The Hemp Culture Playing Cards

Published November 06, 1997 Updated November 24, 2023

There is an underlying element of subtle humour in these cleverly designed playing cards, gently questioning the issue of legality.

1998 Costa RicaLatin AmericaCannabisLaurence Cherniak
Hemp Culture Playing Cards Box

These magnificent playing cards stem from at least 30 years of research… a lavish showcase of superb photography, artwork and personal revelations… both educational and entertaining.

"Freedom is a natural, basic, element that provides us with a foundation for motivating ourselves… to explore our souls and the beautiful relationships we can have with each other." [Laurence Cherniak, 1998]
Laurence Cherniak
Hemp Culture Playing Cards Hemp Culture Playing Cards Hemp Culture Playing Cards

Above: 52 cards + 3 Jokers + colour booklet in sturdy box, ultra high-air cushion finish, rounded corners, 62mm x 89mm, made in Canada. Artistic, almost 3-dimensional graphic designs, photography featuring views of diverse locations, well-balanced colours.

There is an underlying element of subtle humour in these playing cards… gently questioning the issue of legality. The cards are collages of various images, merged together with vibrant and colourful patterns. The suit signs and pips are gold-edged. Overall, a superb piece of work. The more you look the more you'll see, and in the "History & Memoirs" there's also some fun stuff…

Four of Clubs King of Clubs Indexes Back design showing resin calyxes Toker-Joker

Hemp Culture Playing Cards
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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

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