The Evolution of Stoner Games: From High School Classics to Modern Party Rituals

When we say “weed party games,” what comes to mind, other than who can get the most stoned?

The ol’ puff-puff-pass smoking sessions are finally evolving. While they’re already fun, who’s to say we can’t throw some competitive spirit into the mix?

Nowadays, every stoner friend group is looking for games to play while stoned. Aside from the obvious reason of being entertaining, they also break the ice among new friends and create memories that last long after the session ends.

Let’s dive into how these stoner games have evolved and the most popular ones to date.

Let’s face it—when something is “bad” or “prohibited,” doing it makes it all the more fun. And that’s exactly how stoner games came to life.

During the underground weed scene of the prohibition era (which is still lingering in many states nationwide), stoner circles wanted to do something beyond just gathering for a good toke.

But they needed to get creative and stay discreet in the process.

The best weed games didn’t need much and they could be abandoned quickly if needed. A deck of cards, some basic household items, or just the participants themselves were often all that was necessary to create hours of entertainment.

Since word-of-mouth was the primary method for spreading these games across different regions and social circles, people would naturally create their own rules and variations. That means no two groups played exactly the same version of any smokers game.

And now, with legalization and help from the internet, stoner games are becoming a bit more sophisticated (and seriously creative).

Certain stoner games are just legendary. They’ve been played for decades, passed on to different groups, and never fail to make you laugh. Here are the classic weed games we know and love.

Medusa is one of the most universally beloved games to play while stoned. 

The setup is stupidly simple: all participants sit in a circle with their heads down, then simultaneously look up and make eye contact with someone else.

If two people make eye contact, they’re both “out” and must scream, then fall back as if they’ve died. For the ones still staring, you’ll realize just how awkward yet hilarious it feels.

Keep going until there’s only one Medusa left. The perfect group size is 6-12 people, though it works with as few as four participants.

This classic drinking game absolutely works with a weedy twist. Just swap in cannabis-specific prompts and categories.

Instead of drinking, participants take hits when they’ve done something mentioned. Toss in things like “Never have I ever smoked out of an apple” or “Never have I ever gotten so high that I fell asleep in the kitchen.”

Can you keep your cool while high? Put it to the test with Straight Face.

Participants write funny scenarios, absurd statements, or inside jokes on paper, then take turns reading them aloud while everyone else tries to keep a straight face.

Anyone who laughs, smiles, or reacts is eliminated.

While it’s best to play with those whose humor you’re familiar with, Straight Face is a great way to get to know what really makes people laugh.

This variation takes the classic block-stacking game to a new level.

Players write a challenge, rule, or action on each block that must be performed when drawn. Those challenges could be anything from taking a specific number of hits to asking saucy questions.

All it takes is a little setup. You’ll have to pre-write challenges on blocks or use stickers with pre-made actions.

There’s always room for the classics, but modern-day stoners have created some pretty interesting weed games worth knowing about.

You’re definitely familiar with beer pong. But have you heard of bong pong?

There are a few variations to this game, but the general rules are the same: If your opponent sinks a cup, you take a hit from the bong.

• The classic variation requires the usual cup setup with 6 on each side. Once your opponent sinks a ball, remove the cup and take a hit.
• New variations like this Bong Pong Set give you 12 mini bongs with catch cups. Once your opponent sinks a ball, you take a hit from that exact bong.

Feel free to toss in your own rules and variations, like trick shots, formations, redemption, etc. Just ensure everyone’s tolerance can handle it.

This game is super precise and requires at least one joint and a bong.

The objective of the game is to “ash bomb” or flick ash from the joint into the bowl piece of the bong. If you’re successful and the ash lands, the other team has to take a hit.

If your group is feeling a bit risqué, Strip Choker might be an interesting choice.

Players take increasingly large hits until someone “chokes” (coughs uncontrollably), at which point clothing removal comes into play.

Just be sure everyone’s comfortable. You might have a few stoners in the nude before you know it.

While it’s not specifically designed for weed, Cards Against Humanity pairs perfectly with cannabis. The losers take a hit.

There are cannabis-specific expansion packs and custom cards out there with on-brand prompts and responses. But many groups create their own custom cards with inside jokes, references, or cannabis-culture humor.

Whether you prefer classic options like Medusa and Never Have I Ever or modern options like Bong Pong, the key is finding games that match your group’s energy and comfort level.

But most importantly, make sure everyone’s cannabis tolerance can handle the absurd consumption some of these games require. Be responsible, and have fun with it.