Even if you’ve never listened to hip-hop, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Smoke Weed Everyday.” Unfortunately for Snoop Dogg, the U.S. government says he can’t trademark it.
The rapper’s company filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office seeking exclusive rights to the phrase, which has become one of the most recognizable lines in cannabis culture. But federal trademark officials weren’t having it.
The agency rejected the request for two main reasons.
First, cannabis is still illegal under federal law. Because trademarks must be tied to lawful commerce, the government said a slogan promoting marijuana products can’t qualify for federal protection.
Second, the phrase is simply too famous. Trademark officials argued that “Smoke Weed Everyday” has become a widely used cultural expression that appears on countless memes, T-shirts, and novelty products. When something becomes that common, it stops functioning as a brand and starts functioning as… well, just a saying.
The phrase originally exploded into pop culture after appearing in the 2001 track The Next Episode, and it’s been floating around the internet ever since.
The rejection doesn’t stop Snoop from using the phrase for businesses or merchandise. It just means he can’t claim nationwide trademark protection for it.
In other words, the government’s official legal opinion seems to be:
Everyone knows the phrase…
Everyone says the phrase…
So nobody gets to own the phrase. 🌿
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
