Kansas City’s Smokes and Jokes Offers a Unique Blend of Comedy and Cannabis Culture

Kansas City Welcomes a New Kind of Comedy with Smokes and Jokes

From the lively streets of Kansas City, another exciting event unfolded just this past weekend at the Legends Event Space and Lounge on Longview Road. This wasn’t your usual comedy night; it was infused with a twist of cannabis culture, marking a significant moment for not just the city but for the evolving perception of cannabis across the nation.

Changing Perceptions on Cannabis

As the lights dimmed and the crowd gathered, hip-hop artist Kyjuan, a well-known member of the multi-platinum rap group the St. Lunatics, confidently took the microphone. “Smoking weed is OK,” he announced, setting the tone for an evening where laughter intertwined with the discussion about cannabis.

Once seen as taboo, the stigma surrounding cannabis is fading away like smoke. In fact, a recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that an astonishing 88% of American adults believe marijuana should be legal for either medical or recreational use. With many states, including Missouri, legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana, it’s clear that the old viewpoints are being challenged.

A Family Affair in Comedy

Joining Kyjuan on stage were his siblings, Murphy Lee, a Grammy-winning rapper, and comedian Jus Blaque. Together, they introduced their new comedy series, Smokes and Jokes, which aims to merge the joy of comedy with the cannabis community. It was the first stop of their journey in Kansas City, and the energy was palpable. Audiences were clamoring for more, with one eager fan shouting, “When are y’all coming back?” after the final act. Kyjuan didn’t hesitate to respond, “We’ll be back.”

The Vision Behind Smokes and Jokes

Interestingly, the inspiration for Smokes and Jokes bloomed during a stoned brainstorming session almost two years ago. Kyjuan’s idea was to create a unique platform where cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy live comedy, all while feeling at ease. “Why not here?” he mused about their decision to come to Kansas City, recognizing Missouri’s embrace of legal cannabis.

The event birthed numerous comedic talents who performed that night, including Kansas City’s own Kevin Robe, who was thrilled to host this cannabis-friendly gathering. His reasoning was simple but powerful: “They legalized it. A lot of my friends and family members smoke it. Why not bring the worlds together?” This sentiment echoed throughout the evening.

A Night of Laughter and Connection

The laughter continued to flow, with various comedians, including the vibrant Real Lamont High, delivering their own unique styles, making everyone giggle. High even playfully teased Murphy Lee about his Grammy win, showing the lighthearted banter in the air.

Kyjuan explained that they drew inspiration from legendary shows like Def Comedy Jam and Comic View. The ultimate goal? To attract laughter and joy together while showcasing the funniest performers in different cities. This was evident that night as the audience reveled in an atmosphere filled with camaraderie and cannabis culture.

A Focus on Wellness

While the evening was centered on humor, it also highlighted the health benefits of cannabis. With vendors on-site selling gummies and THC-infused products, there was an educational facet too—helping individuals understand how to obtain medical marijuana cards and advocating for wellness.

By the time the night concluded, attendees included around 300 people, both cannabis users and non-users alike, who left with smiles on their faces and laughter still echoing in their hearts. Tanya Jones, a non-pot user, remarked, “It was really, really enjoyable.”

The Takeaway from Smokes and Jokes

As stand-up comic Jovan Bibbs took to the stage, he noted the room’s stillness before a wave of laughter suddenly filled the air, epitomizing the night’s essence perfectly: “That weed kicked in.” With the success of Smokes and Jokes opening doors for many more events like it, Kyjuan encapsulated the spirit of the night saying, “What’s better than weed and comedy?”

Kansas City has warmly welcomed this newest blend of humor and cannabis, and you can bet that audiences will be eagerly awaiting their return!