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Can you think of one woman who is so synonymous with cannabis that if you say her name to someone who doesn’t toke up, the first thing that pops into his or her head would be “marijuana”?
Casually mention Cheech & Chong, Snoop Dogg, Bill Maher or Woody Harrelson in conversation to even the straightest of audiences and I can pretty much guarantee that they’ll assume you’re talking about “getting high.” I daresay there isn’t a woman out there hoisting such a sensi standard.
When I ask my friends and colleagues about this dilemma, they suggest myself. I can’t tell you how very depressing - though flattering - that is. While I may have managed to secure a tiny modicum of reefer recognition amongst readers of marijuana-related magazines, I can (unfortunately) assert that no one outside of this esteemed group knows who-the-hell Mamakind is, and while that may someday change (one can only dream), in the meantime, the Cannabis Queen’s throne remains empty.
Ah! But what of Mountain Girl, Watermelon, Shelby Chong, Mila, Sita, Mishka, Elvy Musikka, Maryjane Green, Angel Raich, Michelle Rainey, Debby Goldsberry or Steph Sherer? Unfortunately, beyond the wide world of weed, the general populace does not yet recognize the Irie nature of these women.
How about "CelebStoners" Sarah Silverman, Cameron Diaz, Lily Allen, Paris Hilton or Adrianne Curry? While these lovely ladies have certainly broadcast their affinity for the herb, I’d hardly call any of them “pot icons,” as none of them embodies cannabis, besides getting caught partaking of it. Of course, when I say Mary-Louise Parker the first thing that pops into most minds is Weeds. But really, it’s only one character she plays that deserves stoner accolades. A star and “CelebStoner”? Yes. A universal pot icon? Not yet.
In Smiley Face, Anna Faris portrayed the first female lead (and driving force) in a marijuana-themed movie in recent memory. While the lame script left something to be desired, her slack-jawed portrayal of a prototypical pothead in dire straits was refreshing, if only for the gender-bending of a traditionally male role. Now, if Faris were to commit to several movies of that nature, she might well be on the road to James Franco-esque notoriety. However, the relatively poor box office take of Smiley Face has most likely quashed that dream like a finger-burning roach in a wet ashtray.
Why aren’t there any true female pot icons? Research shows that most stoners of the daily variety are men and the few female heavy consumers out there that do exist take relatively little interest in pursuing and participating in overt cannabis-related culture. The readers of marijuana magazines, renters of stoners movies, listeners of weed-obsessed music and buyers of pot paraphernalia are predominantly men.
This needs to change. Women should take charge of their own cannabis consumerism and not rely on their male counterparts to buy the dime bags, set up the gardens, and entertain and educate themselves about the diverse universe associated with the most useful plant on Earth.
Mamakind is the former senior editor of Skunk and is currently writing A Girl's Guide to Ganja
Also see:
More Blogs by Mamakind
CelebStoner News
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But much more interesting for me is a evolution to a state which no one needs ICONS. Think for yourself!
Here's another pot-tential female icon: http://www.celebstoner.com/videos/music/tori-amos-qmary-janeq-sxsw.html
Miriam
http://www.craigslistposter.info
What has kept me quiet until recently, is that I have kids. My nightmare would be having them taken away from me because of my Pro Marijuana stance, and that I use it for Medical Reasons. (It just happened here in Canada, Medicinal Marijuana Mom arrested by the RCMP, her kids taken away, faces job loss http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55609244022&ref=nf)
Unfortunately, Society tends to frown upon Pot Smoking Moms. It's why only those closest to me know I use it. I have been completely honest with my kids about it though, and they understand better than most adults do.
Over the last year, I've slowly started to come out of the "Cannabis Closet". I've had to shake off any fears I've had about it and have faith that this is so much bigger than myself. I can't keep wishing for change in our Marijuana Laws - if I want a better world for my kids, then I'm going to have to speak up on their behalf.
I have come to the conclusion that if I lose friends over my views, or family turns away from me, than so be it. I'm done not living as my true self. If Law Enforcement ends up on my doorstep, well then I will make sure everyone and their sister knows about any injustice I may face.
I see so many other strong woman coming forward about this wonderful gift of Nature, (LEAP's Alison Myrden!) and I want to stand up proud beside them. One of my favourite quotes by a woman is "I wasn't ever so afraid of losing something that I wasn't going to try and have it." Well, I want to not fear using or speaking up about Cannabis. Times, they are a changing and now is the time for everyone to stand together to end Prohibition and "The War on Drugs" - even if it means us Ladies are going to have to shake off the social stigma that comes along with being a believer in Marijuana.
Great article, Mamakind. This has been a fun topic of debate in my smoking circle. Unfortunately, there are no females who fit your definition of a "Pot Icon". Even Rita Marley is a hard call, since the average person might not know who she is w/o telling them she's Bob's wife. The closest we could come up w/ was Mary Louise Parker, even though it's just a character that she plays (and her character rarely smokes in the show).
