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Weed culture has been a part of gaming for years, with various characters across different franchises indulging in the herb. Whether for comedic effect, relaxation, or even gameplay buffs, these characters embrace cannabis in their own ways. Here are ten video game characters who light up:
1. Ryder – GTA: San Andreas
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| Rockstar Games |
One of the most iconic smokers in gaming, Ryder from GTA: San Andreas is constantly seen with a joint in hand. His love for weed plays into his laid-back yet erratic personality, making him a memorable part of the game’s story.
Ryder smokes weed laced with PCP, a mixture which he makes himself and calls "water." This adds to his paranoia and unpredictable nature throughout the game.
2. Franklin Clinton – GTA V
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| Rockstar Games |
Franklin may not be as excessive as some others on this list, but he definitely enjoys a smoke now and then. Living in Los Santos, where cannabis is legal, Franklin partakes casually, reflecting a more modern and normalized view of weed in gaming.
3. CJ – GTA: San Andreas
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| Rockstar Games |
While CJ is against hard drugs, his weed habit is revealed in a mission, implying that he has smoked before. His surroundings, including friends like Ryder and The Truth, make it highly likely that he has partaken in the herb, even if he tries to stay focused on his mission to take back Grove Street.
4. Little Jacob – GTA IV
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| Rockstar Games |
Little Jacob is one of the most beloved side characters in GTA IV, known for his heavy Jamaican accent and frequent references to cannabis. As an arms dealer with a chill demeanor, Jacob often smokes while discussing business with Niko, making him a classic representation of a laid-back weed smoker in gaming.
During Grand Theft Auto IV, Little Jacob is almost always seen smoking weed during much of the storyline, and Niko often comments about the passive effects while they are in vehicles together, with smoke often seen floating out the window.
5. Ellie – The Last of Us Part II
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| Naughty Dog |
In a secret section of The Last of Us Part II, Ellie smokes a joint with Dina. While Dina is the one who initiates it, Ellie partakes in the moment, adding a realistic and human touch to their relationship. It’s a rare, peaceful moment in an otherwise brutal game.
6. Michael De Santa – GTA V
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| Rockstar Games |
Michael’s midlife crisis in GTA V has him experimenting with all kinds of substances, including weed. He is seen smoking marijuana in several cutscenes, particularly when dealing with stress. His experiences with cannabis are often played for comedic effect, as he sometimes hallucinates bizarre sequences afterward.
7. The Boss – Saints Row Series
The Boss in Saints Row is known for indulging in cannabis. In Saints Row 2, smoking weed provides gameplay benefits, enhancing combat abilities temporarily. This makes Saints Row one of the first video games to integrate pot smoking as a mechanic rather than just a background character trait.
8. Orange 12 – GTA: San Andreas
This NPC is well-known for his ironic quotes: "I smoke 'cause it gives me knowledge.", Hey man, where the weed at? and "That ese put dust in my weed," and is likely a parody of Smokey from Friday. Orange 12 is a minor yet unforgettable character in San Andreas, adding to the game's humorous take on cannabis culture.
9. The Truth – GTA: San Andreas
The Truth is an old-school hippie living in Flint County who once owned a cannabis farm. A true conspiracy theorist, The Truth embodies the classic stoner stereotype, always rambling about government cover-ups.
10. Goldie – Fear & Respect (Canceled Game)
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Goldie, voiced by none other than Snoop Dogg, was set to be the main character in Fear & Respect, a canceled game led by John Singleton. Naturally, given Snoop Dogg’s real-life persona, Goldie was going to be a weed smoker, making him a fitting addition to this list.
These characters showcase how cannabis has been portrayed in gaming, from comedic relief to integral parts of the story. Whether it’s for stress relief, conspiracy theories, or even gameplay buffs, video game weed smokers have left their mark in gaming history.
Did we miss any of your favorite gaming stoners? Let us know!