Marijuana and movies. If you enjoy these two pastimes, then you would like comedian Doug Benson, a professional who will be covering these topics in his fourth annual 4/21 comedy show at WOW Hall on April 21 at 8 p.m.
The San Diego native prides himself on his marijuana jokes. If Benson’s name sounds familiar, you’ve probably come across one of his projects or comedy sets. The majority of these projects and comedy sets are related to marijuana. Benson is a card-carrying-medical-marijuana patient and a strong advocate.
His most notable project, Super High Me, is a documentary riffing off the format of the popular documentary Super Size Me. The plot of Super High Me follows Benson for 60 days on his trek to do some serious cannabis research. The first 30 days, Benson undergoes a period where he cleanses marijuana from his system and abstains from all cannabis use.
During this period of abstinence, Benson records his current state of mental and physical health through various tests. You can probably guess what happens next.
Benson then proceeds to smoke himself into a stupor for the next 30 days while under the supervision of his physician who monitors the changes in Benson’s physical and mental states. The tests that Benson undergoes include a sperm count test, a SAT test and a lung capacity evalution. At the end of the 60 days, Benson’s doctor analyzes the tests and proclaims whether or not marijuana has been detrimental or helpful for Benson.
I won’t give the ending away, but the film is pretty interesting.
Benson first began comedy when he was 22-years-old on a dare from his friend. However, Benson did not begin to smoke weed until he was 29-years-old and began performing with other comedians. Benson smoked heavily after shows with comedians Brian Posehn and Greg Proops.
Once Benson started smoking, he was hooked. Now considers himself a major stoner.
Benson then began to incorporate “stoner humor” into his jokes and has now qualms cracking jokes about the drug.
Benson is a regular on Comedy Central. Benson also began a weekly podcast in 2006 titled “Doug Loves Movies,” which is available on iTunes.
Notable guests of the show include Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman and Aubrey Plaza among numerous others. Benson also competed on Last Comic Standing and was a star of an on-stage show that he personally wrote and starred in which was titled, The Marijuana-Logues. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what topics Benson covers in this show.
This is the fourth time Benson has performed on 4/21 in Eugene. So roll a doobie — or don’t — the show will be enjoyable either way. Head over to WOW hall on April 21.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, you can visit www.wowhall.org.
Want more weed? Here are other Emerald stories about the green.
Why a weed issue?
Let’s clear the smoke an introduction to the Emerald’s weed issue
What do you people actually think about pot?
Getting high:
The effects of marijuana on your brain
Eugene baker Sharon Cohen makes strides in hemp food market
More than smoke, edibles offer a different marijuana experience
What is your preferred method of flight?
Dank or Schwag: Do G13, Matanuska Thunder Fuck or Peter Danklage disappoint?
High activities:
Altered states transform ordinary games into memorable highs
Tichenor: You think ‘Harold and Kumar’ is about weed? Think again.
Playlist: Songs to get high to
This is what happens when you listen to Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ while stoned
The legal stuff:
Is it time for Oregon to legalize marijuana?
Getting caught with marijuana on campus can have consequences
Medicinal use:
Eugene’s newest medical marijuana dispensary Oregon Medigreen brings patients relief
Eugene’s Elvy Musikka is one of only four recipients of federal medical marijuana for Glaucoma
Strict medical marijuana restrictions may hinder those in need