Snoop Dogg has long been a cultural icon in both the music industry and the cannabis industry. Known for his infamous reputation and open embrace of cannabis, images of him smoking a blunt are not hard to find. But at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he carried a different kind of torch—the Olympic torch. And the public didn’t just accept it- they ate (or smoked) it up!
The Olympic Committee typically selects torchbearers based on factors such as athletic achievements, inspirational stories, community involvement, and representation of the host nation's values. While Snoop Dogg’s dedication to youth sports coaching aligns with these ideals, his lasting influence on pop culture is deeply rooted in cannabis culture—historically a “no-no” at the Olympics.
Yet, not only did they choose a well-known cannabis advocate, but the public also exploded with support, embracing the shift in societal attitudes towards cannabis.
People, both young and old, were thrilled to see Snoop Dogg play such a prominent role at the
2024 Paris Olympics, sharing memes and posts showing their excitement. Even my mom, born in the mid-1950s, was elated to see Snoop Dogg at the Olympics. This is the same woman who wouldn’t let me buy
The Doggfather back in 1996.
This shift is especially noticeable when you compare it to the reaction to cannabis being associated with the Olympics 15 years ago. In 2009, after winning a record-breaking eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a photo of Michael Phelps using a bong surfaced, and the public was not happy. Phelps faced major backlash, losing sponsorships and receiving a suspension. While Phelps was an Olympic athlete and Snoop Dogg is not, the symbolism and prestige of carrying the Olympic torch holds significance. Yet, the public didn’t bat an eye—in fact, they embraced it.
So, what has changed in American cannabis culture over the last 15 years?
The difference in public reaction is striking, and Snoop Dogg, has helped pave the way for this change in attitudes toward cannabis. From his partnership with Martha Stewart to coaching sports teams, Snoop has gradually convinced the masses that you can smoke weed and still play a significant role in mainstream culture—even at the Olympics.
In addition to Snoop Dogg and his cannabis lifestyle making a huge impact on cultural perception, legal perceptions have followed suit. In the past 15 years, the U.S. has seen a seismic shift in cannabis legislation. Both medical and recreational cannabis legalization have swept across many states, and the federal legalization of hemp with the
2018 Farm Bill has led to an explosion of hemp-derived intoxicating products.
Cannabis is now widely used to alleviate nausea during chemotherapy, manage PTSD symptoms for veterans, and widely used for conditions like seizures and muscle spasms.
Snoop Dogg’s appearance at the Olympics is more than just a cameo by a beloved cultural figure. It represents a broader societal shift toward accepting cannabis as a legitimate option for both medical and recreational use - a plant once labeled as the "devil's lettuce," now grown and embraced openly—even on Olympic grounds.
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