5 Moments Showcasing the Evolution of Cannabis in Animation

Much like television and cinema, the portrayal of cannabis in animation has evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting changing societal views along the way.  What first started as subtle, coded references eventually became open discussions about legalization, cannabis culture, and even advocacy.  Below, we highlight five examples of this evolution over time.

1. The Original ‘Stoner’ Stereotype – Shaggy in Scooby-Doo (1969–present)

Though never explicitly confirmed, Scooby-Doo’s Shaggy Rogers is one of animation’s earliest and most recognizable stoner characters.  He has a perpetually laid-back demeanor, an insatiable appetite (especially for giant sandwiches), and a tendency to be easily spooked but then quickly forget about it – all traits that became stereotypes for the prototypical cannabis user.  These traits were also accompanied by subtle references like his slow, drawn-out speech, which became shorthand for a “stoner.”  It should be noted that Shaggy was never explicitly stated to be a user within the show.

While the show never directly referenced cannabis due to censorship, Shaggy became a pop culture icon for the stoner stereotype—one that persists in animation to this day.

2. Pushing Boundaries – Fritz the Cat (1972)

Ralph Bakshi’s Fritz the Cat was one of the first animated films to depict cannabis use openly.  It was also one of the first animated films to receive an ‘X’ rating from the MPAA for its content, which included touching on various countercultural themes like drug use, sex, and political rebellion.

The film’s portrayal of cannabis reflected the real-world hippie movement and challenged the way animation was perceived—proving it could cater to adults.  Fritz the Cat pushed against the then-waning Hays Code and demonstrated the potential of animation for mature audiences, paving the way for later adult-oriented animated projects to tackle cannabis more openly.

3. A Shift Toward Satire – South Park and the War on Drugs (1997–present)

By the late 1990s, adult animation had become a mainstream genre due to massive hits like South Park, which was one of the first shows to tackle cannabis policy head-on.  Episodes like “Medicinal Fried Chicken” (2010), which satirized both the War on Drugs and the over-prescription of medications, and “My Future Self n’ Me” (2003) criticized the hypocrisy of drug laws and shifting attitudes toward cannabis use.

The series didn’t just rely on stoner humor—it actively criticized drug laws and misinformation, influencing the discourse around cannabis legalization.

4. Going Mainstream – Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series (2019–2020) and Beyond

By the time  2019 rolled around, the depiction of cannabis in animation was no longer controversial.  This meant that cannabis was now commonly being used as a central plot point upon which shows and episodes were based.  For example, the lead trio of Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles in Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series, had long been associated with cannabis culture.  Transitioning from a live-action mockumentary to animation simply allowed for even more exaggerated antics.  This also coincided with a time in which legalization was a central topic in North America.  This outlandish show did well to showcase how animation could openly embrace cannabis themes without controversy.

This normalization is also reflected in other mainstream animated shows.  The Simpsons, for example, has shown Homer occasionally partaking in “medicinal herbs,” while Family Guy has depicted Brian using cannabis, often played for laughs.  Even American Dad! frequently features Roger’s cannabis use, sometimes even portraying it in a positive light.

5. The Normalization Kicks In – The Simpsons (1989-Present)

While not always a central plot point, the normalization of cannabis is no more evident than by making repeated appearances on, arguably, the most famous cartoon of all time – The Simpsons.

For example, Homer’s use of “medicinal herbs” for example, demonstrates how mainstream animation can depict cannabis use casually, reflecting its growing acceptance in society.  This contrasts with earlier, more coded or stereotypical portrayals, highlighting the evolution of cannabis representation in animation.

Final Thoughts

From hidden references in Scooby-Doo to mainstream comedies like Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series and the casual use in Tuca & Bertie, cannabis representation in animation has evolved alongside societal acceptance.  Although exaggerated examples still exist, what was once a taboo subject is now often depicted with more subtlety, humour, and even advocacy.  As societal views continue to evolve, animation will undoubtedly continue to reflect and even shape the conversation surrounding cannabis.