Smoke weed in Madrid in an air-conditioned cannabis club. Stoner Film Festival.

One of our favourite cannabis clubs in Madrid has come up with a super way way to take refuge from the blistering heat.  Spring Comes Early has promised us that it’s turning up the air-con to max and will be providing our favourite strains when it puts  on its first Stoner Film Festival.  So, sit back and enjoy the best weed in Madrid – of the best hash in Madrid – with its excellent milestone(r) film listing.

Cannabis has long been a staple in pop culture, and nowhere is this more evident than in cinema. From laugh-out-loud comedies to thought-provoking dramas, cannabis-themed films offer a unique lens through which to view this multifaceted plant.

1. Pineapple Express (2008)

No list of cannabis films would be complete without mentioning “Pineapple Express.” Directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Judd Apatow, this comedy is a wild ride from start to finish. Seth Rogen and James Franco star as Dale and Saul, a process server and his weed dealer who go on the run after witnessing a murder. The movie’s mix of action, humor, and bromance, along with some of the most iconic cannabis scenes, makes it a must-watch. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910936/

2. Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978)

Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong are the godfathers of stoner comedy, and “Up in Smoke” is their magnum opus. This cult classic follows the duo as they unwittingly smuggle a van made entirely of marijuana from Mexico to Los Angeles. Packed with hilarious sketches, unforgettable one-liners, and a carefree 70s vibe, “Up in Smoke” set the standard for all stoner comedies to follow. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078446/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_5_nm_0_in_0_q_Cheech%2520and%2520chong%2520up%2520in%2520smo

3. The Big Lebowski (1998)

While not exclusively a cannabis film, “The Big Lebowski,” directed by the Coen Brothers, has cemented its place in stoner culture. Jeff Bridges stars as Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, a laid-back bowler who gets caught up in a kidnapping plot. The Dude’s relaxed attitude, coupled with his love for White Russians and the occasional joint, makes him an enduring icon in cannabis cinema.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118715/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_the%2520big%2520lebo

4. Dazed and Confused (1993)

Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused” is a nostalgic trip back to the last day of high school in 1976. The film captures the essence of teenage rebellion, complete with a killer soundtrack and a cast of future stars like Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck. Cannabis plays a pivotal role in the film’s depiction of youth culture, providing a backdrop for the characters’ coming-of-age experiences.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106677/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_Dazed%2520a

5. Half Baked (1998)

“Half Baked” is a comedy that resonates with cannabis enthusiasts for its over-the-top humor and relatable characters. Dave Chappelle leads a group of friends who start selling marijuana to bail their buddy out of jail. The film is filled with memorable moments, including a cameo by Snoop Dogg as the “Scavenger Smoker,” and a slew of hilarious gags that have made it a stoner favorite. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120693/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

6. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

John Cho and Kal Penn star as Harold and Kumar, two friends on an epic quest to satisfy their munchies with some White Castle burgers. Their journey is fraught with absurd obstacles, from a raccoon attack to a run-in with Neil Patrick Harris. “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” is a stoner comedy that perfectly captures the spirit of cannabis-fueled adventures and the simple joy of a fast-food craving. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366551/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_5_nm_0_in_0_q_Harold%2520and%2520Kumar

7. Friday (1995)

“Friday,” directed by F. Gary Gray and written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, is a cornerstone of urban comedy. The film follows Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) as they navigate a tumultuous day in their South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. Smokey’s cannabis-induced antics provide much of the film’s humor, and Chris Tucker’s performance is nothing short of legendary.  https://www.imdb.com/video/vi4222091545/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_Friday

8. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Terry Gilliam’s adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” is a psychedelic journey through the American Dream. Johnny Depp stars as Raoul Duke, a journalist on a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas with his attorney, Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro). While the film features a variety of substances, cannabis plays a key role in the characters’ surreal escapades and the film’s critique of 1960s counterculture.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120669/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_Fear%2520and%2520L

9. Super Troopers (2001)

“Super Troopers,” created by the comedy group Broken Lizard, is a hilarious take on the lives of Vermont state troopers. The film’s humor is heavily infused with cannabis culture, particularly in the unforgettable opening scene where a group of stoners is pulled over by the troopers. The film’s irreverent comedy and quotable lines have earned it a dedicated following.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247745/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_Super%2520troo

10. Reefer Madness (1936)

Originally intended as a cautionary tale about the dangers of cannabis, “Reefer Madness” has since become a cult classic for its over-the-top portrayal of marijuana use. The film’s melodramatic depiction of cannabis leading to insanity, murder, and mayhem is so exaggerated that it’s more comedic than alarming. It’s a fascinating piece of history that provides insight into early 20th-century attitudes toward cannabis.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028346/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a trip down memory lane, or a bit of historical context, these films offer a delightful exploration of cannabis in cinema. So grab some popcorn, choose your favourite strain, get your grinder, papers and Jilter at the ready(that’s a joint filter that our favourite cannabis club in Madrid provides)……. relax, and enjoy the ride through stoner cinema’s finest moments.