Musician, actor and comedian Jack Black recently took time out of his busy filming schedule in Hawaii to speak with Marijuana Venture about the legalization movement and the possibility of someday being directly involved in the cannabis industry.
In addition to his notable film roles, including Tropic Thunder, School of Rock and the Kung Fu Panda series, Black and his Tenacious D partner, Kyle Gass, have been longtime supporters of marijuana legalization. Black is also on the Marijuana Policy Project’s VIP advisory board and has family ties to Okanogan County, the epicenter of outdoor cannabis cultivation in Washington.
Marijuana Venture: You’re on the advisory board of the MPP. How did that come about?
Jack Black: Well, me and KG have been vocal advocates of legalization for 20 years … not as long as Cheech and Chong, but not too shabby. I think they slapped us on there when we performed at a benefit hosted by Bill Maher — hands down the smartest political stoner in the comedy biz.
MV: Do you believe that marijuana has legitimate medical uses?
JB: Of course! It’s an effective painkiller, a proven sleep aid, appetite stimulator and glaucoma destroyer … and it can induce deep, powerful belly laughter — the best medicine!
MV: Were you stoned when you did ‘Tropic Thunder?’ (My kids love that movie!)
JB: I never blaze on camera. Only post-show celebratory jays, except for that one time on ‘The Pick of Destiny” …
MV: Have you ever visited or seen any of the commercial farms in Okanogan County, Washington?
JB: Nope. But I bet that’s some fertile soil for the fat juicy buds with flavor crystals!
MV: Would you ever consider getting into the cannabis business yourself?
JB: I’m a showman at heart. I sell entertainment. I don’t really see myself diversifying into a cash crop tycoon.
MV: Would you ever lend your name to a product in the marijuana industry?
JB: I guess I could imagine that scenario. I could imagine a photo of me and KG on a box of extra-large joints — “Tenacious D Fatties.” You never know.
MV: What do you think is the biggest hurdle that needs to be overcome to get to full legalization?
JB: Conservatism. It’s the old guard holding the wall. The alcohol and tobacco industries are probably not helping either. But they can’t stop the momentum now. There’s a whole new generation of voters who know this war on pot is total bullshit.
MV: What do you actually do with MPP, and how effective is it in getting laws changed?
JB: To be honest, I haven’t been very active in the movement as of late. But that stops today! Right after I finish this game of Bejeweled 2!