Cannabis has moved from the margins into mainstream pop culture. Once taboo and hidden, it now appears in films, documentaries, and television shows of all types.

From comedic stoner movies to serious explorations of legalization, there is something for every viewer.

Classic Stoner Movies

Let’s start with the films that shaped public imagination. These movies are often the first that non-users think of.

• “Half Baked” (1998): A cult classic that still gets quoted. It pairs absurd humor with a simple story about friends trying to bail their buddy out of jail. The jokes are silly, but the film has heart. Fans appreciate its quotable lines and lively performances.
• “Pineapple Express” (2008): Action plus cannabis equals funky fun. This film pairs Seth Rogen and James Franco in a wild ride involving a rare strain of weed and a lot of trouble. Its pacing jumps from slow to frantic, keeping viewers engaged. It’s as much a buddy comedy as it is a stoner movie.
• “Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke” (1978): Often cited as the first true stoner comedy, this movie helped define a whole sub-genre. Simple plot, memorable characters and surreal sequences make it worth watching even decades after release. If you want to see how it all began, start here.

Documentaries That Educate and Challenge

Comedy is not the only way cannabis is shown. Many documentaries tackle serious issues like legalization, science, law enforcement, and personal stories. These films often stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.

• “The Union: The Business Behind Getting High” (2007): This documentary turns a microscope on the economics and politics of cannabis. It asks difficult questions about why marijuana remains illegal in many places when alcohol and tobacco are legal. The film combines interviews, research, and a narrative that is both critical and gripping. It explains how money and policy shape cannabis culture worldwide.
• “Grass is Greener” (2019): Blending history with culture and race politics, this film unpacks how cannabis laws have disproportionately affected communities of color. It’s smart, thoughtful and often shocking. The documentary uses interviews with activists, celebrities and scholars to tell a story that goes beyond jokes.

Many of these documentaries are available on streaming platforms around the world. This means that not all documentaries will be available in your region, but VPN apps solve this problem. Furthermore, a good VPN like VeePN is essential for secure, private, and smooth viewing in a world of ubiquitous surveillance and numerous cyber risks. A reliable choice is VeePN online protection — this service lets you stream with privacy and less risk. It’s an easy-to-use yet reliable tool for streaming and safe web surfing.

Shows About Marijuana: TV and Series Worth Your Time

Television also reflects changing attitudes toward cannabis. Some shows use weed as a central theme; others include it as part of larger narratives.

• “Weeds” (2005–2012):  One of the most influential TV series about marijuana. The story follows a suburban mother who starts selling cannabis to support her family after her husband dies. It is funny and dark in equal measure. Over eight seasons, the show examines crime, family dynamics, social hypocrisy and the underground economy.
• “Disjointed” (2017–2018):  A Netflix sitcom set in a cannabis dispensary. Kathy Bates stars as the owner who dreams of changing the world one customer at a time. The humor is sometimes broad, but it tackles issues like legalization, community and generational differences in a light way.
• “High Maintenance” (2016–2020):  Rather than focusing on cannabis itself, this anthology series uses a weed delivery guy as a connecting thread. Each episode spotlights different characters in New York City. It is poetic, unusual, and human. Although it’s not strictly a show about marijuana, it captures the culture and how cannabis intersects with diverse lives.

Lesser-Known but Impactful Titles

Not every good movie or series gets widespread attention. Some hidden gems deserve mention.

• “Rolling Papers” (2015): A documentary about a newspaper’s cannabis beat reporter during the first year of legalization in Colorado. It explores journalism, culture and the daily stories that rarely make big headlines.
• “The Culture High” (2014): A follow-up to The Union, this film digs deeper into the global war on drugs. It combines personal accounts with policy analysis. The result is both informative and emotional, and it challenges many common assumptions.
• “Cooked with Cannabis” (2020):  Reality TV meets stoner cuisine. Chefs compete to create dishes featuring cannabis. Fun for food lovers and those curious about culinary applications of marijuana.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer laugh-out-loud comedies or hard-hitting documentaries, there is a wealth of cannabis pop culture worth exploring. Television shows such as Weeds and High Maintenance provide long-form storytelling that goes beyond stereotypes. Some explore family, society, economics or law. Others simply aim to make you laugh. Whatever your taste, these movies, documentaries and shows about marijuana are worth your time.