Cannabis has been a part of Hollywood culture for decades, and its portrayal on the big screen has evolved along with changing attitudes towards the plant. From stoner comedies to serious dramas, here’s a look at the evolution of cannabis in Hollywood:
- Cheech and Chong: The duo of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong rose to fame in the 1970s with their comedy albums and movies that celebrated the stoner lifestyle. Their films, like “Up in Smoke” and “Nice Dreams,” helped to popularize the image of the laid-back, pot-smoking hippie.
- Half Baked: Released in 1998, “Half Baked” starred Dave Chappelle as a pothead who tries to raise money to bail his friend out of jail. The film was a cult classic and helped to solidify the stoner comedy genre.
- Dazed and Confused: While not strictly a cannabis-focused movie, “Dazed and Confused” (1993) features plenty of pot-smoking scenes and has become a classic coming-of-age film for a generation of viewers.
- Pineapple Express: This 2008 comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco follows a stoner and his dealer as they try to escape from hitmen after witnessing a murder. The film helped to usher in a new era of cannabis-focused comedies that were more action-packed than their predecessors.
- Weeds: This Showtime series, which aired from 2005 to 2012, followed a suburban mom who turns to selling cannabis to support her family after her husband dies. The show tackled serious issues related to the cannabis industry, including legalization and drug policy.
As attitudes towards cannabis continue to shift and the plant becomes more widely accepted, it will be interesting to see how Hollywood continues to portray it on the big screen. Whether it’s through comedies or dramas, cannabis is sure to remain a part of our cultural landscape for years to come.
