FAVORITE STONER MOVIES

Story by TOM BOWERS @PropagateConsultants

IN HIGH SCHOOL, my friends and I draped over the furniture and howled at Cheech and Chong getting blasted with Paul “Pee Wee” Reubens in “Nice Dreams.” By the time I got to college, my roommates and I shared a room with Dave Chappelle’s smiling face looking down from a “Half Baked” poster hanging over the couch. These were the stoner films of my youth.

But as a budding young writer with novel aspirations of the journalistic variety, nothing left a mark like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”

Now here was a film. Huge, uncomfortably hallucinogenic visuals. Frenetic, hilarious performances. A killer psych rock soundtrack. And at the center of it all, the razor-sharp screenplay filled with the incendiary, the legendary, the unapologetically poetic political commentary of journalist Hunter S. Thompson.

“Fear and Loathing” reset the bar for what the drug culture film could be because it wasn’t just a film about getting high. It refocused the conversation on the realm of political discourse, introducing a new generation of heads and aspiring writers to the searing, literary style of Thompson’s brand of Gonzo journalism.

I’ll never forget the moment when Flea walks into the bathroom, asking, “What’s the trouble?” before licking acid off of Thompson’s sleeve. Or the way the carpet crawls and slithers in those Vegas hotels. But what really left an impression were the intricate, frenzied internal monologues full of horror and beauty that sliced straight to the marrow of the skeletons in America’s closet.

Now, I’ll never be the next Hunter S. Thompson. No one will. But I know 20-year-old me wasn’t alone in dreaming that maybe - just maybe - I could be.

MAY 1998 | DIRECTED BY TERRY GILLIAM | AVA I L A B L E O N I T U N E S , A M A ZO N P R I M E , G O O G L E P L AY, V U D U , YO U T U B E - $ 3.9 9

Story by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415

ONE OF the o’est of g’s and a solid contender for greatest stoner comedy movie of all time, “Half Baked” is an absolute classic and a favorite amongst many that consume the plant.

Written by and starring Dave Chappelle, the film tells a story of a group of friends that love to smoke weed and have been lighting up together since they were teens. One night, one of them ventures out for munchies after enjoying some top shelf chronic and winds up in jail after feeding a diabetic police horse A story of a group of all his snacks, killing poor ‘Buttercup’ in friends that love to the process. smoke weed and have The weed-fueled adventure that ensues been lighting up together explores the highs and lows of stonerism, since they were teens. layered with facets of romance and the archetypal coming-of-age story. “Half Baked” is not only a comedic gem of a movie, it has helped shape today’s Cannabis market by inspiring branding for dispensaries, delivery services and consumable products for over 20 years.

JANUARY 1998 | DIRECTED BY TAMRA DAVIS | H U L U , S L I N G T V, S TA R Z - S U BS C R I P T I O N , I T U N E S , A M A ZO N P R I M E , G O O G L E P L AY, V U D U , YO U T U B E - $ 3.9 9

CHEECH AND CHONG Story by MIKE RICKER

@RICKERDJ

“YOUR LICENSE, I need your license,” the police officer requests at the driver’s side window as smoke flows past. “It’s on the bumper back there,” Cheech points. Is there anything that better represents the genesis of Cannabis normalization? This proverbial slap in the face to authority set into motion a sea change toward public acceptance, while relishing in the notion that Cannabis use, and life, should not be taken too seriously. Released in 1978, this zany romp became the perfect antidote to the uptight Nixon era and post-60s war tension. And for this 12-year-old boy whose father’s daily joint toking was immediately validated, the lasting impression has not been lost 40 years later.

SEPT. 1978 | DIRECTED BY TOMMY CHONG & LOU ADLER AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX, YOUTUBE TV, GOOGLE PLAY AMAZON PRIME, VUDU - $2.99

Story by MAKANI NELSON @CHOICENUG

DO YOU remember that one friend that came to get you high when you were feeling down? “It’s Friday, you ain’t got no job, and you ain’t got shit to do!” This iconic quote has held fast ever since being uttered by Chris Tucker’s character, Smokey. And while “Friday” “It’s Friday, you ain’t got no job, and you ain’t got shit to do!” has many different themes to unpack, there is no denying that it is a true stoner classic.

Ice Cube wrote a ‘90s masterpiece, capturing a certain time in one’s life. Craig has no direction, he gets fired on his day off, his friend who got him high can’t pay back his dealer, and he has to deal with the neighborhood bully.