If that Twilight actress, Kristen Stewart, keeps getting press about her toking, she'll be on track to being the first full-fledged "Pot Icon".
Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston
Milla Jovovich
Queen Latifah
Jen Stahl
Melissa Etheridge (mentioned above)
and finally,
Zola Budd.
www.sarahdiesel.com
www.oaksterdamuniveristy.com (look under faculty)
www.myspace.com/sarahdiesel
"Trichomes are a girls Best Friend!" ~ Sarah Diesel
Sunshine and Lollipops,
Sarah Diesel
Here's to US WOMAN MAKING MORE NOISE FOR THE CAUSE!!
Tamara
Southern Alberta Cannabis Club
Good point re: difference between "idol" and "icon." I used them interchangeably to denote "someone who is widely known, whether by personal merits or association, or both," but, that said, sticking with one term is probably a better idea in order to avoid confusion. Also, the underground nature of the cannabis community means that any measure of fame is often accompanied by a degree of infamy (Example: Even well-established, mainstream writers discussing the topic very academically face the possible stigma of being associated with "those stoners."), which runs rather counter to most definitions of the word "idol." I've thus refrained from using it further.
You (and also Michele and other posters) made a comment in reference to mothers who smoke cannabis and the stigma it carries. This is important, and kind of leads into a point I was wanting to make in the prior post regarding the overwhelming influence of patriarchy in our society. It's kind of a two-edged sword; on one hand, mothers who engage in what is traditionally considered 'risky activity' are considered negligent while on the other, women who never have children — regardless of whether they smoke pot or not — have their own subtle societal stigmas and stereotypes attached to them.
All this results in an environment where society makes it really difficult for women to take a definitive stance on this issue, or so I'm guessing. Michael Phelps may be a "bad role-model" for smoking pot, but the outcry regarding his toke is not even comparable to the level of vitriol posted by commenters towards the mothers unfortunate enough to be featured in the routine 300-word articles most daily papers publish about "drug busts" involving children.
However, regardless of stigmatization or any other external factor, the chances of an individual doing something that catapults them to iconic status and associates their identity with a larger idea or community, grow directly with the size of the community. This is just simple logic; when you have more people doing more things, the chances that at least one will do something memorable are greater.
So really, the question more likely than not comes back around to, "Why aren't there more women involved with cannabis culture?"
Well, I'm not one myself so I can't offer anything but guesses, but from my experiences and the people I've talked to, the continued proliferation of hypermasculine braggadocio and female objectification in cannabis culture probably isn't attracting many of the young, bright, ambitious, fiercely-feminist (and, to a lesser extent, childless) cannabis-smoking women it needs in order to yield "icons." Without intentionally trying to be too critical of High Times, how is their monthly Miss High Times page any different from The Sun's daily "Sunshine Girl," or Maxim's monthly "hot single girl-next-door" -style photointerviews?
Are we really wondering why there aren't more intelligent, outspoken and politically active women in this movement when its media objectifies them in the same way the men's magazine market does? Further, in what ways can the cannabis media portray women and promote them within the community without being exploitative?
My apologies for going all over the place with this and potentially off-topic; I was wanting to make a point more about the creation of "icons" and why we're lacking female ones than one about defining them in our culture, which, frankly, I can't do right now. It is indeed troubling that there's not a single woman to whom the word-association "cannabis" comes naturally to me, but perhaps a larger discussion as to "why" would be productive as well.
Once again, just my two.
Cheers,
-Ændrew
Sigh...
I don't like the term "idol," as it implies some sort of religious/spiritual worship.
a) Being a pot icon has nothing to do with activism (of course, an activist can become an icon e.g. Jack Herer). It boils down to a personality that is so connected with cannabis that even non-cannabis consumers associate them with cannabis. While I would love it if one of our hard-working female activists made it to icon status, it could just as likely be a writer, an actor, a lawyer, a doctor... whomever.
b) There's a big difference between an icon and a stereotype. A pot stereotype typifies the sum of society's image of someone who uses pot (e.g. a Dorito-eating, couch-slouching, slow talking, forgetful person), but it's in general terms. A pot icon is a specific person that very well may embody the stereotype (and may be the originator of it), but more importantly, is universally accepted as a symbol of the concept. e.g. any dizzy blonde bombshell is stereotypical; Marylin Monroe is the corresponding icon.
c) Consumption has nothing to do with being a pot icon (but it helps!). Rather, it's society's PERCEPTION of the icon's relationship to pot, no matter what form that relationship takes. e.g. Bettie Page was a devoted Christian and had nothing to do with BDSM culture when she retired, but she continued (and continues) to be a BDSM icon.
d) Do we need a female pot icon (or any icon) for society to continue to bump along nicely? Probably not. But I'm simply pointing out how interesting it is that while women take a very strong role in cannabis activism; while women write books about pot; while women grow it, sell it and smoke it just like the men, society-at-large still considers pot to be a "guy" thing and that it is perhaps "unfeminine" to align yourself, as a woman, with pot culture. Part of the success of "Weeds" comes from the "shocking" fact that the main character is a middle-class, suburban mother, as if the concept is so outrageous and absurd that it can only happen in the fantasies of TVland. If "Weeds" stared a middle-class, suburban dad, we'd all probably go, "So what?"
