Cannabis in pop culture has changed the way music is created, movies are made, and artists express themselves in the entertainment world. It has played an important role in pop culture, which is helping shape the way society looks at entertainment, creativity, and other artistic expression. Lots of people, including legendary musicians, incredible actors, and groundbreaking filmmakers, have shared that they embrace cannabis as a part of their creative process. In the past few years, marijuana in music has become a common and highly popular theme. It inspires artists across multiple genres. In a similar way, weed references in movies have also evolved from comedic stoner stereotypes to more subtle and realistic portrayals.
Whether you listen to the lyrics of the song, watch the film scripts, or look at the celebrity lifestyles, cannabis has settled deep into the cultural symbol and influenced generations of fans and creators alike. In today’s modern times, the use of cannabis is discussed openly by many public figures, especially by those who are connected to marijuana and the music industry. There are some studies that showcase that approximately 35 percent of celebrities such as singers, rappers, and actors have either used cannabis or advocated for cannabis in some way. Some of the most famous Canadian artists, like The Weeknd, Seth Rogen, and Drake, have openly shared their connection to cannabis. They are also normalizing its presence in the mainstream media.
From the rise of 420 pop culture to the normalization of cannabis references in film. The media has played an important role in shaping the public perception. In this blog, you will explore how cannabis has shaped pop culture over time, the relationship of cannabis with music in musical creativity, and how it impacts various styles such as jazz, rock, hip-hop, and rap. Some internationally well-known celebrities openly shared their cannabis connection. You will also learn about the role of cannabis in shaping cinema and culture, the connection between cannabis and creative expression, and lastly how the legalization of cannabis has influenced the movie and music industry.
How Cannabis Shaped Pop Culture Over Time
Cannabis has been a part of pop culture for a very long period of time. Since the mid-20th century, the audience has been seeing mentions in both music and film. Marijuana in music is gaining more and more attention as many famous artists have been indirectly promoting it through their lyrics. At the same time, weed references in movies are also becoming more common. The cannabis-consuming characters are often displayed as rebellious or humorous. Movies like Friday (1995), starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, and Half Baked (1998), starring Dave Chappelle, showcase cannabis consumption.
Movies and songs played a big role in shaping public perception, making it a vital element in cannabis culture in media. In the year 1960s, a wide group of people rejected mainstream values and became the reason for influencing the rise of 420 pop culture. All of these movements build a connection between marijuana and pop culture. Because many musicians and filmmakers are openly embracing the use of cannabis, it is leading to more cannabis references in film and a stronger presence of weed in music.
Music And Cannabis Relationship In Musical Creativity
Cannabis has been used by musicians and rappers for decades. This helps them feel relaxed, experiment with new sounds, and deeply express their deeper emotions. There are many artists who believe that consuming cannabis can enhance their creativity, which allows them to go beyond their boundaries and create unique styles. Marijuana in music plays a big role in shaping their artistic expression.
Impact Of Cannabis On Various Music Styles
For a very long period of time, cannabis in pop culture has been influencing the overall evolution of music. Lots of artists have openly embraced it in their lyrics and performances. Below you will see some music genres where cannabis has played an important role.
1. The Era Of Jazz
The music genre jazz was invented in the late 19th and early 20th century. It has roots in African American communities and originated in New Orleans. During the 1920s, many jazz musicians used to consume cannabis to enhance creativity and improvisation. Cannabis was widely used in underground clubs as it helped in influencing the free-flowing nature of jazz.
2. The Rise Of Psychedelic Rock
The rock music genre popularly known as psychedelic rock appeared in the late 1960s and 70s and was inspired by the psychedelic culture. The 420 pop culture took center stage with the artists playing psychedelic rock. Taking cannabis helps musicians to explore new sounds. A large number of musicians in that era believed that taking cannabis helped unlock new creative possibilities.
3. Roots Of Reggae
Another music genre is reggae, which originated in the late 1960s in Jamaica. This music combines different kinds of musical styles like rhythms, jazz and blues. Reggae is known for its heavy four-beat rhythm made by using drums, guitar, and bass. In the Rastafarian culture, cannabis was used to make reggae. Lots of reggae artists consume cannabis to spread their messages about peace and spirituality.
4. Rap And Hip-Hop Culture
Rap and hip-hop culture was designed in the late 1970s in the South Bronx. In modern times, hip-hop and rap heavily embraced weed in music. A large number of rappers and artists are openly writing, singing, or rapping about the lyrics and lifestyle of using cannabis. In today’s era, cannabis is often considered connected to creativity, relaxation, and success. It has become a symbol in the marijuana and music industry.
Celebrities And Their Cannabis Connection
There are a large number of celebrities who are famous on the international level and are openly taking and embracing the use of cannabis. Lots of musicians have made cannabis an essential part of their identity. Cannabis culture in media has been shaped by the artists who not only support cannabis but also promote it in their music. Some of these celebrities are:
Bob Marley (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981)
Bob Marley is considered a global icon and a legendary singer who died at the age of 36. He has often spoken and used to believe that cannabis is a spiritual herb. In some of his songs, like “Kaya,” he has shown appreciation for cannabis by singing the lyrics “Got to have kaya now, for the rain is falling.”