This movie is loaded with hilarious quotes, as well as many lessons for young men in this demographic growing up at the time.

If you haven’t seen “Friday,” please do yourself a favor and watch it. Don’t forget to light one up and remember what Smokey said: “Weed is from the earth. God put this here for me and you. Take advantage man, take advantage.”

APRIL 1995 | D I R E C T E D BY F. G A RY G R AY | CINEMAX - SUBSCRIPTION I T U N E S , G O O G L E P L AY, V U D U , YO U T U B E , A M A ZO N P R I M E - $ 3.9 9

Story by EARLY

SET IN the beautiful English countryside of Cornwall, “Saving Grace” is a timeless romantic comedy about a widowed cultivator Grace, played by Brenda Blethyn, whose husband leaves her with a ton of debt after his suicide. The movie starts with Grace’s caretaker Matthew, played by Craig Ferguson, digging the grave for her recently departed husband Grace uses her years of and the sounds of someone hydroponic experience smoking a joint. Turns out and turns the sick little Matthew has a sick pot plant into a greenhouse plant and he brings it to full of prime buds. Grace to rejuvenate. Grace uses her years of hydroponic experience and turns the sick little plant into a greenhouse full of prime buds. The plot thickens as they navigate the illegal market to distribute the crop. Filled with many hilarious scenes, as well as true commentary of how just about anyone could end up growing Cannabis for profit when faced with insurmountable debt, this is a classic and truly entertaining Cannabis movie.

SEPT. 2000 | DIRECTED BY NIGEL COLE | I T U N E S - $ 2 .9 9, A M A ZO N P R I M E , V U D U , G O O G L E P L AY, YO U T U B E - $ 3.9 9

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS Story by MAX EARLY

@LIFTED_STARDUST

WE ALL have that one quintessential heady movie that changed the game for us. Seth Rogen and For me, “Pineapple James Franco’s wild Express” was one of antics make for an the first movies that unimaginable plot. helped me signify between different strains, further growing my curiosity for Cannabis cultivars.

After seeing this movie, I began to search for certain elusive strains such as Pineapple Express. For anyone who has had the pleasure of trying it, they know that it’s the real deal!

Seth Rogen and James Franco’s wild antics make for an unimaginable plot with lots of twists and turns. So kick back, relax, roll up a cross joint or two - just make sure it’s not the Snicklefritz!

AUGUST 2008 | DIRECTED BY DAVID GORDON GREEN AMAZON PRIME, VUDU - $2.99 / GOOGLE PLAY YOUTUBE - $3.99 / ITUNES - $9.99

“I SAW that movie “Super Size Me” when I was high,” comedian Doug Benson jokes. “MISTAAAKE! That is messed up, you know? The premise of the movie is that it’s bad to eat a lot of McDonalds, but I’m sitting here all high thinking, ‘Well, I could go for a hot apple or a frenchy at this point. Hook me up man.’ And he’s just gorging it all on himself and then throwing up - it’s disgusting. If that’s a movie - eating McDonalds for 30 days - and people are willing to pay to see it, I’ve got an idea for a movie. I’m gonna smoke pot Producer Alex Campbell every day for 30 days, try to remember and director Michael to film it, and my movie is going to be Blieden set out to make called “Super High Me.” Or “Business a mockumentary where as Usual” - I haven’t decided yet.” Doug Benson would

Producer Alex Campbell and director not smoke Cannabis for Michael Blieden heard of Doug’s idea 30 days, immediately and approached him, wanting to make followed by 30 days of the movie. They set out to make a mocheavy daily consumption. umentary where Doug would not smoke Cannabis for 30 days, immediately followed by 30 days of heavy daily consumption.

Doug says the first 30 days of non-consumption is to show “how awful it can be” when he doesn’t consume Cannabis at all.

Since the film was made in 2007, California had not yet legalized recreational adult use, and so Doug had to become a medical Cannabis patient under Proposition 215 to legally consume Cannabis.

Doug was tested throughout both 30 day periods to see differences in things like lung capacity, memory, IQ, sperm count and even psychic abilities.

During his first set of lung capacity tests, Doug’s doctor stated that in his 17 years of heavy Cannabis use, he hasn’t done any permanent damage. However, his lung function did increase a little more than 2% after three weeks of not smoking.

After not consuming any Cannabis for 30 days, Doug kicks off his consumption with a Volcano vaporizer. He enters the dispensary not knowing what to expect or what he wants to purchase at all. It was a pleasant surprise to see educated dispensary operators and budtenders that were able to point him in the right direction.

