From Pop Culture to Pot Culture
 

The intersection of pop culture and cannabis has been growing in recent years as the legalization and normalization of this groovy green medicine continues to spread. From music, movies, fashion, and social media, celebrities have been embracing and advocating for cannabis in all its many forms. These trailblazing stars have shattered stereotypes and paved the way for a new era of acceptance, education, and empowerment surrounding this remarkable plant. Keep reading as we explore the fascinating connection between fame, influence, and the ever-evolving landscape of marijuana advocacy.

Let’s Talk History, Pot and Hollywood

Pop culture has always had a strong influence on society's attitudes and behaviours, and as such, the portrayal of cannabis has played a significant role in shaping public perceptions. In the past, cannabis was seen as a taboo substance associated with negative stereotypes and the first time you see this in popular media was through propaganda films like “reefer madness” (1936). This early film depicts cannabis as a dangerous drug that would lead people down a path to insanity and crime. This fear-mongering tactic was used by government agencies to enforce strict anti-marijuana laws, leading to its stigmatization and criminalization.

Everything started to change in the 1960s with the rise of counterculture movement and the use of cannabis became synonymous with rebellion against societal norms. This groovy plant became an integral part of music festivals and protests, and with this cultural revolution came a huge change to how Hollywood portrayed marijuana. By the end of the 60s films began to feature characters openly smoking weed without any negative consequences.

Unfortunately, in the 1980’s there was a resurgence of anti-drug campaigns which vilified marijuana once again. This time, Hollywood had their own agenda and pushed back against these stereotypes with films like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Breakfast Club” which showed teenage characters using this drug in a more realistic and relatable manner.

As marijuana continued to gain mainstream acceptance in the 1990’s Hollywood began to incorporate it into more high-profile films like “Pulp Fiction”, “Half Baked”, and “Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas” which featured prominent characters who blazed up. As more places have begun to legalize, the evolution of this green plant has become obvious in pop culture as it’s often depicted as a harmless social lubricant and therapeutic aid, showcasing everyday people who lead successful lives while smoking weed.

Celebrities who have openly embraced cannabis

With acceptance and legalization, we have seen a rise in celebrities who openly embrace cannabis and advocate for its use. These iconic figures use their platforms to bring awareness to the benefits of this medicinal plant, challenging social stigmas and the stereotypes surrounding it.

1. Snoop Dogg

It is no surprise that Snoop Dogg is the first name that comes to mind when you think about cannabis. This iconic rapper has been very vocal about his love of weed throughout the entirety of his career, even incorporating it into his music. He claims to smoke so much that he employs someone full-time just to roll his joints for him. He has also launched his own line of marijuana products that include special strains, edibles, and concentrates. He has also used his platform for advocacy purposes, co-founding Merry Jane, a resource dedicated to educating people about cannabis culture and providing resources on safe consumption.

2. Willie Nelson

Country music star and legend, Willie Nelson is another strong advocate for cannabis, he is a long-time user and has even been arrested multiple times for possession. Fueled by his love of this medicinal green plant, he launched his own company that offers a huge range of strains and products. He focuses on sustainability, environmentalism, and support for small farms.

3. Martha Stewart

This cookbook queen may not be the first person that comes to mind when you think about weed but she has the cred after spending some time in jail and fostering a close friendship with Snoop. She has made a significant impact on the industry since she partnered with Canopy Growth Corporation in 2019. Martha developed a line of CBD-based pet products, CBD- infused skincare, and has been vocal about her support for legalization.

4. Whoopi Goldberg

Veteran actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg is another celebrity who has embraced cannabis as part of her lifestyle. Goldberg co-founded Whoopi & Maya, a line of medical marijuana products specifically designed for women's health issues. The brand includes topical creams, tinctures, edibles, and bath soaks infused with THC or CBD. Goldberg's advocacy work for cannabis extends beyond her business ventures. She regularly speaks out about the benefits she has personally experienced from using cannabis to manage her glaucoma- induced headaches and menstrual cramps.

5. Seth Rogen

Comedian and actor who is known almost exclusively for his love of cannabis and a good laugh. In all of his movies, he can be seen smoking quite heavily, the most iconic being “Pineapple Express”, a fast cult favourite. He often speaks out about his support for legalization and the many benefits that cannabis can offer.

6. Morgan Freeman

Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman is another prominent figure who openly supports the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. He has used his iconic voice to speak out about the benefits of cannabis. He is vocal about his use of CBD oil to help ease his fibromyalgia pain after being diagnosed in 2008 following a car accident.

How Celebs are Changing Perceptions

Throughout history, there have been people who have garnered more interest from the masses than others, claiming celebrity status and holding more influence than most could ever dream of. More recently, some of these iconic people have been using their platform to destigmatize the green plant with a historically bad reputation. They have managed to do this by sharing their love of cannabis and how it has positively impacted their lives, normalizing the idea that successful and influential users can be regular users as well.

Social media has had a massive role in this change as celebrities are more easily able to share uncensored thoughts with the masses, reaching millions of followers instantly with just one post or story. This gives them the perfect platform to share how marijuana positively impacts their lives and to promote the products they use, making it a more mainstream product. The impact of celebrity endorsements on consumer behaviour is nothing new in marketing, when famous individuals promote something online, it automatically gains validity in the eyes of their many followers. In this way, celebrities play a crucial role in making cannabis use seem fashionable and socially acceptable.

Conclusion

Cannabis is more than just the controversial drug that early popular media portrayed it to be. Still, rather a cultural phenomenon embraced and advocated for by many people, including iconic celebrities. From musicians to actors to athletes, these individuals have used their platforms to break stigmas and promote the benefits of cannabis. By sharing their stories and promoting and acting in movies in Hollywood that portray the benefits of cannabis, public opinion will continue to shift in a more open and accepting direction. This access to natural medicine, legally, will do nothing but benefit everyone. By speaking out about their experiences, they are not only destigmatizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes but also advocating for its legalization for those who can benefit from it.

Tell us about your Cannabis experiences in the comments section below.