We need more women to not only be activists, but to be open about their cannabis consumerism, make cannabis-related art/music/literature and revel in our unique culture, just like the guys do.
Personally, I think much of the hesitation of womankind to embrace pot culture stems from society STILL putting the "mother" role on women (whether they have children or not). Women with children (even women who COULD have children) aren't supposed to smoke pot because the War on Drugs hinges on "protecting the children" and where would society be if--heaven forbid--those who are closest to the children aren't the role models that society has mandated for centuries.
PS - I think Rita Marley is about as close to Pot Icon as they come these days because even non-cannabis consumers generally know who she is, associate her with Bob who they associate with reggae, which in turn is invariably associated with pot.
PPS - I don't agree with "any woman with breast cancer." Melissa Etheridge was very outspoken about her medicinal marijuana use during her treatment, but if you mention Melissa Etheridge to someone not in the pot world (or even within it), POT is not the first thing that comes to mind. Lesbian icon, probably. Country/folk/rock icon, possibly.
PPPS - For the last time: just because you're famous and smoke pot and are open about it, doesn't mean you're a pot icon.
i'm surprised that people take it personally when someone states an opinion. if we 'peaceful puffers' can't be respectful within our own ranks, how can we expect others outside the 'community' to respect what we are trying to do. As within - So without....
each mother, each female who partakes is a goddess and an icon. then there are those who are on the front lines: ie: Missy Michelle Rainey who is being used as a pawn in a global game of domination; and i'm sure you all know someone who's been in front of a judge or tried to apply for an exemption from a doctor or has been disowned by their family because of their belief. the unknown advocate, be it male or female, is the true icon.
people talk about needing a famous person: make yourself famous...people don't get famous by sitting around talking about being famous...become your own icon. do it for the kids! ;)-~ **that last part was a toke joke folks***
i agree with Herbalicious...Mother Earth who provides us with the blessed green should be crowned.
i will give this more thought and come back after a puff and a tea.
lights! camera! ganja! peace!
t
Bette Midler; been to those concerts and she was very open about it. Now, last concert, very little about it-sadly. As, she has a daughter, her whole life changed.
Any celeb with breast cancer. I have heard of well, she ain't so famous, can't think of her name-the one that had a child with Crosby (of Crosby Stills & Nash); she is Melissa something-long (usually) blonde hair. It would not shock me if Christina Apelgate may come out for it. AS that is how most are begining to view it from 'dope' to medicine and when that mindset changes, so will its' legality!
a. Are Cheech and Chong iconic in the sense that their work has advanced awareness of cannabis legalization, or because they created classic comedy that touched a certain societal nerve? Much in the same way, is High Times' selection of James Franco as "Stoner of the Year" justified insomuch that he doesn't really have anything to do with the culture beyond acting in "Pineapple Express" and other Seth Rogen movies?
b. To go even further, how can one necessarily deconstruct the idea of "idols" and "icons" in reference to a stigmatized culture? Are mid-'90s gay television sitcom characters (Such as Will from "Will & Grace") inherently "idols" for the gay community, even though they greatly increased recognition? In short, how does one differentiate an "icon" from a "stereotype"?
c. I completely agree insomuch that I can't think off-hand of a woman that identifies with cannabis consumption in the same way that, say, Snoop Dogg does. However, consumption is only one facet of the cannabis community and probably in some respect a unique and peculiar aspect of our particular culture. In the same way, try and think of a female "icon" for alcohol culture, or any other drug culture for that matter. Is James Bond more associated with alcohol culture than driving fast cars and seducing women? From my experience, most of the consumption-based association is the result of braggadocio and shock, not activism. Unfortunately, activism is a much harder way to become "iconic" than creating a movie that idealizes stereotypical notions of the bourgeois neoconservative classes.
d. To go even further, are "icons" even necessary? Does someone's consumption of cannabis necessarily have to envelop their other work for them to be considered "iconic" in this capacity? Typically the only people who are able to focus so fully on cannabis to be considered iconic in any way are activists, who experience the lack of wide recognition referenced above.
I don't think we need "idols," personally. I think we just need far more women (and men also, for that matter) who are intelligent, open-minded, hard working, and, above all else, frank and public about their cannabis consumption.
