Tommy Chong reveals 'pain in the butt' battle with rectal cancer

Tommy Chong, the bearded Canadian-bornactor best known as one half of themarijuana-lovingcomedy duoCheech &Chong, is still cracking jokes while revealing a battle with rectal cancer.

The 77-year-old, Edmonton-born comedian, who revealed his diagnosis toUs Weekly on Tuesday,said he was using pot as part of his treatment.

"I'm using cannabis like crazy now, more so than ever before," Chong told the magazine. "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."

Chongalsosharedsome of his characteristic humour on Twitter.

Outspoken activist

Chongwas first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012.He toldCNN at the time that he was using cannabis, via hemp oil, as a curefor the disease.

The iconic actor has also worked as an activist for thelegalization ofmedical and recreational marijuana.

Supplying marijuana for medicinal use is already a well-established industry in Canada, but there is no evidence that it can cure cancer.

Chong shot to fame in a puff of pot smokealongsidecomedic partner Cheech Marin.

Younger generations might know him best as theaging hippieLeo on Fox'sThat '70s Show.