I will leave the results of Doug’s tests a surprise for when you watch the documentary.

APRIL 20, 2008 | DIRECTED BY MICHAEL BLIEDEN | VUDU - FREE / AMAZON PRIME - $0.99

Story by JOSHUA STAHLE

The flick follows 35-yearold video game tester Alex as he is forced to move into his grandma’s house after his roommate spends all of their rent money

GRANDMA’S BOY holds a special place in my heart as one of my go-to movies to just kick back and relax. An incredibly hilarious comedy, the flick follows 35-year-old video game tester Alex as he is forced to move into his grandma’s house after his roommate spends all of their rent money on hookers. The trials that follow include the ups and downs of life with Grandma (seriously, buy a microwave!), as well as encounters with some outlandish characters that jump off the screen. Dante, who might just be one of the most overexaggerated stoner characters ever conceived, is of particular hilarity. Although I have never been high enough to put up my Christmas tree in the middle of the summer while only wearing my birthday suit, perhaps that is just the kind of activity I need to pick up the spirits for these trying times.

JAN. 2006 | DIRECTED BY NICHOLAUS GOOSSENE | HULU, HBO SUBSCRIPTION, GOOGLE PLAY, VUDU, AMAZON PRIME - $3.99 / ITUNES - $9.99

TOM BOWERS

@PROPOGATECONSULTANTS

Given the amount of time we’re spending at home lately, sometimes it helps to just throw on an open-world RPG and simply run around. These games provide the perfect vehicle for these isolated times: vast, gorgeous scenery to battle the claustrophobic cabin fever, endless quests to keep you occupied and the feeling of accomplishment every time you level up your character. Here are a few titles to help you escape while you’re stuck at home...

THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE ICDPROJEKT’S CYBERPUNK 2077 STADIA, PS4, XBOX ONE, MICROSOFT WINDOWS SPECIAL EDITION REMASTERED XBOX ONE, PS4, MICROSOFT WINDOWS If you’ve been feeling a little confined during the COVID lockdown, we encourage you to visit - or revisit - “Skyrim,” PLAYSTATION 4 A complete reimagining of one of the most revered titles in RPG history, this April 2020 release offers some of the most beautiful graphics available. Scheduled for September release, one of the most completely imagined this game looks absolutely amazopen-world games of all time. Few game ing. Not only does it boast a vast experiences offer more pure escapism techno-future open world, but it than questing among Skyrim’s vast visfeatures Keanu ‘John Wick’ Reeves tas. Climb to the top of a moonlit mounto boot. Regardless of whether tain before bounding down, leading a we’re still living in the COVID dragon into a field full of mammoths and world by then, we know we’ll be spending some time with this one giants, and finding a vantage point from which to watch them all battle each FALLOUT FOUR when it drops. other. The definition of epic. XBOX ONE, PS4, MICROSOFT WINDOWS This one may qualify as gallows humor, but there’s something RETRO MAX EARLY @LIFTED_STARDUST cathartic about rebuilding society in the rubble of a post-apocalyptic wasteland. This vast, inventive and CRASH BANDICOOT N. SANE TRILOGY highly entertaining open-world game almost counts as doomsday prep - NINTENDO SWITCH, PS4, XBOX ONE, though we’re pretty sure bottlecaps MICROSOFT WINDOWS, IBM PC won’t be the currency of that future. From Spyro to Super Smash Bros., video game consoles like the Switch, PS4 and Xbox One now offer adults the ability to relive their favorite childhood games! With newer and improved technology and graphics, high end flat screen televisions and even higher quality Cannabis products these days, we are truly living in a magical, futuristic place. If only our 16-year-old selves could have had a glimpse into the future - we would all be in disbelief. We highly recommend taking a few dabs of hash and playing Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, a remastered version of the first three games: Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped.

IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW GAMING CONSOLE?The console wars continue with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s Playstation 5 - keep your eyes peeled for release in late 2020.

MAKANI NELSON

@CHOICENUG

I’ve been spending more time playing videos games than I have in the past few years combined. As I am still working, the reason behind my recent addiction lies in the fact that many of my friends are currently unemployed and playing video games to pass the time. While many businesses have been impacted negatively due to COVID-19, the video game industry is buzzing - especially with these new titles.

