Cannabis Culture

The legalization of cannabis is becoming a hot trend in the 21st century. With the recent progress made by states like Colorado and Washington, not to mention patients' increasing demands for medical cannabis, it's evident that marijuana use is gaining momentum in America. There's no doubt that this popularity has had a significant effect on society as more and more people are getting their hands on this drug.

However, there are also significant implications of such widespread acceptance — specifically the impact cannabis culture has had on individual freedoms. From our literature and music to personal expression, cannabis culture has changed how we view what it means to be an American citizen — at least, one who enjoys marijuana recreationally or medicinally.

Cannabis culture, as it's commonly called, is growing at an amazing rate, fueled by the legalization efforts in many states. There is a whole subculture growing around this drug, and it's affecting our nation. Now that Colorado has legalized recreational marijuana use and Washington has decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, more people are likely to get involved in this subculture — whether they're already involved or not.

However, the stoner culture isn't just influencing the way we think about marijuana use — it's also impacting what we consume and how we perceive normal life. From our music to our novels to our movies, cannabis culture is redefining who we are as a nation.

Here are five ways that cannabis culture has changed the way we live:

1. Cannabis culture has created a new genre of music.

The hippie movement of the '60s and early '70s not only cultivated the first wave of marijuana smoking, it also brought with it a new genre of music. Songs like "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane and "A Hard Rains a-Gonna Fall" by Bob Dylan ushered in a time when weed was accepted and widely used. There wasn't any fear of being arrested for possessing or growing pot, so musicians openly used it in their songs and lyrics.

And the music just continued to get better. Bands such as Grateful Dead, Phish and The Beatles went on to create epic tunes that are still enjoyed today. While some of these songs are laced with drug references, they're not limited to cannabis. In fact, marijuana is only a small part of cannabis culture — it's the musicians' personal lifestyles that have inspired this great music.

2. Cannabis culture has changed how we view entertainment.

Today's entertainment has evolved thanks in part to marijuana-friendly artists and films like "Dazed and Confused" (1993) and "Cheech & Chong" (1998). While some people still enjoy the traditional form of television, the selection of movies has been greatly influenced by cannabis culture. The music industry is also getting in on the marijuana action — popular artists like Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa have chosen to embrace their marijuana use in a more profound way than some did years ago.

Movies like "Half Baked" (1998), "Super High Me" (2005), and "Weed Wars" (2007) have influenced mainstream viewers to accept marijuana use, from medical to recreational. Movies have also made references to weed's medicinal benefits — despite widespread criticism from doctors and government officials.

3. Cannabis culture has influenced literature and art beyond music.

Cannabis culture has had an impact on literature — this is evident in the events and literature of the 1960s and 1970s. The hippie movement may have been fueled by this herb, but it was also responsible for great literary achievements. Some of today's best-selling books are infused with cannabis culture, like "Moby-Dick" (1851) by Herman Melville and "On the Road" (1957) by Jack Kerouac — both of which have become timeless pieces of American literature. These novels have inspired more artists to express themselves through words instead of images.

Cannabis culture influenced art in a different way as well — it showcased marijuana smoking as an acceptable form of self-expression. Artists used pot to create some of today's greatest paintings, sculptures, and other forms of artwork.

4. Cannabis culture has inspired numerous films.

Cannabis culture has had a profound impact on film as well — it's changed the way people view cannabis use in America. For instance, "Dazed and Confused" (1993) was a huge hit because it presented marijuana use as innocent and ordinary. The film showed high school students enjoying weed after class and even getting high while they were working at a local fast food restaurant. While this movie doesn't present an accurate portrayal of marijuana or its effects, it's still indicative of pot-smoking in mainstream culture.

This film also inspired a new group of filmmakers to create more movies about cannabis culture. Since "Dazed and Confused," there have been hundreds of weed-related films, some of which are considered timeless classics. The list includes "Pineapple Express" (2008), "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle" (2004), and "Cheech & Chong's Next Movie" (1980).

5. Cannabis culture has changed the way we look at recreational drug use.

In today's day and age, recreational drug use is more prevalent than ever before. From alcohol to marijuana, people are choosing these substances over prescription pills or even over healthier alternatives like water or juice. Cannabis culture is on the rise, and it's making it better for people to enjoy marijuana. Not only are more people willing to try this substance, many of them are embracing this drug as great for relaxation and meditation.

Although cannabis culture hasn't made everyone a stoner, it upended our understanding of the drug. It has transformed the way we view drugs and their use in our society — it's been a huge shift for us, but one worth celebrating.

We're living in times when cannabis culture has become normal around many parts of America. And one thing is clear: This movement is only just beginning.

This article was originally published at http://www.medicaldaily.com/cannabis-culture-influences-how-us-think-about-weed-what-marijuana-may-do-ourselves.

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Cannabis Culture

Cannabis Culture

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