Presidents and politicians talk about smoking pot

CNN From Barack Obama to John F. Kennedy, there is a rich history of marijuana use -- or rumors of it -- among American presidents and politicians.

Though pot as a drug has gotten stronger over the years, its effect on voters seems to have diminished. Obama has spoken without reservation about getting high as a teen in Hawaii. At least five of the original 2016 primary candidates had publicly copped lighting up at some point in their lives. And there is suspicion -- though no written confirmation -- that a number of the early presidents, including some of the Founding Fathers, might have dabbled themselves, although theNational Constitution Center has sought to dispel those myths.

Here are seven well known American politicians speaking (or writing) about smoking.

President Barack Obama

The 44th President was a proud member of the self-styled "Choom Gang" during his high school years in Hawaii. According to David Maraniss' book, "Barack Obama: The Story," the young Obama was an innovative smoker, who along with his friends got the very most out of every joint.