15 Famous Stand-up Comedians Who Smoke Weed

• Cannabis and comedy share a deep cultural connection — From early pioneers like George Carlin to modern stars like Seth Rogen, marijuana has been integral to comedic expression for decades.
• Some artists report cannabis helps them think more creatively; research is mixed — while cannabis can alter mood and perception, studies have found it often impairs, rather than improves, objective measures of creativity and executive function.
• Many comedians use cannabis therapeutically — Pete Davidson has said he uses medical cannabis to help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms. Cannabis is not a recognized treatment for borderline personality disorder.
• Cannabis comedy has evolved from counterculture to mainstream — What was once taboo in comedy is now a common theme across major streaming platforms and late-night television.
• The relationship extends beyond personal use to business — Legacy comedians like Cheech & Chong have transitioned into legitimate cannabis business ventures.
• Cannabis serves as both a material and creative tool — Comedians frequently discuss weed in their acts while also using it to develop material and reduce performance anxiety.
• Cannabis comedy promotes social change — Many comedians use humor to humanize cannabis users and challenge prohibition narratives.
• The comedy industry reflects broader societal shifts — As legalization spreads, comedians’ open discussions about cannabis have helped normalize the plant for mainstream audiences.

Cannabis has been deeply intertwined with comedy culture for generations, serving as both a creative inspiration and a source of comedic material. The plant interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, influencing mood and perception; its effects on creativity are subjective, and research findings are mixed. For those looking to explore the connection between cannabis and creativity further, Herb’s cannabis products catalog offers a comprehensive selection that may help unlock your own creative potential.

Early pioneers like Cheech & Chong, Richard Pryor, and George Carlin helped normalize discussions about marijuana through their irreverent humor and subversive storytelling. As public perceptions shifted and legalization efforts gained momentum, comedians began exploring the topic with increasing openness, reflecting growing societal acceptance. Comedians use humor to humanize cannabis users and promote understanding, often sharing personal experiences while addressing the absurdities in cannabis prohibition and culture.

The relationship between comedy and cannabis has evolved from counterculture rebellion to mainstream acceptance. What was once considered underground or taboo is now common material across major streaming platforms and late-night shows. This evolution reflects broader cultural shifts while maintaining the countercultural spirit that has always driven both comedy and cannabis advocacy.

The counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s created a natural synergy between comedy and cannabis. As comedy clubs became gathering places for alternative thinkers and artists, marijuana use became part of the creative ecosystem. Comics found that cannabis helped them access different perspectives and relax during performances, while audiences responded to the authenticity of performers speaking about their genuine experiences.

This cultural connection has persisted through changing social attitudes. While early comedians risked professional repercussions for mentioning cannabis, today’s performers can be open about their relationship with the plant without fear of career damage. The normalization of cannabis discussions in comedy has played a significant role in shifting public perceptions and reducing stigma.

Women have increasingly broken into the traditionally male-dominated stoner comedy space, bringing fresh perspectives and challenging stereotypes. Shows like Broad City ran for five seasons (2014–2019) as one of the most iconic cannabis comedies featuring female protagonists.

Sarah Silverman has been open about her cannabis use throughout her career, even bringing a THC vaporizer to the 2014 Emmy Awards red carpet. She has joked about cannabis in interviews and routines, while still anchoring her humor in sharp social commentary. Silverman’s candor helped normalize cannabis use in mainstream comedy.

Chelsea Handler has been outspoken about her cannabis use and support for legalization, often sharing her experiences in interviews and on stage. She has also written about the failures of prohibition and called for sensible reform, blending humor with advocacy.

Margaret Cho previously referenced cannabis in her material, blending personal storytelling with cultural commentary. In recent years, however, Cho has been open about living a sober lifestyle, saying that sobriety has given her renewed clarity in her comedy and personal life.

As co-creator and star of Broad City, Ilana Glazer helped bring female cannabis comedy into the cultural mainstream. The show’s honest and hilarious portrayal of two women casually using cannabis resonated with younger audiences and helped shift public perceptions. 

These comedians have broken barriers in multiple ways. They’ve moved beyond the “stoner girl” stereotype to present nuanced portrayals of women who use cannabis as part of their creative process, personal identity, and social experience. Their work has expanded the genre beyond traditional male perspectives, bringing new dimensions to cannabis-themed comedy.

Male comedians have historically dominated the cannabis comedy space, with many becoming synonymous with marijuana culture through their stand-up, film work, and business ventures.

Seth Rogen has built much of his public persona around cannabis culture. Beyond frequent references in interviews and films, he co-founded Houseplant, a cannabis and home goods brand. His openness has made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable cannabis advocates.

Doug Benson built a career around cannabis comedy, starring in the documentary Super High Me, co-creating The Marijuana-Logues, and hosting the long-running podcast Getting Doug with High. His work demonstrates how cannabis humor evolved from a niche to a viable career path.

Tommy Chong remains one of cannabis culture’s most enduring icons. He pleaded guilty in 2003 during Operation Pipe Dreams and served nine months in prison. Later, he publicly discussed using cannabis oil to manage cancer symptoms, reinforcing his lifelong association with the plant.

