Snoop Dogg's Smoking Journey: When and How It All Began

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., better known as Snoop Dogg, has become synonymous with cannabis culture in the entertainment industry. His relationship with marijuana has been well-documented throughout his career, but many fans wonder: when did Snoop Dogg start smoking, and how old was Snoop Dogg when he first experienced cannabis?

Snoop Dogg's Early Years: First Cannabis Experiences

According to multiple interviews and Snoop's own accounts, he first tried cannabis when he was approximately 8-9 years old. Born on October 20, 1971, this would place his first experience around 1979-1980. However, he has stated that he didn't begin smoking regularly until he was around 12-13 years old in the early 1980s.

Growing up in Long Beach, California, young Calvin was exposed to cannabis through family members, particularly his uncles. In a 2008 interview, Snoop recalled, "I was with my uncles and my older cousin. They were having fun, listening to music, so they passed it to me."

The Influence of Family Members on Snoop's Cannabis Journey

Snoop's early introduction to cannabis came primarily through family influences. His uncles would smoke around him, and eventually, they included him in what was a social activity in their household. This familial relationship with cannabis helped shape Snoop's perception of the plant as something communal and cultural rather than merely recreational.

By his teenage years, smoking had become a regular part of Snoop's life. As detailed in Snoop Dogg's relationship with weed, these formative experiences would later influence his music, business ventures, and public persona.

Teenage Years and Gang Affiliation

During his teenage years, as Snoop became affiliated with the Crips gang in Long Beach, cannabis use was common among his peers. This period coincided with the early development of his musical interests, particularly in rap and freestyle.

How Cannabis Shaped Snoop's Career Development

By the time Snoop began working with Dr. Dre in the early 1990s, cannabis had become an integral part of his creative process. His debut on Dr. Dre's "Deep Cover" and subsequent appearances on "The Chronic" album in 1992 often referenced cannabis use.

When Snoop released his debut album "Doggystyle" in 1993, he was 22 years old and had been smoking for approximately a decade. The album's artwork, lyrics, and overall aesthetic embraced cannabis culture, helping to mainstream discussions about marijuana in popular music.

As his career progressed, Snoop became increasingly open about his cannabis use, incorporating it into his public image. This openness coincided with shifting public attitudes toward cannabis, with Snoop becoming an unofficial ambassador for normalization efforts.

Evolution of Snoop's Cannabis Habits Through the Decades

Snoop's cannabis consumption has evolved over the decades. In his youth and early career, he primarily smoked blunts (cigar wrappers filled with cannabis). As he matured, his preferences and habits changed, though his appreciation for the plant remained constant.

According to reports on Snoop's daily cannabis consumption, he has employed a professional blunt roller since 2016, demonstrating the significance of cannabis in his daily routine. This professional reportedly rolls between 75-150 joints daily for Snoop and his entourage.

While rumors occasionally surface about Snoop reducing or quitting his cannabis use, as explored in this article examining the quit rumors, his relationship with marijuana has remained relatively constant throughout his adult life.

Snoop's Cannabis Business Ventures and Advocacy

As cannabis legalization spread across the United States, Snoop leveraged his decades-long association with the plant to launch several business ventures:

• Leafs By Snoop - a cannabis product line launched in 2015
• Casa Verde Capital - a venture capital firm focusing on the cannabis industry
• Partnership with Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth

Snoop has also been a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization and criminal justice reform related to marijuana offenses. His advocacy work includes supporting organizations that help individuals imprisoned for non-violent cannabis offenses.

As the cannabis industry has evolved, so too have packaging requirements. Just as safety measures like child-resistant packaging have become industry standards, Snoop's business ventures have adapted to meet changing regulations while maintaining his authentic connection to cannabis culture.

Cultural Impact and Legacy as a Cannabis Icon

Few celebrities have had their identity so intertwined with cannabis as Snoop Dogg. From his early exposure at age 8-9 to his current status as a cannabis entrepreneur and cultural icon, Snoop's journey with marijuana spans over four decades.

His influence extends beyond music and entertainment, helping to shift public perception of cannabis users. Alongside other celebrity advocates examined in this exploration of celebrity cannabis habits, Snoop has contributed to destigmatizing cannabis use.

Snoop's openness about when and how he started smoking cannabis has contributed to broader conversations about youth exposure, responsible use, and the cultural contexts of marijuana consumption. His journey from young Calvin Broadus in Long Beach to global cannabis icon Snoop Dogg illustrates how personal experiences with the plant can shape not only an individual's life but also influence broader cultural attitudes.

As cannabis continues to gain legal status worldwide and its history becomes better documented, as detailed in this overview of cannabis history, Snoop's early experiences and subsequent relationship with marijuana will remain an important chapter in the cultural evolution of cannabis in America and beyond.