Bill Maher sent a wake-up call - or rather, a wake-and-bake-up call - to cannabis aficionados across America on Feb. 12. Maher wrapped up the latest episode of Real Time with a look at cannabis legalization, which he considers a civil rights issue. And in the final seconds, he sparked controversy by lighting a joint on air:
"This is private property and I do have a card," Maher said through a cloud of smoke. "In conclusion, please remember that legalizing pot is a long way from a done deal."
Then he passed off the joint to his guests, including Killer Mike, who happily puffed away on camera.
It's not the first time that someone has lit up a joint on the show: Zach Galifianakis did it back in 2010. Or did he? In a tweet after the show, Maher said Galifianakis' joint was a dud. Here's how the twitterverse reacted to the stunt:
Some saw it as pot's coming out party:
@billmaher good to see it out of the closet on HBO. Thank you, you crazy rebelπ·
β Kenny (@hamlin_kenny) February 14, 2016
There were calls for an encore:
dear jesus, its been awhile i know but please use your powers to convince @billmaher to end each show that way.
β Matthew McClish (@mattmcclish) February 14, 2016
Others praised Maher's craftsmanship:
@billmaher that was amazing Bill. Did you roll that? Looked damn near perfect
β . (@wwwhite92) February 13, 2016
Even abstainers showed support:
@billmaher Saw it. Good for you and you cool guests! I don't partake but would like those who do have it available to them legally.
β The Lady of the Manor (@Smartypantsny) February 14, 2016
But those who do smoke criticized Maher's manners:
Typical richie rich like @billmaher hogging it - can't even smoke up your audience and staff ,ya bogart!#decriminalize
β #stopAsianHate (@remaerdyaD) February 14, 2016
Some wanted more intel on the joint in question:
And that was just one of the follow-up questions:
@billmaher I've heard that Smoking pot is highly carcinogenic. Are there other ways to ingest? Do all forms cause munchies?
β Janet (@SurruscoJanet) February 14, 2016
We've got a few answers for Janet's queries about cancer, conventional (and unconventional) ways to consume cannabis, and the munchies.
History was debated:
@billmaher i think belushi beat you to something like that on a beethoven bit he did on the original SNL.
β george sears (@gsears1968) February 14, 2016
We couldn't find the Belushi sketch in question - if he did, in fact, toke on air as Beethoven. But Cypress Hill did light a joint on SNL in 1993 and were banned forever as a result.
The were the unbelievers:
@billmaher bullshit....that was just a rolled cigarette!
β boba23t (@boba23t) February 14, 2016
But audience members said it was real:
Some think Maher's guest list got lighter:
@billmaher Okay, but I'm thinking this ain't gonna encourage an appearance by POTUS.
β mark rast (@photomarkrast) February 13, 2016
But others thought Obama should put Maher in cabinet:
@billmaher β \m/(β’ΒΏβ’)\m/ β the new JOINT Chief of Staff...#legalizeitnationallyperiod
β SUGAMAMAS VANITY Beauty Pros (@SugaMamasNATURE) February 14, 2016
And in case you missed it, here's the full video. The whole segment is worth watching, but he lights the joint itself around 5:50:
h/t UPROXX