“When you smoke the herb, it relevels you to yourself” ─ Bob Marley
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg is considered one of the most famous rappers of all time and is also recognized globally as an influential figure. He has always been a big supporter of cannabis. He has been seen smoking weed in his songs, especially the song “Smoke the Weed.” He raps, “Smoke the weed every day; do not smoke the seed, no way.” His music and overall lifestyle have made him a symbol of cannabis in pop culture.
“Smoke the marijuana and get high. Stay above the wicked and fly” ─ Snoop Dogg
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is an American singer and guitarist and is also known for his connection to cannabis. He has openly embraced the consumption of cannabis by singing songs like “Roll Me Up.” In this song, he has sung lyrics that say, “Roll me up and smoke me when I die.” In this same song, he also says, “Take me out and twist me up and point me toward the sky.”
“The biggest killer on the planet is stress and I still think the best medicine is and always has been cannabis.” ─ Willie Nelson
Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa is a highly famous rapper who started his career when he was a kid. In 2011 he got his first big hit with the song “Black and Yellow.” However, Wiz Khalifa is mostly recognized for two of his most famous songs, “Payphone,” which he sang with Maroon 5, and “See You Again” with Charlie Puth. This song was made as a tribute to the actor Paul Walker, who died in a car accident. Wiz Khalifa has also made songs with cannabis themes, like his song “Still Blazin,” which shows his love for cannabis. The lyrics of this song say, “Still blazin, still blazin, cause ganja power it’s so amazing”
“The weed is rolled, and the drink is cold… it’s new to you, to me it’s old” ─ Wiz Khalifa
The Role Of Cannabis In Shaping Cinema And Culture
Cannabis has played a big role in shaping the cinema and its culture. It has been present in many movies for a long period of time. The evolution of its presence in movies has also been influencing people to change their perspective on how they see cannabis. In the early times, filmmakers made movies like “Reefer Madness.” It was a comedy/thriller movie made in the year 1936. This movie was about drugs and the dangers of using them. However, as time passes, weed references in movies have shifted from fear to humour. During the time between the 1970s and 1990s, the audience saw that cannabis in movies was becoming stoner comedies.
Comedians like “Cheech & Chong” and comedy films like “Dazed and Confused” have embraced the 420 pop culture and made it a symbol of rebellion and fun. In today’s modern world, marijuana in pop culture is shown in a more relaxed and comedic way. Movies like “Pineapple Express,” which was made in 2008 and was a comedy/action movie, and “The Big Lebowski,” a comedy/crime movie made in 1998. Both of them have shown cannabis culture in media. These cannabis references in the film have reshaped public perception into a more accepted part of entertainment.
Connection Between Cannabis And Creative Expression
Even though there is no evidence to prove it, many people do believe that there is a direct connection between cannabis and creative expression. Cannabis does play a major role in making people feel relaxed, which eventually enhances their creative work across different art forms. A large number of songwriters say that it helps them think more freely and gives them new ideas to write amazing lyrics and melodies. Marijuana in music has inspired many unique storytelling styles and often influences the emotions and themes in songs.
Weed references in movies have been used to develop deep, weird, and complicated characters. Lots of film writers and directors have used cannabis references in the film to increase comedy and realism and add rebellion to their stories. Many artists openly talk about how cannabis in pop culture has helped shape their creative process. With the passing of years, cannabis culture in media has grown quite rapidly. This is resulting in 420 pop culture continuing to impact storytelling in music and film.
Cannabis Legalization And Its Influence On Movies And Music
Cannabis becomes legal in Canada on 17th October 2018. This action made Canada the second country in the world to legalize the use of cannabis. However, there are some strict rules for purchasing cannabis in Canada. The legal age to buy cannabis should be at least 18 or 19. However, the age factor depends on the province. Each person can possess or buy cannabis or cannabis-based products within the limit. It is extremely important that a person buy cannabis from licensed stores.
Because cannabis has become legal, the cannabis culture in media has become more acceptable. This change can be clearly seen in the entertainment industry. Weed references in movies are becoming more common, and the main focus of these movies is on the humour and lifestyle rather than the impact on society. Marijuana in music has become even more open as artists no longer need to hide their connection to it. Lots of filmmakers are also making cannabis references in the film.
Conclusion
Cannabis has become an important part of the entertainment industry, from music to movies. Here, you have learned about how cannabis has shaped pop culture over time, the relationship between cannabis and music and musical creativity, such as the impact on different styles of music like jazz, psychedelic rock, reggae, rap, and hip-hop culture. You also learned about the famous celebrities who openly talk about their relationship to cannabis, the role of cannabis in shaping cinema and culture, the connection between cannabis and creative expression, and lastly, the legalization and its influence on movies and music. As society is evolving, the role of cannabis is breaking the thinking of old stereotypes and opening new doors for conversation.