Louis Armstrong: A Voice for Culture & Cannabis Reform
This week, for our Black History Month Highlight, we’re taking it back and recognizing the great Louis Armstrong – not only for his exceptional musical talent, but also for his outspoken support of legalizing marijuana and its many benefits.
Louis Armstrong, also known as “Satchmo”, or “Pops”, was born August 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He gained recognition in the 1920s through his outstanding trumpet playing and scat singing, which paired perfectly with his unmistakable raspy voice. His work was deemed revolutionary, as it helped transform American jazz music through the Civil Rights era and beyond. Two of his most notable songs are, “What a Wonderful World,” and “La Vie en Rose”.
Armstrong was also nicknamed “King of the Vipers”- the term “viper” describing an individual who smoked marijuana. He was a strong advocate for the use of cannabis and educated on its stress-relieving properties. Armstrong began smoking marijuana in the late 1920’s, before it was criminalized in 1937. This came as a shock to many, as the plant was always viewed medicinally.
Before it was criminalized, Armstrong would openly smoke marijuana during his studio sessions and shows. He gave ode to cannabis in pieces such “Muggles,” and “Song of the Vipers”.
After its criminalization, he often criticized lawmakers for their decision and constantly highlighted the plants’ benefits, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, stress and anxiety relief, and enhanced creativity.
Today, we have Louis Armstrong and other artists and musicians of the early 1900’s such as Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Baise, to thank for their efforts to reform the public view of cannabis, leading us to reopen the doors of the cannabis industry that were once closed.
About Hold Up Roll Up
At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.