Collection
From the origins of 4/20 to former presidents' weed use, Snopes has fact-checked a number of claims involving pot over the years.
by Liz Donaldson, June 12, 2006
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Just because legalized marijuana has become more common across the United States does not mean old wives tales and rumors about pot have subsided.
Snopes' newsroom has encountered its fair share of claims about the drug over the years, from the origins of 4/20 —"marijuana culture's high holiday" — to its supposed health benefits (or side effects).
To mark this year's 4/20, we dug through our archives to bring you 19 fact checks about marijuana.
Liz is an Editorial Assistant who has labored in Snopes' folklore mines since 2005.
May 5, 2023
Even the internet pooh-poohed it.
Feb. 22, 2023
According to decades of lore, federal marijuana expert James Munch testified in court that two p ...
May 18, 2023
"One Night Cough Syrup" was reportedly flying off the shelves in the late 1800s.
Sept. 14, 2002
The story of how the code '420' entered drug parlance as a term signifying the time to light up ...
Jan. 19, 2001
'Puff the Magic Dragon' is what its writers have always claimed it to be: a song about the inno ...
Jan. 5, 2018
It is possible to experience some psychoactive effects from secondhand exposure to marijuana smo ...
March 1, 2017
Although this claim appears to be making its way into political talking points regarding recreat ...
Dec. 6, 2019
His spokeswoman noted he does whatever he wants when it comes to smoking anything.
Dec. 6, 2018
"Surely people have left the cathedral happier than ever."
Jan. 23, 2014
Reports that Phillip Morris is bringing 'Marlboro M' brand marijuana cigarettes to market starte ...
Oct. 6, 2016
Although medical records of JFK's hidden health struggles included use of unconventional drugs, ...
Jan. 18, 2019
A meme misrepresented the reasons why it is illegal for cannabis users to also be gun owners.
Nov. 26, 2016
Several studies suggest that a specific constituent of cannabis could aid in the healing of brok ...
Dec. 8, 2015
Former president Jimmy Carter did not say that his cancer was cured by medical marijuana.
April 11, 2018
A December announcement by a WHO committee stated that one specific component of marijuana is sa ...
July 23, 2018
An article’s factually ridiculous headline attempted to demonstrate people’s proclivity to share ...
May 8, 2018
Arguments made by one sheriff opposed to legalized marijuana are dubious and disputed by police ...
Dec. 7, 2017
A story employed the colorful portmanteau term "scromiting" to describe an illness potentially r ...
June 12, 2006
Did Some packs of Lucky Strikes contain marijuana?
