Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Joint enterprise
FIVE celebs smoking pot in the name of research – congratulations ITV, you win the award for weirdest reality show.
It sounds like a spoof or sketch show, but it’s not. If you want to see Pat Butcher smoking a joint with a nun (yes, seriously), Bobby George crying while throwing up, or Christopher Biggins singing My Way before falling into a stupor, you’re in the right place. But there’s a serious side to this “magical marijuana mystery tour” which takes place in a gimmicky psychedelic bus, as the group aim to explore the legalisation of the drug while visiting the 13 states of America where dope is allowed.
Boarding the bus are Birds of a Feather actress and Loose Women panellist Linda Robson, retired footballer and TV presenter John Fashanu and ex-eastender Pam St Clement, along with actor Biggins and darts supremo Bobby.
Each has their own medical reason for their curiosity, but they have differing opinions about the drug. Beginning in San Francisco, the group goggle at pot popcorn in the world’s largest medical marijuana dispensary. “Waitrose on speed!” quips Pam.
Later they visit the Sisters of the Valley, who incorporate the drug – “a gift from God” – into their spiritual beliefs. And they meet Nonna Marijuana, 94, who cooks them up a druglaced feast.
Some of them eat more than others, and it’s all very funny until it’s not. An amusing romp through America, with a serious underlying issue and a great debate at its heart.