Junior Rasmussen
The portrayal of cannabis on television has evolved over the years, with some shows depicting characters smoking weed and others taking a more subtle or anti-drug approach. While it is common for TV shows and movies to use props like herbal cigarettes or moss wrapped in thread to mimic weed smoking, the normalization of cannabis in popular culture and the shift in public perception have influenced its portrayal on screen. Streaming platforms like Netflix have come under scrutiny for reducing the depiction of tobacco smoking while not applying the same standards to cannabis use, which has raised concerns about its potential impact on younger audiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TV shows that portray characters smoking weed | Breaking Bad, Euphoria, Snowfall, Skins, Weeds, That '70s Show, Roseanne, Dragnet, The Andy Griffith Show, On My Block, Always Be My Maybe, This is the End |
| TV networks' stance on tobacco smoking | Minimize tobacco use on shows |
| Streaming companies' stance on cannabis smoking | Lack public policies about smoking cannabis onscreen |
| Impact on viewers | Can influence viewers, especially children, by normalizing cannabis use |
| Methods used to depict weed on screen | Herbal cigarettes, moss wrapped in thread, sprayed with glue and rolled in herbs |
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What You'll Learn
Weed on TV: The evolution of cannabis on television
The portrayal of cannabis on television has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting societal attitudes and cultural norms surrounding the drug.
In the early days of television, cannabis was rarely depicted, and when it was, the portrayal tended to be negative and sensationalized. The 1967 revival of Dragnet, for instance, featured an episode where Detective Joe Friday investigates a young couple suspected of endangering their toddler by hosting "marijuana parties." The episode depicted the effects of marijuana use as akin to heroin addiction, a common trope in 1930s exploitation films like "Reefer Madness."
However, as societal attitudes towards cannabis began to shift, so too did its portrayal on television. In the late 1990s, during the presidency of Bill Clinton, who had admitted to experimenting with marijuana, television writers started softening their portrayals of cannabis, bringing it back to its stoner comedy roots in shows like "That '70s Show."
By the early 2000s, television began to course-correct much of the stigma associated with cannabis. Shows like "Weeds," which focused on a suburban marijuana empire, and "South Park," which introduced a fun cannabis mascot named Towelie, emerged. While these shows didn't necessarily challenge negative stereotypes or advocate for legalization, they reflected a changing landscape.
As marijuana legalization gained momentum, its portrayal on television became increasingly normalized. Shows like HBO's "High Maintenance," Jonathan Ames' "Bored to Death," and the canna-comedy "Broad City" emerged, offering a more progressive portrayal of cannabis use. Netflix, in particular, has been criticized for featuring cannabis use in shows like "On My Block" and "Always Be My Maybe", targeting teenage and young adult audiences.
While the portrayal of cannabis on television has evolved, concerns remain about its impact on viewers, especially children. Critics argue that the normalization of cannabis use on television can influence young people's perceptions and behavior. However, others defend its presence, arguing that it reflects a changing societal attitude towards the drug and its potential benefits.
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Fake weed: How TV shows create realistic-looking marijuana
The depiction of marijuana on television has evolved over the years, with TV shows employing various techniques to create realistic-looking fake weed. While some shows choose to address the negative stereotypes and criminality associated with cannabis, others normalise its use, especially as legalisation gains momentum.
Netflix, for example, has been criticised for reducing the depiction of tobacco smoking while featuring cannabis more prominently in shows like On My Block and Always Be My Maybe. The streaming giant also promoted weed varieties based on its popular shows at a pop-up event, contributing to the normalisation of cannabis use.
To create realistic-looking marijuana, TV shows employ various techniques. For instance, in the show Euphoria, the prop designers wrapped moss in thread, sprayed it with glue, and rolled it in herbs to create fake weed. This attention to detail ensures that the props appear authentic, even if they are not made of actual marijuana.
In addition to visual realism, some shows aim for accuracy in the broader context of drug use. For example, the director of Snowfall, an 80s-set drug-dealing drama, consulted with an ex-convict to gain personal insight into the era's culture surrounding gangs and drugs. This level of detail can enhance the overall realism of the show, including the depiction of fake drugs.
While the use of fake weed in TV shows helps maintain production standards and addresses health and safety concerns, it also raises concerns about the impact on viewers, especially children. Critics argue that the normalisation of cannabis use in media can influence young people's perceptions and behaviours, potentially leading to increased substance abuse.
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Smoking on screen: The use of real vs. fake weed
The portrayal of cannabis on television has evolved over the years. In the 1930s, films like "Reefer Madness" and "Assassin of Youth" depicted marijuana as a gateway drug, with harmful effects comparable to heroin. Fast forward to the late 1990s, and the portrayal of cannabis softened with shows like "That '70s Show" embracing its comedic potential. As societal attitudes progressed, so did the representation of cannabis on screen, with shows like "Broad City" and "Bored to Death" reflecting a more nuanced perspective.
When it comes to the depiction of smoking on screen, there are various approaches taken by filmmakers and actors. In some cases, actors may actually smoke real weed, as was the case in "Easy Rider", where Fonda, Hopper, and Nicholson smoked a real joint. However, this is not a common practice, and most productions opt for substitute products that resemble weed but are not harmful. For example, catnip is often used as it looks similar to weed and produces a nice white smoke that reads well on film. Additionally, companies like Sugavision provide hyper-realistic artificial cannabis plants and props for use in film and television productions.
