In 2005, Rolling Stone published an article that would spark widespread curiosity, inspire a feature film, and bring a small-town drug smuggling story into the national spotlight. Titled “Kid Cannabis: The Wild Rise and Violent Fall of a Teenage Weed Kingpin”, the article was written by journalist Mark Binelli and chronicled the shocking true story of Nate Norman—a teenager from Idaho who built a multimillion-dollar marijuana smuggling operation.
But how accurate was the article? What were the real events behind it? And how did Rolling Stone’s storytelling influence public perception of the case?
In this article, we explore the origins, facts, and impact of the Kid Cannabis article. We’ll dissect the story’s major events, clarify what happened to the people involved, and examine how the article shaped media portrayals, including the 2014 movie adaptation. This guide also addresses common misconceptions and offers insight into the lessons learned from one of America’s most unexpected drug empire tales.
The Origin of the Rolling Stone Article
The Rolling Stone article was published in July 2005, written by acclaimed journalist Mark Binelli, known for his deep dives into subcultures, crime, and fringe stories. Titled “Kid Cannabis: The Wild Rise and Violent Fall of a Teenage Weed Kingpin,” the piece chronicled the journey of Nate Norman, an 18-year-old high school dropout from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, who decided to start smuggling marijuana from British Columbia, Canada, into the U.S.
Binelli’s investigative piece combined colorful language, real interviews, police records, and narrative storytelling to create a compelling, fast-paced account of how a pizza delivery boy evolved into a multi-millionaire smuggler—only to be brought down by greed, rivalry, and law enforcement.
The article gained widespread attention for its mix of humor, shock, and depth, and it quickly went viral—an uncommon feat in 2005, before the era of social media virality.
The Key Events Covered in the Article
The Rolling Stone article covered several major phases in Nate Norman’s story:
1. The Formation of the Smuggling Ring
The article detailed how Norman, frustrated with dead-end jobs and inspired by stories on online drug forums, learned that Canadian “B.C. Bud” was potent, cheap, and in high demand across the border. Nate recruited his friend Topher Clark and other teenagers to help form a crew.
They began smuggling small amounts by car and on foot. But as the business grew, they hiked marijuana backpacks across treacherous wooded trails along the Idaho–British Columbia border. Eventually, they moved more than 17 tons of marijuana—a street value of over $30 million.
2. Rapid Wealth and Lavish Lifestyle
The article didn’t hold back in describing the wild spending that followed. The teenagers splurged on luxury cars, high-end electronics, and parties. Binelli emphasized their inexperience with wealth, painting them as reckless and immature—qualities that would eventually become their downfall.
3. Rivalries and Betrayals
One of the article’s most shocking revelations was the feud between Norman’s crew and another drug ring, which escalated into violence. Binelli detailed threats, beatings, and even a murder-for-hire plot. Though Norman wasn’t charged with orchestrating violence, these rivalries drew federal attention and helped unravel the operation.
4. The DEA Takedown and Sentencing
Eventually, law enforcement pieced together the smuggling operation through surveillance, tips, and informants. Norman and his associates were arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic marijuana. Norman was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, though he was later released early for good behavior.
How Accurate Was the Rolling Stone Article?
Mark Binelli’s article was praised for its investigative integrity and storytelling, but like many journalistic features, it focused on narrative appeal. Here’s what it got right—and what it left out.
What the Article Got Right
- Core Facts and Timeline: The article accurately documented the timeline of events, the identities of the main players, and the scale of the smuggling.
- Sources and Records: Binelli referenced police records, court documents, and interviews, grounding the story in verifiable sources.
- Cultural Context: The piece captured the economic and social conditions in Idaho that made teens like Norman crave fast money and status.
What Was Embellished or Left Out
- Character Depth: Some critics argue the article glossed over the emotional toll on families and the consequences for everyone involved, especially lower-level participants.
- Victims and Violence: While the article mentioned rivalries, it didn’t delve deeply into the violent aftermath, including alleged beatings and retaliation that emerged in later reports.
- Legal Complexity: The article simplified the DEA’s investigation and legal procedures, focusing more on characters than policy.
The Article’s Impact on Pop Culture
The Kid Cannabis article didn’t just tell a great story—it inspired a film and defined public perception of Nate Norman’s saga.
From Article to Film
In 2014, the movie Kid Cannabis was released, directly inspired by the Rolling Stone feature. Directed by John Stockwell, the film starred Jonathan Daniel Brown as Nate Norman and Kenny Wormald as Topher Clark (portrayed as “Rowdy”).
The movie borrowed heavily from Binelli’s storytelling, including quotes, scenes, and character attitudes. However, it added fictionalized drama and changed names for some supporting roles.
Media and Mythmaking
Thanks to Rolling Stone, Nate Norman was cast as a modern outlaw hero—clever, rebellious, and reckless. The story resonated because it showed how ordinary teenagers could outsmart the system—temporarily, at least.
But this media framing also romanticized illegal behavior. Critics noted that portraying Norman as an antihero might downplay the legal and moral implications of his actions.
The Real People Behind the Story
Nate Norman
After serving part of his 12-year sentence, Nate Norman was released and returned to Idaho. He has since kept a relatively low public profile, although recent interviews and social media suggest he has taken on motivational speaking and entrepreneurship. He has expressed remorse for his actions and now emphasizes family and faith.
Topher Clark
Nate’s right-hand man, Topher Clark, was also convicted and served prison time. Unlike Norman, Clark chose to retreat from the public eye entirely. He does not appear in media interviews or on social media and is believed to be living a private, quiet life away from Idaho.
Mark Binelli
The author of the Rolling Stone article, Mark Binelli, continued his journalism career and has since written books and features for major publications. He has never publicly revised the article, which remains a standout example of long-form investigative journalism.
The Legacy of the Article
The Rolling Stone piece remains one of the most famous drug-related long reads in modern journalism. Its legacy includes:
- Public Awareness: It introduced mainstream audiences to the idea of small-town teenagers building drug empires, a story previously confined to law enforcement files.
- Hollywood Influence: It helped turn true crime into entertainment, influencing shows and films beyond Kid Cannabis.
- Cautionary Tale: Despite the glamor, the article still serves as a warning—a real-life example of how ambition, poor choices, and illegal actions can lead to destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Kid Cannabis Rolling Stone article about?
It tells the true story of Nate Norman, an Idaho teen who started a marijuana smuggling business worth millions. It explores how the business began, grew, and collapsed under federal investigation.
Who wrote the Kid Cannabis article?
The article was written by journalist Mark Binelli and published in Rolling Stone in July 2005.
Is the article accurate?
Yes, the article is largely accurate but focuses on storytelling. It simplifies some legal elements and doesn’t fully explore the long-term consequences for all involved.
Did the article inspire the Kid Cannabis movie?
Yes. The 2014 movie is based on the article and dramatizes the events described by Mark Binelli.
What happened to Nate Norman?
He was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison but was released early. He now lives a quiet life in Idaho and is reportedly involved in motivational speaking and business.
Final Thoughts: A Story Worth Telling—Responsibly
The Kid Cannabis article by Rolling Stone remains a powerful piece of journalism. It pulled back the curtain on an unlikely criminal empire and captivated readers with its mix of crime, youth, and consequence. But while the story makes for gripping reading—and a thrilling movie—it’s also a stark reminder that shortcuts to success can have devastating outcomes.
Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or a study in risk and ambition, the real story behind the Kid Cannabis article is a nuanced, multifaceted narrative that deserves both recognition and reflection.