I was in a university in the late 1980s. It was truly “hip to be square” for most. Weed wasn’t nearly as popular there as during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It’s become much more common during the past two or three decades.
The article is more Internet revisionism.
“Weed” shows up on ballots every few years.
Dopers turn out dutifully to support Weed and cast votes for Democrats while they’re at the polls.
A candidate with the last name Weed would be a shoe-in.