7 Best Cannabis Shows to watch

In the '90s and 2000s, when thinking about weed-themed content, it was easy to write off every movie or show as a stoner "bro" comedy or the young adult living in mom's basement smoking weed or getting in trouble with law enforcement; however, that image slips further and further away from reality – if it ever was all that accurate. That said, pictures combined with propaganda films continued to create lasting negative associations with cannabis use that are only now regressing. As much as we laugh about it now, television made a lasting, damaging impression on cannabis.

What about now? Now, the streaming age has brought diverse cannabis stories to the forefront! From cannabis-themed cooking shows, documentaries, and dramas to the timeless and beloved easy-going flicks seen in recent years, positive cannabis representation has popped up in small doses on the large screen. Films like Blade Runner and Inherent Vice have shown how a person uses cannabis and continues to work through their daily lives. Though, in Blade Runner's case, the future is bleak regardless of cannabis. Ha! While other movies have done the same, only a handful of examples have existed until recently, and in most cases, these films have flown under the radar and not received the budget or buzz.

Today, however, that is changing in a variety of ways. A growing number of avenues have brought the varying uses and lifestyles of cannabis to the big screen. Moreover, cultural inclusion is making headway in the film fray! But what can we expect from cannabis and breaking down marijuana stereotypes? As the Miner survey revealed, cannabis consumers do not feel represented on the small screen. It is likely to assume that they feel the same towards films.

Shows like the now-canceled Disjointed taught us that people want authentic cannabis representation or more characters that lean towards reality, like the veteran using cannabis to treat their PTSD or the office worker who microdoses to get through their day so they can get off their anxiety medicine. By including positive portrayals in works that do not make cannabis the central focus but rather just part of a character's makeup, we see productive cannabis users and fewer stoners, save for comic relief roles. But if television shows are more your thing, here is a few of my favorite:

The Marijuana Show

This reality television series is the equivalent of "Shark Tank" for the legal cannabis industry. Each episode follows cannabis business owners looking to compete for money and mentorship from investors Jamie Perino, co-founder of Euflora cannabis dispensaries; Brian Ruden, owner of Starbuds; and Joel Sherlock of Doventi Capital, which invests in legal weed.

Cooked with Cannabis

A cooking show about cannabis? Say less. "Cooked with Cannabis" follows three chefs concocting three-course cannabis-infused meals for the chance to win $10,000. Co-hosts Kelis and Leather Storrs judge the contestants with the assistance of their best buds who guest star on the show, such as Elle King and Amanda Seales.

Broad City

One of the most warm-hearted stoner TV shows you can find on Comedy Central. "Broad City" traces the friendship of characters Illana Wexler and Abbi Abrams, two young girls making their way in New York City. The five-season show features the duo in a host of weed-related misadventures, including season 2 premiere "In Heat," where they revisit their old NYU dorms and uncover their old supply from their college days - a perfect show for smoking with your best friend.

Weeds

The first mainstream series exclusively about cannabis, "Weeds" stars Mary-Louise Parker as a suburban mom. She turns to selling cannabis to maintain her lavish lifestyle following her husband's death. The eight-season crime dramedy is a must-watch, with a follow-up to the series currently in development at Starz with Parker attached to star and executive produce. The new show will pick up with the family ten years after the events of the original series, set in the era of legalization… keeping my fingers crossed!

Weed the People

"Weed the People" chronicles the stories of children living with cancer, and their families, who rely on medical cannabis to deal with their illness, battling mean-spirited legislation and former United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions's plan to roll back marijuana reforms in states like California.

The emotional documentary examines the country's backward laws regarding scientific research on and usage of the substance, and the legal and technical barriers families face in caring for their children. Those are a mustwatch for sure.

But how can I not mention "South Park"?

South Park

Over the years, has become an institution, an unbiased referee that many humans look to for sober, 360-degree judgment on various topics comprising the modern cultural landscape, whether they admit it or not. It is like a wacky magnifying glass, exposing the absurdities in society and hyperbolizing them to hilarious proportions.

While "South Park” takes on the cannabis industry and culture may seem critical and borderline scathing, it is essential to remember the context – the writers have always prided themselves on being "equal opportunity offenders."

They excel at recreating trends and clichés in the world of South Park, where the extreme becomes more extreme for us to realize, laugh at, and possibly take down a notch.