Actually, pot-smoking was quite popular prior to the switch to tobacco. Raleigh himself was a heavy viper, as can be seen in this brief snippet from his My First Voyage to the American Colonies.

"We rose early to view the completion of our vessel's loading, and I spake with Mr Coombing about the matter of marihuanha, and whether he had procured some for the officers. He replied that indeede he had obtained some of the finest knowne from an Arab of his aquaintance. We were shortly underway, and I invited several of the officers to the taffrail to share a communal pipefulle. We then adjourned to our various duties.

I begann the plotting of our course, but had difficulty with my compasse, accidently stabbing myselfe in the thumb with its sharpe end. I went to find the ship's medico in the forecastle, but on the way passed the cooke, who was busy preparing a stew for dinner. Several officers were standinge very near the boiling kettle, there eyes quite glassy, and their conversation ramblyng and boisterous. They were stabbyng potatoes out of the stew pot and attempting to eat them, but soon fell to flynging them at one another, and chasing each othere about the deck. I felt that this behaviour was unbecoming and not appropriate before the Crew, who had gathered to watche. I meant to shout an order to them to belay their horseplaye, but could only manage "drop ye your spuds!" which seemed such an odd statement that both I and the besmotted officers fell into hysterics.

I then recalled my original intente to find the medico, and went forward, where I stopped for some time to admire our several polished cannon, which to my eyes had never had such a high polish. I called for the Gunner's Mate to complement him on the effective execution of his duties. It took him some time to get there, and I diverted myself by trying various nautical knots in a piece of line that was curled upon the deck, using my own calf in place of a tying-post. When the Gunner's Mate arrived, I regret to say that I had forgotten entirely why I had summoned him, but was able to use his skills in helping me to dis-entangle my leg from a particularly intricate and troublesome knot I had managed to tie.

It was a great misfortune that, when we had nearly untied the knot, the First Mate, who was under the sway of the marihuanha, gave order for the ship to come about. I immediately felt myself being hoisted out over the gunnel as the saile caught the wind. I had by accidente tied my leg to the portside maine sheet, and was thus some time suspendede over the rolling brine to my consternation and the amusement of the crewe.

As a result of these experiences, I must advise that the marihuanha is not the ablest choice for maritime use, tobacco being muche preferred

by your humble servante

Sir Walter Raleigh"