The chance of Colt 45 playing in the background while you are reading this is not only higher than mathematical but increases as this sentence draws on. The reason why marihuana is so prominent in contemporary art, and even some traditional cultures, is that there isn’t a negative aspect connected with it.

As a matter of fact, the biggest fear of the ‘’Reefer Madness’’ was disclosed to be very lazy propaganda. On top of that, those who attacked marihuana usage were very frequently connected with racist groups and similar movements.

Because of this, marihuana usage was often a focal point of countercultures that didn’t want to conform to societal norms. And, since usage itself isn’t connected with any disease, violence, or other outbursts like different social vices, it is usually thought about in a good light.

Generally, there are three reasons why it is so prominent from the artistic standpoint:

1. It is recognizable
2. No connection to violence
3. It is fun

And that can’t be said to any other so-called vice, as even music can have violent lyrics from time to time.

Finally, in the current culture marihuana is more often related to medication than anything negative. We even now prescribe a CBD dosage for pain relief, as it is proven to work.

The Signifier of Counter Culture
From a sociological standpoint, the full discussion about this would probably begin with Max Weber and the protestant ethics, but would definitely need to touch on imperialism, colonialism, racism, and a lot of distinctively American ideas when it comes to work, community, and productivity.

And, even though marihuana doesn’t have nearly the negative side effects of alcohol or even much synthetic medication, it has been under attack from American temperance movements. But, this has only served to establish the activity as ingrained in counter-culture.

With marihuana users being placed in the same basket with punk and rock music, as well as all sorts of political groups from hippies to Black Panthers, the plant became a symbol of recognition acceptable to all of these groups.

Now, it is synonymous with those who will not conform. Even though every user knows that with responsible use you can not only be productive but probably more productive than otherwise, the idea of ‘’the outcast’’ prevailed.

A Symbol of Freedom and Peace
Freedom is rarely won peacefully. In most parts of the world, you will more often see the AK47 as the symbol of freedom than any plant or person. Cannabis is probably the only thing that is simultaneously connected with both freedom and peace.

The one who partakes is free from anxiety and the constrictions of society. They may not achieve the freedom to do what they want, but rather the freedom not to do what they don’t want. And this may be the more important aspect of freedom for many.

Also, it is hard to imagine Cheech & Chong perpetrating violence while being high off their mind. Having a picture of fun and comedy while going on an adventure where you don’t know where it will take you is much closer to our mind.

This silent combination is what made cannabis such a powerful symbol to be used in art. The connotation is instantly recognizable and there isn’t anyone to be offended that matters. Not to mention that the fact that it often offends those who would oppress may be a bonus for the intended audience.

The Proverbial Patricide
Although slightly more important for men, the proverbial patricide is the act of defying authority in your life and trying to carve out your own way. As such, this action, or at least the attempt, is a universal occurrence for any generation and gender.

Cannabis, with its sense of freeing the self without attacking others, is here seen as a way for such a symbolic act without actually hurting yourself or your family members.

Because of this, a lot of artists using different mediums have used cannabis as a symbol of that silent revolution. Additionally, renouncing the ‘’father’’ without the attempt to overtake their domain. This also symbolizes the idea that we don’t want to rule the violent and oppressive domain of our ancestors, but to carve out a new one for ourselves that will be better.

A Social Lubricant
Finally, and before everything else, cannabis is used because it is fun. The lowered inhibitions combined with general mellowness provided by the CBD usually end up as a good time even if we get slightly ashamed of those times.

Obviously, relationships and good times over time need to be built on former grounds and overdoing everything leads to it becoming boring and mundane. But, for that first laugh, first kiss, first time getting together, cannabis is a great way to connect people without needing to explain how and why all of us are already connected.