Bill Maher has long been a vocal advocate for legalization, frequently tackling the issue on Real Time with Bill Maher. He uses comedy and political commentary to highlight the hypocrisy of prohibition and has remained a consistent critic of outdated drug laws.

Joe Rogan has candidly discussed cannabis on stage and with guests on The Joe Rogan Experience. The podcast moved exclusively to Spotify in 2020, but a new deal signed in 2024 shifted to a non-exclusive distribution model. Cannabis remains a recurring theme across his specials and interviews.

Several comedians have successfully integrated cannabis into their personal brands, extending beyond jokes to create business ventures and cultural influence.

The legendary duo Cheech & Chong released multiple gold and platinum albums during the 1970s and 1980s. Their film Up in Smoke became a cult hit and grossed over $41.59M domestically. Today, they’ve expanded into licensed cannabis products and brand partnerships in legal markets.

George Carlin, an outspoken marijuana user, became a countercultural icon with his fearless critiques of authority. Over his career, he recorded 14 HBO stand-up specials, often weaving sharp commentary on drug policy and social hypocrisy into his material.

Katt Williams has turned cannabis into one of his most popular comedic themes, famously joking about its effects as making people “hungry, happy, sleepy.” His bits about marijuana remain staples of his stand-up persona and continue to resonate with audiences.

Streaming platforms have become important venues for cannabis-themed comedy, making the content more accessible to mainstream audiences.

Bill Hicks, who died at 32 in 1994, remains a cultural touchstone for pro-legalization comedy. His “Mandatory Marijuana” routine and other sharp critiques of prohibition continue to inspire comedians and reform advocates decades later.

Pete Davidson has spoken openly about using cannabis to help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms, while clarifying that it is not a cure. His stand-up and media appearances often weave cannabis into broader conversations about health and mental wellness.

Many comedians have used their platforms to advocate for cannabis reform, combining humor with activism.

Amy Poehler, as executive producer of Broad City, helped bring one of TV’s most iconic cannabis comedies to life. While not primarily known for cannabis-themed stand-up herself, her support of the series helped mainstream a female-led portrayal of stoner comedy.

Cannabis comedy has evolved dramatically from its counterculture origins to mainstream acceptance. What was once considered taboo or niche has become common material across major networks and streaming platforms.

Early comedians who mentioned cannabis risked professional consequences, including being banned from television. Today, cannabis jokes are common on late-night shows and streaming platforms. This shift reflects broader societal changes regarding marijuana, with comedians playing a significant role in normalizing the plant for mainstream audiences.

The next generation of comedians is building on the legacy of cannabis comedy while bringing fresh perspectives. Many emerging talents are using social media to share cannabis-themed content, reaching audiences without traditional gatekeepers. The growing acceptance of cannabis culture has created space for new voices to explore the plant through comedy.

Cannabis comedy has expanded beyond individual performers to include dedicated shows and festivals. Events like Snoop Dogg’s comedy specials feature multiple established comedians in cannabis-friendly environments. These events create community around shared interests and experiences. For those looking to enjoy comedy in a cannabis-friendly setting, Herb’s dispensaries near you can help you find local venues where you can enjoy both comedy and quality products.

Cannabis influences comedy in several ways, from the creative process to performance delivery. Many comedians report that cannabis enhances their observational skills, helping them notice small details about human behavior that become material for their acts. Others use it to reduce performance anxiety, allowing for more natural delivery and risk-taking on stage.

Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system and can alter mood and perception; its effects on creativity and performance are subjective, and research findings are mixed. Some artists feel it helps them find unexpected angles and observational humor, while others prefer sober writing sessions. For those interested in the specific strains comedians might prefer for creativity, Herb’s strain recommendations provide insights into different varieties.

The relationship between comedy and cannabis is both historical and ongoing, with comedians continuing to explore and expand the boundaries of what can be said and done with marijuana as a creative partner. As legalization spreads and societal attitudes continue to shift, we can expect to see even more innovative and diverse approaches to cannabis-themed comedy in the years ahead.

Several prominent comedians have been open about their cannabis use, including Seth Rogen, Doug Benson, Tommy Chong, George Carlin, Katt Williams, and Pete Davidson. Many use cannabis both as material for their acts and as part of their creative process.

No, not all comedians who incorporate cannabis into their material actually use it. However, many who became known for cannabis comedy, like Cheech & Chong and Tommy Chong, have deep personal connections to the plant that go beyond mere material.

Cannabis comedy has evolved from counterculture rebellion to mainstream acceptance. What was once considered underground or taboo is now common material across major streaming platforms and late-night shows, reflecting broader cultural shifts in cannabis perception.

Notable options include Joe Rogan’s Netflix specials like Triggered and Strange Times, which include cannabis bits. The Joe Rogan Experience is available on Spotify.

Many comedians support cannabis legalization because they’ve experienced its benefits personally, both creatively and therapeutically. They also recognize the hypocrisy in prohibition laws and the negative impact of criminalization on communities. Comedians often use humor to highlight these inconsistencies and advocate for change.