Read Rolling Stone, Pass the Roach Clip

Hand-crafted by the man who would later become the magazine's art director, the pot paraphernalia was peddled as a must-have for Rolling Stone readers.

By Ed Murrieta

Rolling Stone published its first issue 53 years ago today in San Francisco.  With a pot dealer serving as the magazine’s chief copy editor, it was only fitting that the magazine came with a free roach clip for early subscribers.

Hand-crafted by the man who would later become the magazine’s art director,  the pot paraphernalia was peddled as a must-have for Rolling Stone readers.

A full-page ad claimed the gift had “one thousand and one uses around the home, in rehearsal, or for better music appreciation.”

Rolling Stone Vol. 1, No. 1, by the way, featured a photo of John Lennon in costume as Private Gripweed on the set of “How I Won the War.”