As society underwent its countercultural revolution during the 1960s, musicians openly supported cannabis. Genres such as psychedelic rock, reggae and Rastafarian beliefs highlighted its medicinal qualities.
Reefer Madness (1936), which depicted marijuana as an addictive and harmful drug, was replaced with films like Cheech & Chong (1971) that celebrated it. But despite these advances in cultural acceptance of pot, the War on Drugs still had devastating consequences for communities worldwide.
Origins
Pop culture's portrayal of cannabis has undergone gradual transformation since its first depiction as a drug in films like Smokin' Aces (1970). From being depicted as an icon of rebellion to everyday normalcy and humor, cannabis has found a distinct place within film, music, and literature.
Beatniks and hippies of the 1960s used marijuana as part of their counterculture movement, encouraging young people to embrace alternative lifestyles that defied tradition. They saw marijuana as an instrument that could expand consciousness, promote peace, and help establish an egalitarian society based on freedom, love, and equality.
Reggae artists such as Bob Marley also embraced cannabis, advocating for its legalization and helping reduce stigmas related to it. Soon enough, cannabis made its way into mainstream music as an ingredient that gave music an extra oomph of creativity.
Counterculture
Cannabis's depiction in popular culture can have an enormous effect on public perception of it. By depicting more realistic depictions that dispel myths and stigmas associated with marijuana use, pop culture portrayals can help break down misconceptions while leading to more informed conversations leading to greater and more accurate understandings of cannabis use.
Music has played a crucial role in shaping cannabis' public perception https://westcoastbud.io/ , with artists like Bob Marley and Sublime using cannabis as a spiritual and cultural symbol. Reggae music helped normalize cannabis use while genres such as hip hop and rap frequently reference cannabis use.
Movies also play a significant role in shaping public perception of marijuana use and consumption, often glorifying it in films like Reefer Madness from 1936. However, more recent films from Cheech & Chong like Up in Smoke and Pineapple Express show marijuana consumption more positively.
Music
Cannabis has long been an integral component of musical expression, from jazz musicians to modern reggae artists who use cannabis as a form of self-expression and connect with their audience.
In the 1970s, marijuana was frequently depicted as a recreational drug in movies and music that depicted the counterculture revolution occurring at that time. "Friday," for instance, depicted cannabis consumption as an enjoyable social experience that fostered connection and relaxation.
Recently, popular songs by Snoop Dogg ("High by the Beach") and Lana Del Rey ("Higher") have included references to marijuana. This trend reflects national shifts toward cannabis legalization and destigmatization; genres like Gangster Rap also fit this mold, showing how its prohibition has negatively impacted minority communities while emphasizing marijuana's social stigmatization.
Film
Cannabis has long been used as a plot device and character development device in movies and TV shows, with movies like Reefer Madness from 1936 serving as a popular example. Financed by church prohibition groups, this melodramatic film depicted teenagers on an irresponsible binge of drug use that ended fatally.
As society underwent its countercultural revolution during the 1960s and 70s, musicians publicly advocated for cannabis consumption. Rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Cypress Hill made marijuana part of their musical lexicon and inspired an entire generation with songs that spoke to the rebellious spirit. Stoner comedies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Up in Smoke and Dazed and Confused further perpetuated this trend.
Lifestyle
Cannabis has quickly become a mainstream pop culture icon with celebrity endorsements, clothing lines and influencers all supporting this growing movement. Over time it has quietly replaced prohibitionist narrative with medical usage as its story is spread further across society.
Cannabis has long been used by musicians in music, from Beatniks and Hippies as an artistic medium, to Rastafarians using cannabis for spiritual reasons. Cannabis was associated with major events such as Woodstock Festival as well as music by bands like Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix during this era.
"Dazed and Confused," "Friday," and other stoner comedies center around cannabis use as a central theme, whether that means character development or plot advancement. Cannabis has also been depicted through reggae music from artists such as Bob Marley as well as more recently hip-hop/rap artists such as Miley Cyrus and Rihanna.