My two.
–Ændrew Rininsland
Managing Editor, Hotbox Magazine.
My word! Such uncharacteristic vitriol from my fellow cannabis consumers... :-o
alison palin: get over yourself already.
This is really amusing.
here's one you probably don't know - Bette Midler was a big pothead in the '70s - for one of her Radio City New Year's shows she wanted to tape joints under ever seat! Of course that wasn't allowed - I believe Bette still does a tribute to weed in her live show with dancing joints when she sings "Marihuana" (aka Lotus Blossom)
now she's into promoting community gardens (hint, hint)...
They are NOT the same thing.
JACK HERER hasn't reached the level of icon I'm talking about; sadly, relatively few outside of the cannabis community know who he is, either.
Appearing on the cover of High Times doesn't make you an icon.
I'll give you another example:
Barbra Streisand used to do stand-up. Part of her act required her to roll a joint on stage and smoke it and she's admitted that while originally the joint wasn't pot, eventually so many people started throwing joints on stage that she incorporated the real thing into her act.
But is she a POT ICON?
Perhaps during the time that she was doing her act, but really, not many people these days (if any) associate Babs with bud so no, she's not a POT ICON.
While I do encourage any woman out there that has enough fame to bend society's ear and extoll the virtues of marijuana to do so,
FEMALE + FAME + POT = FAMOUS POT SMOKING FEMALE---NOT NECESSARILY FEMALE POT ICON.
Now, before you inundate me with more of the above, please put your suspected "female pot icon" through this test:
1. Do people OUTSIDE of those who consume marijuana know who this person is?
2. Do people OUTSIDE of those who consume marijuana associate this person almost exclusively with marijuana?
If you can answer "YES" to both of those questions, you just may have a FEMALE POT ICON on your hands and please do let me know who they are because I would LOVE to be corrected. ;-)
Most pot head females are not nearly as famous as they seem to think they are.....
There are far more dangers associated with the consumption of alcohol than there are with cannabis. So.... speak up ladies!
I was one of those people who were adamantly opposed to cannabis for a variety of reasons--one of them being that I was afraid that if my children tried it, that it would lead to experimentation with other, more harmful drugs. It took some education on the subject for me to realize that it is NOT cannabis that will lead to trying harmful chemical drugs. It is, rather, a predisposition to anything addictive that will draw a person to try other drugs--it is that simple.
Cannabis is a natural plant (no chemicals needed to enhance or manufacture it)--God put it here for a reason. The benefits of it's use are almost too endless to mention. Between my allergies to medications & others that conflict with blood thinners, cannabis is my only choice for pain relief. Why should legimate pain relief from a plant that God put here be the thing that could put me in jail??? Hmmmmmm, jail time for seeking pain relief---I thought that jail cells were kept for criminals?
Well, if I were famous or considered important enough publically, I'd be the girl out there on the front lines! Afterall, I was against the use of marijuana until my turn of bad health forced me to re-think the matter & I know from first hand experience that it should be considered a medicinal herb, not some criminal act to partake of it!
Thanks to all that you do for this cause Mamakind--I appreciate the unselfishness & effort of people like you!
I think ALL of the wonderful women I mentioned in the blog are worthy of iconic status and you're absolutely part of that group in mine and many other minds.
But when I mean ICON, I'm talking specifically about someone who defines a notion and that definition transcends the sub-culture within which it started and filters through all corners of society.
Again, not to pick on Tommy, but if you were to play the word association game with, say... a 50 yr-old Catholic Priest in Iowa and said, "Tommy Chong", he would most likely say, "Marijuana."
THAT kind of status. (No offense intended to womankind, anti-prohibition activists, Tommy Chong, the Catholic Church or the State of Iowa).
Awsome Blog never really thought about it till i read all this thx:)
Alison Myrden
Federal Medical Marijuana Exemptee in Canada
Leading Female Speaker for LEAP
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
http://www.leap.cc
And since we all seem to agree, does the question not now become who, how, and when?
Consider the most prized cannabis plant is a female does that not make sense?
Great Blog Mama Kind, and excellent idea!
Take Care and Peace
Marco Renda
Federal Exemptee
Publisher & Editor in chief
Treating Yourself
The Alternative Medicine Journal
No one outside of the pot world knows who Watermelon, Puff Mama, Hilary Black, et al. are and therefore, they are not YET iconic.
Even if you don't toke up, you KNOW who Tommy Chong is and you first and foremost associate him with marijuana.
They might have achieved iconic status amongst people hip to the world of weed, but if you mention Hilary Black, Puff Mama, Watermelon, et al. to someone who knows nothing about cannabis culture, they are relatively unknown.
But EVERYBODY--toker or not-- knows who Tommy Chong is.