Exploring the subtle art of pop culture’s most discreet cannabis references.
Modern pop culture is full of overt references to cannabis use. Counterculture icons Cheech & Chong carved entire careers on their stoner comedy. Musical artists like Cypress Hill, with cuts that include “Hits from the Bong,” “Stoned Raiders,” and “Dr. Greenthumb,” have been celebrating cannabis in all its glory since the early 1990s. And let’s not forget films like Half-Baked, Pineapple Express, and the Harold & Kumar series.
But for every in-your-face cannabis reference out there, one can easily find dozens—if not hundreds—of hidden cannabis references in pop culture. From jazz cigarettes to sticky icky, from chronic and dank to zaza and gas, the plant has a tendency to take on some unique and creative monikers from time to time.
Firing It Up on Film and Television
While it’s quite common to see celebrities praising the benefits of cannabis today, this wasn’t always the case. There was a time when movies and TV shows had to come up with clever ways to circumvent the censors, but some references were more camouflaged than others.
That ‘70s Show
If someone had pitched the idea of a 1970s-themed sitcom in the late 1990s, they probably would’ve been laughed right out of the room. But the covert cannabis comedy ended up being a hit (pun intended), ultimately resulting in some pretty memorable moments—including the recurring smoke circle, which featured a revolving lineup of cast members passing an unseen joint around the room.
Although the show saw its popularity wane in the later years, and while some of the cast have gone on to commit some pretty heinous crimes in the years since, it’s tough to deny the impact that the show had on pop culture at the time.
The Andy Griffith Show
Believe it or not, one can even find a cannabis reference in one of the most innocent and wholesome television shows ever produced. One episode in particular, entitled “The Big House,” revolved around a peculiar farmer who was known to hoard agricultural supplies. This prompted some of Mayberry’s residents to question whether or not the farmer was secretly growing “the devil’s lettuce.” It might not seem like much nowadays, but this was a big deal when the show originally aired in the 1960s.
Musical Smoke Signals
Popular musicians have never really shied away from embracing cannabis culture. The plant has been integral to the success of many musical acts over the years, and it will undoubtedly influence even more in the future. Nonetheless, there will always be those who prefer a little more discretion.
Rick James – “Mary Jane”
In some cases, what was once considered subtle is now glaringly obvious in hindsight. The term “Mary Jane” has become such a common euphemism for cannabis that it’s the first thing many smokers would think of when hearing Rick James perform the song of the same name, but this wasn’t always the case. While there were some music lovers who certainly made that connection when the song was released in the late 1970s, there were plenty of others who missed it completely.
NRBQ – “Wacky Tobacky”
Also released in the late 1970s, NRBQ’s “Wacky Tobacky” was presented to a more modern audience through the Showtime series Weeds which debuted in 2005. It’s a fun, energetic song that showcases the band’s eclectic musical style quite well. Despite the fact that it doesn’t even mention cannabis by name, experienced smokers have always recognized the song as an ode to their favorite plant.
Ganja in Gaming
Cannabis is also celebrated in modern video gaming. While some titles are more open about their cannabis references, with some going as far as to let players grow their own virtual plants, other games are far more subtle.
RimWorld
Advertised as an interactive story generator, RimWorld is a sci-fi colony builder by game designer and founder of Ludeon Studios, Tynan Sylvester. The game gives players an immense amount of freedom as they attempt to eke out a living in a strange and hostile environment, which happens to include a familiar plant known as “smokeleaf.”
Colonists routinely use smokeleaf as a recreational stress reliever, growing and harvesting it seasonally, rolling smokeleaf joints, and participating in smokeleaf circles that serve as in-game rituals. For those colonists who have built up a smokeleaf tolerance, there’s even an autobong device that fills an entire area with thick clouds of smoke.
Far Cry 5
Released in 2018, Far Cry 5 lets players craft various homeopathics, including oregano. Although the mention of oregano isn’t necessarily a nod to cannabis in and of itself, the game makes it clear that, in this particular case, the popular Mediterranean herb is meant as a covert reference to cannabis. Not only does the in-game protagonist carry his oregano in a plastic baggie, but it also gives the screen a psychedelic-like filter when consumed.
But this wouldn’t be the first time cannabis was referenced in a Far Cry video game. One mission in Far Cry 3, known as “Kick the Hornet’s Nest,” tasks the player with using a flamethrower to destroy an entire field of cannabis that is owned by the story’s main antagonist. The resulting smoke cloud even begins to affect the protagonist by making it more difficult for him to aim his weapon.
Why Pop Culture Loves Cannabis
Musicians, actors, and writers have always used veiled cannabis references to express their love for the plant without jeopardizing their careers in the process. Given the ongoing decriminalization of cannabis across the United States, however, many of today’s pop culture references are anything but subtle. In fact, a discreet cannabis reference in the 2020s can come across as a joke rather than a genuine way to circumvent censorship—and that’s definitely a good thing.
Cannabis culture has a creative streak that reaches well beyond the screen. For another look at where art and cannabis meet, check out “Through the Smoking Glass” and explore the colorful world of glass artistry.
