Inside the Smoking Tricks in Sons of Anarchy: Herbal Substitutes, Safety, and Legal Implications

The revival series Sons of Anarchy is well-known for its gritty and edgy portrayal of the motorcycle club, which often involves its members and their characters indulging in various forms of tobacco. From cigarettes to joints, the portrayal of smoking adds depth and realism to the show. However, the choice of what the actors actually use on set is a careful balancing act between artistic expression and practical considerations.

Real vs. Herbal: What the Actors Are Really Smoking

Most of the time, the cigarettes seen in Sons of Anarchy are real. The production has a keen eye for detail and aims to present accurate depictions of the characters' vices. In contrast, the joints that the characters are seen smoking are often not the real McCoy.

During the filming of such scenes, producers may use herbal substitutes that closely resemble marijuana yet do not contain THC. These substitutes are chosen to ensure that the actors are not consuming illegal substances. This approach not only avoids legal and health implications but also allows the actors to portray smoking without the drawbacks.

Why Herbal Substitutes?

Making the choice to use herbal cigarettes and joints is not merely a matter of preference but also driven by practical and legal considerations:

Insurance and Legal Issues

Using actual marijuana could bring in a host of insurance, OSHA, and law enforcement issues. Firstly, there is the potential for accidents or injuries on set if marijuana is smoked, which could result in claims or legal consequences. Secondly, if there are minors present on set, they may be exposed to illegal substances and secondhand smoke, further complicating matters legally.

Logistical Challenges

Marijuana usage can greatly affect an actor's performance. Smoking marijuana for extended periods before filming can lead to issues like drowsiness, impaired judgment, or even legal problems. If multiple takes are needed, dealing with such a state could make it difficult to maintain consistent performance. Herbal cigarettes, on the other hand, provide a safer and more reliable option to simulate the effect of marijuana without these drawbacks.

Health and Legal Protection

There are known health risks associated with regular tobacco usage. A production house might face legal claims if a performer suffers health issues linked to the tobacco usage. Herbal cigarettes, with fewer negative health effects, are a more attractive option from a legal and financial perspective, making them the preferred choice in most scenarios.

Actor Personal Habits and Consistency

While the actors may smoke in real life, the production typically uses herbal cigarettes to ensure consistency and avoid any potential legal issues. In scenes that require smoking, the decision is often made by the production team in consultation with the actors to maintain the authenticity of the portrayal.

For actors who do not smoke in real life, the production will typically use herbal substitutes to avoid exposure to legally questionable substances. This ensures that even actors who do not partake in smoking in real life can still convincingly portray the characters on screen.