NINTENDO SWITCH One of the most talked about games of late! Here you’ll spend your time collecting items to sell, with the goal of buying new items to improve your own island. Think of it as your own little town, where you can even invite friends!

MICROSOFT WINDOWS - PC ONLY This hero-based shooter game has made waves in the online streaming community, Twitch.TV. Similar to Counter Strike Global Offensive, Valorant has drummed up record-breaking viewer numbers.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS CoD:W is still extremely popular, even since its release in March. Activision hit the nail on the head with their free, battle royale style shooter. In addition, there are no restrictions between platforms, enabling more players to play with each other than ever.

WYATT EARLY

@ERRLYWYATT

STARTED IN 2014, Reply All is a podcast that focuses on real stories with real people. My first time being introduced to the podcast was Episode #102, titled “Long Distance.”

Host Alex Goldman receives a call from a telephone scammer, prompting him to spend the next weeks of his life uncovering this scammer. He goes as far as traveling to India to find the call center and meet with The podcast is just as useful in the men in charge of the scam. He discovlife as it is interesting. ers the exact ways in which these scammers were stealing money from less tech savvy Americans. Maybe this information will stop someone from getting scammed in the future? Or maybe you are simply laughing at how bad these scammers really are?

Not all stories on this podcast involve the hosts - in fact, most of them do not. They involve larger audiences and specific individuals not on the show. The podcast is just as useful in life as it is interesting.

Modern technologies are operating in more ways than many of us know and this podcast has brought these stories to light. The hosts have such a vast understanding of technology that they are able to break down complex topics in a way that anyone can understand. If pop culture, internet trends, scams and technology are of interest to you, this podcast is definitely worth a listen. GIMLETMEDIA.COM

MAX EARLY

@LIFTED_STARDUST

NATE WILLIAMS

WHILE MANY of you may know Joe Rogan for his longtime role with Fear Factor, his lifetime involvement in mixed martial arts or maybe his stand-up comedy, the persona that we have all fell in love with has also recorded 1,471 podcasts to date.

From mycologist Paul Stamets to heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson, Rogan steps outside of his comfort zone to deeply question his subjects, promoting thought-provoking conversations. In 2018, Rogan had Elon Musk on his show in which they passed around a fat blunt, In 2018, Rogan had Elon Musk on his show in which they passed around a fat blunt, sending the world into shock. sending the world into shock. Circle back on one of his latest shows where Musk revisits and they discuss coronavirus, Neuralink and the future!

Sadly, Musk didn’t smoke down the second time around. Rogan regularly consumes Cannabis on his podcast, which we can only imagine helps further expand his level of creativity and consciousness. Much commendation is owed to Rogan for taking essential steps towards making Cannabis more widely acceptable by showing that you can live an exceptional life, be a hard worker and consume Cannabis daily! PODCASTS.JOEROGAN.NET

@NATEW415

IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, then listening to folks who are incredibly articulate and knowledgeable about a certain subject is a treat, regardless of the subject matter. When that content is intertwined with laugh out loud antics and also diversified to appeal to a wide audience, it levels up to a rare treat.

Malt Couture is both a hilariously good time and highly educational. And it is, by a large margin, my favorite podcast out there right now. While only sporadically discussing Cannabis, Malt Couture is both a hilariously good time and highly educational. the content of Malt Couture is a smattering of beer, wrestling, video games, music, the English language and sketch comedy. Hosted by a trio of comics who also happen to be craft beer enthusiasts, this podcast explores the highly nuanced and constantly evolving world of beer. With Cannabis becoming more mainstream by the week, there are a lot of comparisons to be drawn and a lot of insight to be gained while listening to Alex Kidd, Stephen Loh, Paul Michael Gabriel and their guests unpack and discuss the backend of an industry most have only a surface level understanding of. DONTDRINKBEER.LIBSYN.COM

MIKE RICKER

@RICKERDJ

HOSTED BY an Indian national who is a Stanford graduate, this open-minded path to a deeper understanding of human behavior is professionally produced education through investigation. If a favorite sativa has got your attention set onto a curious track, here you will immerse into a platform of nonfictional storytelling that explores subjects that wouldn’t normally manifest into your daily thoughts. And with titles that are both timely and timeless, there’s a concept explored for Storytelling that explores subjects that wouldn’t normally manifest into your daily thoughts. every critical thinker - with seemingly as many options as you might be able to self-imagine. So, when your day of decision making has devolved into a case of brain drain, here you can unlock a spare that does the contemplating for you. NPR.ORG