Have you ever noticed that Oscar the Grouch looks like he’s made outta weed? Seriously. Of course, I don’t think this is intentional. Frank Oz probably had a run of the green shaggy stuff laying around and the rest is history.

Along with groovy music and the kind of social awareness that came of age during an era when battles for equality were being fought on the racial, sexual and gender fronts, Sesame Street was also influenced by the drug culture of its time. I don’t have any specific info about who was doing what when, but its likely that the dynamic, young artists who created that magical place sought inspiration – as most artists will – wherever they could find it.

Here are a few funny SS videos that teach kids about letters and numbers while simultaneously goofing on a the lingo of the drug buy…

Just for good measure, here is one of the better psychedelic/mystical scenes from the show:

Keep learning, kids! If you know of any other videos that fits this bill, please leave your links in the comments section!

Joe Nolan <3