5 Cannabis Movies You Need to See

Hollywood is no stranger to implementing cannabis culture into films. The silver screen has been the 'green screen'  since the early 1920s with the release of the anti-cannabis propaganda film Reefer Madness. Since then, there have been countless films with stoners and cannabis culture at the forefront. Here are 5 of the greatest movies ever that have cannabis and stoner hijinks as the focal point for the film.

Cheech & Chong: Up in Smoke

The first movie on this list is a cult classic. An unemployed weed-induced freeloader and amateur drummer, Anthony Stoner (who is portrayed by Tommy Chong) abandons his overbearing parents and chooses to travel the country. As the film progresses, Stoner meets Pedro de Pacas (who is portrayed byCheech Marin) who also enjoys cannabis. The real-life comedic duo is soon imprisoned for possession of cannabis.  Anthony and Pedro get released on a technicality, allowing them to continue their many hijinks. Cheech & Chong: Up in Smoke is a classic that every stoner ought to check out.

Dazed & Confused

Dazed & Confused is a coming-of-age film that follows the destruction of a group of rowdy teenagers from Texas. The film is centered around the celebration of the last day of high school. The graduating class heads for a popular pool hall and joins a keg party. However, football player Randall Floyd (who is portrayed by Jason London) has promised to focus on the championship game while keeping partying and hijinks on the back burner. Meanwhile, the new group of freshmen try to avoid being hazed by the graduating seniors, with the bully Fred O'Bannion leading the charge. This movie is worth watching as it features Ben Affleck not playing a terrible version of Batman.

Pineapple Express

Imagine yourself a weed-smoking Processing Server who just happens to be in the wrong place at the worst time. That is the plot of the 2008 stoner comedy Pineapple Express. It is undoubtedly the most commercially successful stoner comedy in the last decade. Pineapple Express stars the ridiculously-funny Seth Rogen alongside James Franco. This film is full of absurd stoner comedy that will easily bust the gut of those medicated with cannabis. Be sure to check out Pineapple Express alongside the strain of the same name for an immersive experience. 

Half Baked

If Pineapple Express is the most recent successful stoner film of the last decade, the previous title holder would have to be Half Baked. This stoner comedy was written by the hilarious and controversial Dave Chappelle. Half Baked follows 3 friends (and an unnamed stranger on the couch) who try to get their friend out of jail. Moreover, the group of friends chose to start an illicit business selling the item they love the most: marijuana. Half Baked takes a multitude of stoner comedy nuisances from innovators Cheech and Chong combined with its flavor. Be sure to check out this absurd stoner comedy the next time you have time to toke.

How High

How High is a classic that was released in 2001. This stoner comedy featured the former rappers Method Man and Red Man on their journey to graduate from the most accredited ivy league institution ever: Harvard. The film is filled to the brim with cannabis culture references and tons of laughs. Moreover, roles by comedic legends such as Fred Willard added an extra layer of hilarity to the stoner film. The movie was also released around the time of the early cannabis industry boom. How High is a great stoner comedy thanks to the production value added by Danny DeVito. Yes, That Danny DeVito.