That being said, it is not uncommon for actors to be actually high during filming, even if they are not smoking real weed on camera. One Reddit user who claims to be an actor mentions that in most scenes where Seth Rogen is smoking weed, he is, in fact, smoking real weed. Similarly, it is rumoured that the cast of "Human Traffic" took ecstasy and speed while filming certain scenes.
While the use of real weed on screen is not prevalent, the portrayal of cannabis in media has undoubtedly influenced societal perceptions and contributed to the ongoing conversation surrounding marijuana law reform.
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Weed and pop culture: How weed is becoming normalised
The portrayal of cannabis on television has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting shifting societal attitudes and the ongoing debate surrounding marijuana legalization. While early depictions tended to sensationalize the dangers of cannabis use, often associating it with criminality and addiction, more recent programming has embraced a more nuanced and sometimes even comedic approach.
In the 1930s, films like "Reefer Madness" and "Assassin of Youth" portrayed marijuana use as a gateway to addiction and a threat to public safety. These narratives persisted in television shows like the 1967 revival of "Dragnet," which depicted a young couple endangering their child due to their marijuana use. However, even during this period, some shows challenged these stereotypes. In one notable "Dragnet" episode, a couple pushes back on the idea that marijuana is more harmful than alcohol, arguing against its portrayal as a gateway drug.
As societal attitudes towards cannabis began to shift, television writers softened their portrayals accordingly. The late 1990s, shaped by the more progressive presidency of Bill Clinton, saw a return to stoner comedy roots in shows like "That '70s Show." By the early 2000s, television began to course-correct the stigma associated with cannabis, with shows like Weeds and South Park incorporating cannabis into their narratives in complex ways.
Today, as marijuana legalization gains momentum, cannabis is becoming increasingly normalized in popular culture. Streaming platforms like Netflix feature shows and films that prominently include cannabis use, such as "On My Block," "Always Be My Maybe," and "Bored to Death." These productions often target younger audiences, sparking debates about the potential influence on viewers, especially children. While some argue that these depictions contribute to the normalization of cannabis use, others defend their inclusion as a reflection of contemporary society.
The evolution of cannabis in pop culture is a complex issue that continues to evolve. While some celebrate the progressive portrayal of cannabis use, others remain concerned about its potential impact, particularly on impressionable youth. As marijuana laws continue to change and societal attitudes shift, the representation of weed in pop culture will likely continue to evolve, reflecting the ongoing dialogue surrounding this controversial topic.
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Weed in crime dramas: Consulting with former police officers
The portrayal of cannabis on television has evolved over the years. In the 1967 revival of Dragnet, cannabis was portrayed innocuously in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. However, in the Dragnet episode "The Big High," the effects of marijuana use was exaggerated, depicting users as hopeless addicts. As we moved into the new millennium, television started to course-correct the stigma associated with cannabis. Shows like Weeds and South Park introduced cannabis-related themes and characters, but they were still met with criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes or not effectively advocating for legalization.
As cannabis legalization gains momentum, its portrayal in popular culture, including crime dramas, is becoming more normalized. Crime dramas, also known as police procedurals, are a subgenre of procedural drama that emphasizes the investigative procedures of law enforcement. To ensure accuracy in these depictions, productions often consult with former police officers or develop relationships with law enforcement agencies.
When incorporating weed into crime dramas, consulting with former police officers can provide valuable insights into the investigative procedures and legal complexities associated with cannabis. Former officers can offer firsthand knowledge of cannabis-related cases, including undercover operations, evidence gathering, and the challenges of navigating changing laws and public perceptions. Their expertise can help shape more authentic storylines and ensure that the procedural aspects of the drama accurately reflect real-world practices.
Additionally, consulting with former police officers can help address sensitive topics and potential criticisms. Crime dramas often walk a fine line between entertainment and responsible portrayal of law enforcement. By involving former officers, productions can navigate the depiction of heroic officers willing to bend the rules, as seen in the 1991 film Rush, where two undercover officers become drug addicts and falsify evidence under pressure. Consulting with experts can help strike a balance between dramatic storytelling and maintaining the integrity of police procedure.
In conclusion, as weed continues to be featured in crime dramas, consulting with former police officers is essential for creating authentic and responsible portrayals. Their insights can enhance the accuracy of investigative procedures, reflect evolving legal landscapes, and address the complexities of cannabis-related storylines. By incorporating their expertise, crime dramas can deliver engaging content while also educating viewers about the realities of law enforcement's relationship with weed.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the production and the actor. Some actors, like Seth Rogen, are known to smoke real weed on camera. However, it is more common for actors to smoke herbal cigarettes or nicotine-free alternatives.
Fake weed is often made from moss that is wrapped in thread, sprayed with glue, and rolled in herbs like parsley, cilantro, and rosemary. This gives it a "stemmy vibe" and makes it look more realistic on camera.
Actors may choose not to smoke real weed on camera due to health and safety concerns, legal issues, or personal preferences. Some actors may not want their employers or families to see them smoking, while others may not want to lose control while on camera.
Yes, the portrayal of weed on TV has evolved. In the 1930s, weed was often depicted in a negative light in films like "Reefer Madness." In the late 1990s, with the rise of a younger and hipper presidency, TV writers began softening their portrayals of cannabis, bringing it back to its stoner comedy roots. Today, as weed legalization gains momentum, its use is becoming normalized in popular culture and on TV.
