Tommy Chong Back In Cancer Treatment — How Is The ‘DWTS’ Alum Medicating?

Tommy Chong is being treated for cancer for the second time in his life. After previously being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, Tommy confirmed to Us Weekly that he is now facing rectal cancer.

“I’ve had some medical issues lately. I got diagnosed with rectal cancer.”

Chong’s cancer diagnosis is especially notable because of his open use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. During his last round of treatment for prostate cancer, Tommy spoke candidly in interviews about his heavy use of the drug in order to soothe the damage. Now, Chong tells Us Weekly that he’s been leaning even more heavily on weed.

“I’m using cannabis like crazy now, more so than ever before. I’m in treatment now. I’ve been — just the case either way, either I get healed or I don’t. But either way, I’m going to make sure I get a little edge off or put up.”

Although Tommy did not go in-depth with Us Weekly about his treatments this time around, Chong recently discussed the matter on HashBarTV, part of marijuana legalization group California Cannabis Hemp Initiative (CCHI). Tommy said that he partially treated his prostate cancer by using high-grade hemp oil suppositories. You can watch the full interview below.

Of course, Chong wasn’t shy about his use of medicinal cannabis the last time he was dealing with cancer, either. While appearing on CNN, Tommy told Don Lemon that he was actively using it as a therapy. Additionally, Chong rejected any link between his marijuana use and cancer, saying that he actually first began to experience symptoms of his prostate cancer while in prison.

“I was totally healthy when I went in jail, and I hadn’t smoked pot when I was in jail… because they drug tested me every day. And I started having problems with my prostate. I remember very well… I also contacted gout when I was in prison from the food. I think it’s a combination of the food and the fact that the prison itself in Taft, California, is built over a toxic waste dump.”

Chong rose to significant fame in the 1970s for his work with Cheech Marin in the Cheech and Chong series of hazy stoner comedies. Last year, Tommy launched back into the public eye when he appeared on Dancing With The Stars with partner Peta Murgatroyd.

Despite mediocre skills on the dancefloor, Tommy Chong was a fan favorite — making it all the way to the semifinals of the competition.

[Image via Michael Buckner / Getty Images]