Carl Sagan (1934-1996) is known for a multitude of accolades, having each “astronomer”, “cosmologist”, “astrophysicist”, and “author”, among other titles, next to his name. Having written over 600 scientific papers and 20 books, including both Cosmos and Contact, Sagan is renowned for his research on space, extra-terrestrial life and human existence. As one of the world’s most credible, critical thinkers, Sagan used his platform to advocate for the recreational usage of marijuana, penning an essay in the 1971 book Marihuana Reconsidered under the pseudonym Mr. X. The article questioned the legality and reputation of cannabis after years of untrue claims made about the plant. After being diagnosed with myelodysplasia – a form of cancer – Sagan used cannabis medically to ease his pain, before dying of pneumonia in 1996. After his death, his wife Ann Druyan fought in his honor for the rights of cannabis users worldwide, becoming the president of NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) from 2006 – 2010. Artwork by Dale Edwin Murray.
Reef Dispensary Presents The Trailblazers: Carl Sagan
