Cannabis is a plant that has fascinated mankind for centuries, not only for its potential therapeutic properties, but also for its role in inspiring creativity. Art has been a major expression of this connection, with the use of cannabis permeating several art forms throughout history. From the brushstrokes of famous painters, to the notes of famous musicians, the influence of cannabis on art has been profound and lasting.
Cannabis’s psychoactive compounds have the potential to stimulate creativity by allowing the mind to explore new ideas and associations. Not surprisingly, many artists have found this plant to be a source of inspiration and a means to express their creativity in a unique way. Cannabis has a long and complex history that is intertwined with human culture and art, influencing film production among other things. The prohibition of the 30s.
The stages that substances such as cannabis have gone through in the various evolutionary stages of human society are infinite. From a drug capable of generating murderous madness to a substance necessary for healthy relaxation, from the cannabis ability to evoke suggestions and stimulate artistic aptitudes to mere recreation and lightening of the existential condition and to make people feel ‘cool’.
Cinema, having overcome the initial phase of strong repression, has greatly contributed to the creation of a counterculture, which later became a culture in its own right, contributing to the acceptance of the use of cannabis in society. Nevertheless in the 1930s, and therefore in the full period of prohibition, the association of cannabis with something with an occult and perverse flavor took place.
Cinema and Cannabis history, incredibly, have something in common. The first criminalization of cannabis by the US government was about the same time as the birth of modern cinema, around the 30s. The result was that all cannabis entertainment at the time revolved around horror or unsettling stories of people losing their minds and turning homosexuals for smoking. Like in the 1930 moviesfrom Dwain Esper. Esper was a 1920s building contractor who later became a film director and these are some of his masterpieces:Assassin of Youth, Sex Madness, Sex Maniac, Narcotic and How To Undress in Front of Your Husband. But nothing compares to Reefer Madness.
That was the most desperate, science-repelling and illogical piece of art that our society could give us. This is the plot: a group of alleged cannabis pushers, and addicts are depicted luring naïve and gullible high school students into engaging in what is described as hardcore drug use. The consumption of cannabis is followed by a terrible series of bad and evil events. From rape, severe addiction, manslaughter, suicide, and a fall into insanity. These incidents are essentially opinion-based fabrications created with the intention of disseminating false information. It is clear that cannabis is in no way that dangerous or lethal.
Cannabis representation in modern cinema
The films in general do not refrain from emphasizing the fact that cannabis is and remains illegal. Anyone caught with smoking ends up in jail. Throughout the two decades of the 1970s and 1980s, American cinematography took care to put a safety stamp on films that dealt with the subject of ‘drugs’.
As the years pass and we arrive in the ’90s, the issue of legalization returns to the spotlight in America. The film ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,‘ which went from a literary bestseller to a movie, is proof. Some films also recount situations of hard drug addiction weighing on the heads of poor adventurers with no escape, such as ‘Trainspotting’.
The film ‘American Beauty’ uses the powerful metaphor of cannabis use as a way out of the American nightmare. The motto “sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll” becomes almost a commandment of Hollywood showbiz that did not willingly coexist with the conformity of the more conservative culture.
‘The Big Lebowski’ is the story of an unemployed pothead, Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, who devotes most of his time to bowling and smoking. His life will suddenly be turned upside down due to a case of mistaken identity. Cinematic technique and language have made it a “must-see” in film history: exceptional inventive camerawork and a script that is maniacally attentive to the psychology of the characters transport the viewer into an intricate and hilarious tale about the many weaknesses of being human.
1995 is the year of ‘The Hemp Revolution‘, directed by Anthony Clarke. In a very clear and concise form the film explains the many uses of cannabis, but also what were the motives and economic interests of some powerful lobbies that led to prohibition.
During the past ten years, there has been a clear change in favor of cannabis. The entertainment industry has changed significantly since 2014 cannabis legalization in Colorado. Movies like Saving Grace or Pineapple Express humorously addressed the issue, but not at the expense of users. Also Super High Me was one of the first documentaries to look at the political reasons driving reform.Cannabis strain for your film selection
Do you want to try a specific strain of cannabis with a specific movie? Do you want to emphasize the emotions felt by laughing with a comedy or dying of fright with a horror movie by smoking weed? Here is a small guide that will help you identify the types of cannabis that best suit specific genres of movies
Comedy – Kosher Kush
Comedy films revolve around the most exhilarating scenes, frivolity, and entertainment. If you want to laugh for hours, even with the stupidest and most ridiculous comedy, then you should definitely try Kosher Kush. This plant can contain up to 22% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The ability to stick you on the sofa and the euphoric sensations that it causes make it perfect for this particular movie genre. When the movie’s over, you’ll find yourself curled up for the laugh.
Action – Green Crack
From when they start to when they finish, action movies always have a lot going for them. Some go for the wildest stunts and most heroic rescues, while others create incredible crisis situations that never seem to end. If you want an action-packed experience, Green Crack genetic is for you. Green Crack has the ability to glue your eyes to the screen, keeping you focused only on what you are seeing. Plus, her sweet and tangy flavors and fruity aromas will bring out the superhero in you.
Horror – Ogre
The goal of a horror film is, of course, to scare with terrifying scenes. That’s exactly what makes them so exciting. You never know when someone or something is about to jump out. When watching a horror movie, take a strain with calming properties. A marijuana capable of banishing paranoia and reconciling sleep after watching the film is the Ogre strain that satisfies all these requirements. In addition to relieve stress and anxiety, this indica-dominant hybrid will knock you out and plunge you into a deep sleep after a spooky night.
Sci-fi – Alien Og
Sci-fi films often deal with bizarre scientific subjects, from strange characters to aliens. You never know what to expect from this genre. Science-fiction movies have the ability to grab the viewer’s attention. To get out of the normal thought patterns more easily and immerse yourself completely in these films, we recommend a strain of the caliber of the Alien OG, ideal for science fiction films. With the high THC content of 28%, this strain will send your mind into the furthest orbits. And when you are immersed in your mental journey, Alien OG will relieve migraines, stress, and pain while producing a strong high, all accompanied by a small dose of happiness.
