Michael Douglas reveals he smuggled almost 200 pounds of marijuana to pay for college tuition

Michael Douglas has revealed that he smuggled nearly 200 pounds of marijuana from California to New York to pay for his university education after his father, Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, stopped providing financial support.

The Fatal Attraction star shared the story in his new memoir, One Helluva Ride, recalling how he found an unconventional way to cover his remaining college expenses during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

According to Douglas, his father gave him $10,000 when he turned 21 and told him he would have to support himself financially from then on. However, the actor still had two years of tuition and other university expenses to cover while studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Douglas eventually realised that two Italian leather suitcases gifted to him by his father could provide an opportunity to make money. Each suitcase could hold approximately 22 kilograms of marijuana, allowing him to transport 44 kilograms in a single trip.

In his memoir, Douglas explained that he bought marijuana in California for $75 per kilogram and sold it in New York for $500 per kilogram. He said he carried out the plan twice, transporting a total of 88 kilograms, equivalent to more than 194 pounds.

The two trips reportedly generated approximately $37,400 in profit, a sum worth more than $360,000 today when adjusted for inflation. Douglas recalled travelling with the suitcases without encountering any problems at the airport and selling the marijuana to a contact in New York.

The actor also described how he eventually told his father about the operation after Kirk Douglas began holding up his son’s financial independence as an example to his brothers. Michael reminded him of the suitcases he had received as a Christmas present and explained how he had used them.

Reflecting on his actions, Douglas acknowledged that his approach was neither legal nor something he would recommend to others. He wrote that applying for a student loan would have been a more responsible option, although he had not considered it at the time.

The revelation comes as Douglas promotes One Helluva Ride, which explores his life, career, family relationships and experiences during his younger years. The actor has also discussed the story publicly, including during an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher on 9 October.

During the conversation, Douglas recalled how his father had effectively left him to manage his own finances while he was still studying. He also discussed the experience in the context of working ordinary jobs despite growing up as the son of a major Hollywood star.

Douglas ultimately completed his university education without student loans or outstanding debt, according to his memoir. His account offers a candid look at an unconventional chapter of his life before he established himself as one of Hollywood’s most recognisable actors and producers.