Tommy Chong has defined the stoner ethos across multiple generations, whether is was Cheech and Chong in the 70’s, his character Leo in the 90’s, or anyone of the many projects he is involved with today. While that stereotype fits his characters, the stereotype doesn’t characterize his hard and continuous work. Tommy Chong has worn many hats in his long career. He’s had the chance to rub elbows with Hollywood elite, share an elevator with Mohamed Ali, and was partially responsible for discovering the Jackson Five. But where his personal story begins, might come as a surprise. Tommy Chong came from humble beginnings, beginnings that instilled a valuable work ethic.

Jorge Cervantes is known as a prolific cannabis author around the world, but his story began in a small rural town on the west coast. It was in this conservative environment he first was exposed to cannabis and it was there he took his first toke. Like many kids raised in the 50’s and 60’s, he was taught many of the common lies about cannabis and having experienced otherwise, the lense through which he viewed things shifted. Jorge Cervantes has authored 50 books and DVDs, in 12 languages and his Marijuana Horticulture handbook is widely known as “the grow bible”.

Aspiring gardeners today have almost infinite resources to tap when it comes to tips and tricks for growing cannabis. Pre-internet, this was not a luxury most people had. It is safe to say that within the first year of growing, cannabis growers learn terms like Sea of Green and Screen of Green, also known as Scrog. These techniques aren’t ancient practice, this was something that came from the mind of Wolf Segal.

Ed Rosenthal is an author of over 30 books, spanning four decades, detailing the cultivation of cannabis, cannabis history and also the emerging art of producing concentrates. Even the casual readers of cannabis magazines will remember his “Ask Ed” column in High Times Magazine throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Ed Rosenthal has been an important figure in the advancement of cannabis knowledge and legalization and at the age of 77, he shows no signs or interest of slowing down anytime soon. It was our pleasure in speaking with Ed Rosenthal and highlighting his well deserved place in Dope History.

Tom Alexander was an important figure in the cannabis community. His publications, Sinsemilla Tips and Growing Edge were some of the only reliable sources of information for cannabis cultivation during the 1980s and 1990s.

In the fast paced culture of the current cannabis industry, not many people have earned the “O.G.” moniker, but O.G. Eddy Lepp is an originator, not a “Johnny come lately”. Eddy Lepp served as an inspiration for many, he was a man filled with compassion and blessed with the gift of gardening. Unselfishly, this pioneer took the risks of acting and speaking publicly in a time when few others were willing to do the same. Unfortunately, he also paid dearly for his activism, with nearly 10 years behind prison bars. Eddy held a deep seated belief in the power of the plant, not only as a medicine, but also as a guide. Those personal truths drove almost every decision in Eddys’ adult life. Without doubt or argument, there exists 1,000s of people who were positively impacted by this legend of Cannabis. Dope history is proud to share his story.

Keith Stroup is an indispensable figure in the fight for legal cannabis. Some activists grew massive fields of cannabis in protest and others spoke with open disdain for the system. Keith used his most effective weapons, his intellect and beliefs, to effectively change the minds of the voting public and our elected officials. He was a late comer to cannabis, but in that moment Keith discovered a profound love of the plant and instinctually recognized that the stories told to the masses about cannabis and the associated dangers, just weren’t true. Keith Stroup is the founder of NORML, which to any cannabis advocate, is a household name and is often regarded as the most influential organization in the fight for cannabis legalization. Keith Stroup and NORML have been at the forefront of pushing legislative change for over 50 years. It is with great honor that we get to share his Dope History.

Author Robert Brault once wrote - Charisma is not just saying hello. It’s dropping what you’re doing to say hello”. Frenchy Cannoli was a man with natural charisma. He is also widely celebrated as one of the exceptional hashish makers of our time, Beyond that, Frenchy was a highly passionate person that had a long and intimate relationship with what he would refer to as, the sacred plant. Larger than all of this, Frenchy Cannoli was a husband and a father. Today, Dope History is grateful to be speaking with Madame Cannoli, who is here to reflect on the life and teachings of her beloved husband. She shares her plans for the future and stories from the past, including this next one about how those two came to be a couple.

Dope History weaves you through the lives of those who have been touched by cannabis or have had an influence on the events that shaped our laws or relationship with this plant. Dope History offers a unique perspective, where you can hear the stories directly from the mouths of those who experienced them, from social defiance all the way through to social acceptance. In these interviews, there’s stories of passion and lifelong dedication, but also stories of stumbling into unexpected situations that have completely changed the direction of people’s lives. There’s good and bad, funny and sad, and everything in between. You can follow along at dopehistory.com and on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/dopehistory.