5 Must-Watch Television Series Showcasing Cannabis

For decades, cannabis-oriented content has found a home in comedies and dramas alike in Hollywood.  This, however, does not stop on the big screen, with many past and present examples making for fantastic TV viewing.  The following are a few examples of these, ranging from the outlandish and hilarious antics of a Canadian trio, to an exiled mobster reinventing himself in unfamiliar territory and more.

1. Trailer Park Boys (2001-)

Somehow, despite a constant presence for nearly 25 years, the Trailer Park Boys remain underrated and underappreciated.  Over this time, the Trailer Park Boys have released the following and more:

• 12 seasons
• 4 movies
• 2 spinoff series (Out of the Park: Europe, Out of the Park: USA)
• 2 season animated series

The show’s lingering obscurity is perhaps due to the brash, unfiltered, and outlandish nature of it lead characters: Bubbles, Julian, Ricky, and their nemesis, Mr. Lahey.

The show, which takes place in Nova Scotia, Canada, is first presented as a mockumentary being filmed, following what life is like in the fictional trailer park ‘Sunnyvale’.  While their interests involve homebrewed alcohol, kittens, pepperoni, and inventive crimes, the main cast is, first and foremost, cannabis dealers.

So, how does cannabis play a role?  Not only is Ricky a genius grower who attracts the attention of NASA for his abilities, the trio uses cannabis for everything.  This means insulating trailers with their product and creating driveways out of hash.

Somehow, this short synopsis doesn’t even remotely touch upon just how crazy and hilarious the show is.  Be warned, though – this comedy is not for those easily offended.

2. Tulsa King (2022-)

Despite being a relatively new series, Tulsa King has already gained quite a following that has earned it a renewal for seasons 3 and 4.   It has managed to do so by casting a likable Sylvester Stallone in a fish-out-of-water scenario.  Notably, Tulsa King comes from the same creators as the well-received Yellowstone.

The show centers on Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a New York mob capo sent/exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after serving 25 years in prison.  Tasked with setting up operations in unfamiliar territory, Dwight quickly identifies a burgeoning opportunity: the cannabis industry.

Tulsa King dives headfirst into the legal cannabis business, portraying it as both lucrative and fraught with tension.  Dwight’s savvy leadership transforms the enterprise into a high-stakes game of survival, with cannabis serving as a cornerstone for alliances and rivalries.

The show’s mixture of crime, drama, and humor gives it broad appeal, but its gritty portrayal of the cannabis industry makes it particularly captivating for fans of modern crime dramas.

3. High Maintenance (2016-2020)

High Maintenance is a show that began as a web series before finding a home on HBO.  Through there, it carved out a unique niche in the world of cannabis-focused storytelling, blending drama and sharp humor.  While it provides laughs, this show depicts a more realistic look at its characters and their lives, as opposed to through crass comedy.

The series revolves around “The Guy,” an unassuming cannabis delivery man in New York City, as he navigates the lives of his eclectic clientele.  Each episode offers a glimpse into a new character’s world, weaving their personal stories with cannabis playing the connecting thread.

High Maintenance succeeds, perhaps, because it doesn’t solely center on cannabis.  Its characters are more representative of real life users that do not need to be outlandish.  Rather, it uses cannabis to explore human connections.  From awkward first-time buyers to seasoned enthusiasts, the show uses The Guy’s deliveries to portray moments of vulnerability, humor, and intimacy in his customers’ lives.

What sets High Maintenance apart is its ability to elevate cannabis from a mere plot device to a symbol of community and shared experience.  With its anthology-style storytelling and deeply relatable characters, the series provides a refreshing, nuanced take on modern cannabis culture.

4. Weeds (2005–2012)

Weeds stands as one of the most iconic series to tackle cannabis culture head-on.  While the show began to lose its luster near the end of its run, it delivered an impressive and entertaining 8 seasons, totaling 102 episodes.  From there, it earned multiple Emmy nominations and even a win.

The premise of Weeds is simple – Can selling cannabis allow a suburban widow to maintain her family’s lifestyle after her husband’s sudden death?  This is the challenge that the main character, Nancy Botwin, undertakes.  What begins as a small-time operation quickly spirals into a web of high-stakes dealings with larger-than-life characters.

Cannabis is the foundation of the show. From selling dime bags to running large-scale grow operations, Nancy’s journey showcases the comedic, dramatic, and dangerous sides of the trade.  As the industry evolves, so do Nancy’s ventures, reflecting real-world shifts in cannabis legalization and culture.

Weeds was successful due to its knack for balancing social commentary and outrageous comedy.  For fans of dramedies and cannabis, Weeds is a must-watch.

5. Disjointed (2017–2018)

Unlike the prolific run experienced by the Trailer Park boys, Disjointed comes in at a short 2 seasons.  Though its run was brief, the show remains a gem for fans of cannabis-themed comedy and Chuck Lorre (The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men).

The series takes place in Ruth’s Alternative Caring, a Los Angeles dispensary run by cannabis activist Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, who is played by Kathy Bates.  The eclectic cast includes Ruth’s son, a quirky group of budtenders, and even a live cannabis plant mascot.

Cannabis is at the heart of Disjointed, driving both the humor and the heartfelt moments.  From hilarious customer interactions to Ruth’s passionate speeches about legalization, the show captures the spirit of the modern cannabis movement.

While its humor may not resonate with everyone, Disjointed celebrates cannabis culture with enthusiasm, making it fun for fans of lighthearted sitcoms.