was open about his use of mind-altering substances in his youth, including marijuana and LSD, stating in interviews that these experiences were among the most meaningful of his life. His experimentation with these substances was reflective of a countercultural ethos that was prevalent during his formative years, a period defined by a collective questioning of societal norms and exploration of alternative lifestyles.
Jobs credited his experiences with marijuana and LSD as transformative, claiming that they expanded his consciousness, increased his empathy, and opened his mind to unseen possibilities. He spoke of how these substances allowed him to approach problems from a different perspective and see the world in a unique light – abilities that likely contributed to his exceptional knack for innovation.
His experimentation with marijuana was not a mere youthful pastime but rather part of his quest for enlightenment and understanding. Jobs once described his LSD experiences as “one of the two or three most important things” he had done in his life. These experiences, he said, greatly influenced his work at Apple and his general outlook on life, expanding his understanding of consciousness and perception.
Stephen Jay Gould
Renowned evolutionary biologist and paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould is best known for his contributions to science, his eloquent popular science writing, and his unwavering commitment to scientific integrity. He served as a prominent professor of geology at Harvard University and curator of invertebrate paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Gould’s most recognized scientific contribution was the development of the theory of punctuated equilibrium, which he formulated with Niles Eldredge. This theory suggests that evolution happens in quick, significant changes, interspersed with long periods of stability or “equilibrium.”
Like many of his intellectual contemporaries, Gould had a relationship with cannabis. This relationship, however, was not recreational but therapeutic. After being diagnosed with a rare and serious form of cancer called mesothelioma, Gould turned to cannabis to help manage the severe nausea and pain associated with his treatment.
In his writings, he openly talked about his use of marijuana to alleviate the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. His physician prescribed it as an ‘antiemetic’ to combat the severe nausea caused by his treatment regimen. Gould reported that the use of marijuana had a profound effect on improving his quality of life during this challenging time.
Gould’s personal experience with the medical benefits of cannabis served to strengthen his advocacy for the medical use of the plant. He strongly condemned the “unscientific and inhumane” laws that restrict the use of cannabis for medical purposes. His arguments, like many others during his time, contributed to the ongoing discourse around the legalization and acceptance of medical marijuana.
The journey of Stephen Jay Gould sheds light on the medicinal value of marijuana, especially in mitigating the adverse effects of severe treatments such as chemotherapy. His advocacy also underscores the importance of evidence-based discourse in shaping societal and legislative attitudes towards marijuana. Despite his personal trials, Gould continued to fight for scientific truth, making him a respected figure not only in evolutionary biology but also in the realm of medical marijuana advocacy.
Oliver Sacks
Oliver Sacks, a world-renowned neurologist and writer, is celebrated for his empathetic patient stories and his contribution to our understanding of the human brain. His bestselling books, including “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” and “Awakenings,” have delved into the most mysterious and intricate aspects of the mind, opening up new perspectives on how we understand ourselves and others.
Sacks was also known for his openness about his own mind-altering experiences, including his use of marijuana and various other psychoactive substances. In his autobiography, “On the Move: A Life,” he detailed his experiments with drugs in the 1960s, a period of exploration and counterculture.
The neurologist recounted his experiences with cannabis as pleasurable and intellectually stimulating. Sacks found that marijuana could enhance his perception and appreciation of music, art, and pattern recognition. He noted that it allowed him to perceive things in a “richer, more intense, and more nuanced” manner.
Despite his personal experiences, Sacks approached the topic of marijuana use with a neurologist’s caution and objectivity. He was aware of the potential dangers of overuse and the risks of addiction, and he emphasized the need for controlled and responsible use.
Richard Feynman
Esteemed theoretical physicist Richard Feynman was known for his unconventional thinking and lively personality, as much as for his contributions to quantum mechanics. Feynman expressed interest in exploring altered states of consciousness, which led him to experiment with marijuana and other hallucinogenic substances. His curiosity shows an intriguing correlation between the pursuit of unique cognitive experiences and high intellectual capacity.
We have highlighted just a few prominent intellectuals who have been associated with marijuana use. However, it’s worth noting that the landscape of accomplished cannabis users is far broader, further breaking down the stereotype of the underachieving stoner.
Link Between High IQs And Weed Consumption
A study conducted by the British Medical Journal has shed new light on the intriguing relationship between intelligence and marijuana use. The study involved testing the IQs of approximately 8,000 individuals at multiple points in their lives, from the age of 5 through to 30. The research sought to unravel any links between intelligence levels in childhood and the probability of cannabis use later in life.
The comprehensive study sought to examine the interplay between lifetime drug use and various factors, including socioeconomic status and educational attainment. Interestingly, the data revealed a strong correlation between higher childhood IQ scores and increased likelihood of cannabis use by age 30. This connection was more robust than the links between marijuana use and mental health issues, socioeconomic standing, or family income levels.
The study unearthed some striking gender-specific trends as well. For instance, women with high childhood IQ scores were twice as likely to use cannabis later in life compared to those with lower scores. For men, the likelihood of using cannabis by age 30 was 50% higher among those with high childhood IQs.
The researchers behind the study proposed some intriguing theories to explain these patterns. They posited that individuals with high intelligence are often more open to new experiences, craving novelty and stimulation that might lead them to experiment with substances like marijuana. This openness to experience is a recognized trait among intellectually gifted individuals and could potentially explain their inclination towards cannabis use.
Another theory suggested by the authors is that THC and CBD, the primary active components of marijuana, provide unique mental stimulation that might be particularly appealing to intelligent individuals. The effects of these compounds on the brain can enhance creative thinking and cognitive processes, potentially enriching the intellectual pursuits of high-IQ individuals.
The study contradicted the prevailing belief that individuals primarily use drugs, including cannabis, as a form of self-medication, especially to cope with environmental or socioeconomic struggles. Instead, the findings imply that intelligent individuals might use marijuana for its mind-stimulating effects, seeking new perspectives to view and solve problems.
As we move towards an era of increasing legalization and acceptance of marijuana, understanding these correlations becomes even more essential. More research into marijuana’s effects on mental health, the role of edibles, and other influencing factors could yield a comprehensive understanding of this intriguing relationship between high IQs and cannabis use. Marijuana use, it seems, is not limited to any one demographic or intelligence level – it’s a universal phenomenon, embraced by individuals across the intellectual spectrum for a myriad of reasons. As the debate around marijuana legalization continues, studies like these contribute valuable insight, aiding in informed decision-making around cannabis policy, use, and perception. For more of the latest and trending news about cannabis, please enjoy here.
