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Marijuana on TV: 10 Shows with High-Themed Plots

Have You Seen These TV Episodes with Marijuana as a Main Plot?

TV with South Park playing

Television has always been a reflection of society, capturing the essence of various cultural phenomena. Over the years, the portrayal of marijuana in TV shows has evolved, mirroring the changing attitudes and perceptions towards this once-taboo plant. From comedic escapades to thought-provoking narratives, television has explored the world of marijuana with a range of storylines and characters. In this article, we delve into the intriguing realm of TV shows that have embraced marijuana as a central theme. Whether through hilarious misadventures or serious exploration of its impact, these shows have sparked conversations and entertained audiences while shedding light on the evolving landscape of cannabis culture.

Roseanne “Stash from the Past”

Roseanne Stash from the Past screenshot

“Stash from the Past” is a notable episode of the beloved sitcom Roseanne, which aired during its fifth season. In this episode, Roseanne and Dan discover a hidden stash of marijuana while renovating their bedroom. The unexpected find leads them to reminisce about their wilder, more carefree days in the 1970s. They invite their old friends Ziggy and Crystal to revisit their shared past, sparking humorous and reflective conversations about their younger selves. The episode humorously explores the contrast between their present lives as responsible parents and homeowners and their rebellious past, adding an element of nostalgia and self-reflection to the storyline. “Stash from the Past” is a memorable installment that highlights the Conner family’s encounters with their hidden marijuana stash and the humorous exploration of their past experiences.

King of the Hill “High Anxiety”

King of the Hill High Anxiety screenshot

The King of the Hill episode “High Anxiety” delves into the world of marijuana as it intersects with the lives of the Hill family and their friends in Arlen, Texas. When Peggy accidentally buys a bag of marijuana, the episode explores the characters’ varied reactions and attitudes towards the drug. Hank, as the conservative and rule-abiding protagonist, struggles to reconcile his principles with the newfound presence of marijuana in his home. Meanwhile, other characters like Dale and Boomhauer approach the situation with more curiosity and openness. “High Anxiety” offers a nuanced portrayal of the diverse perspectives surrounding marijuana, presenting a thoughtful and humorous exploration of the topic within the context of the show’s suburban setting. With its blend of comedy and social commentary, the episode captures the essence of King of the Hill, delivering an entertaining and insightful look at the intersection of marijuana and everyday life.

Family Guy “420”

Family Guy 420 screenshot

The “420” episode of Family Guy is a memorable and controversial installment that tackles the subject of marijuana legalization with the show’s signature irreverent humor. In this episode, Peter Griffin becomes an advocate for marijuana after he gets arrested for a bag of weed that he claims belongs to someone else. Determined to fight for his rights and change the laws, Peter launches a campaign for marijuana legalization in Quahog. The episode takes satirical jabs at both sides of the legalization debate, showcasing the absurdity of arguments on both ends of the spectrum. Through clever humor and over-the-top scenarios, “420” provides a comedic exploration of the cultural and political landscape surrounding marijuana. It’s an episode that elicits laughter, while also sparking conversations about the complexities of marijuana legalization in society.

The Simpsons “Weekend at Burnsie’s”

The Simpson's Weekend at Burnsie's screenshot


The Simpsons episode “Weekend at Burnsie’s” is a comedic gem that delves into the world of medical marijuana and its unexpected consequences. In this episode, Homer Simpson injures himself while fixing the roof and is prescribed medical marijuana to manage his pain. However, the medication takes an unexpected turn when Homer becomes carefree and hallucinatory, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures. The episode cleverly uses the premise to explore various aspects of marijuana use, from its potential medicinal benefits to the social stigma surrounding it. Through its witty dialogue and colorful animation, “Weekend at Burnsie’s” delivers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking commentary on the evolving attitudes towards marijuana in popular culture. It’s an episode that captures the essence of The Simpsons’ unique brand of humor while subtly addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the legalization and use of marijuana.

Weeds “MILF Money”

Weeds MILF Money screenshot

The Weeds episode “MILF Money” is a standout installment in the acclaimed series, known for its dark humor and exploration of the marijuana underworld. In this episode, Nancy Botwin, the show’s protagonist, finds herself caught up in a high-stakes situation when she becomes entangled with a dangerous Mexican drug cartel. As Nancy navigates the treacherous world of drug trafficking, “MILF Money” delves into themes of power, deception, and the consequences of getting involved in the illicit drug trade. With its gripping storyline and sharp dialogue, the episode offers a glimpse into the complex and often perilous nature of Nancy’s double life as a suburban mom and a marijuana dealer. “MILF Money” showcases the unique blend of dark comedy and compelling drama that made Weeds a cult favorite among viewers, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next twist in Nancy’s turbulent journey.

Workaholics “Pineapple Express”

Workaholics Pineapple Express screenshot

The Workaholics episode “Pineapple Express” takes a comedic dive into the world of marijuana, drawing inspiration from the film of the same name. In this hilarious installment, the trio of slacker friends—Blake, Adam, and Anders—find themselves inadvertently caught up in a series of misadventures when they accidentally discover a large stash of marijuana in their office. As they embark on a wild journey to sell the weed and make some quick cash, chaos ensues, involving eccentric characters, outrageous situations, and plenty of laughs. “Pineapple Express” showcases the show’s signature blend of irreverent humor and offbeat storytelling, providing a satirical exploration of the stoner culture and the shenanigans that can arise when ordinary people find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. It’s an episode that celebrates the absurdity of the Workaholics’ world, leaving viewers entertained and wanting more of their hilarious antics.

Friends “The One with the Stoned Guy”

Friends The One with the Stoned Guy screenshot

The Friends episode “The One with the Stoned Guy” offers a lighthearted exploration of marijuana through the lens of the beloved group of friends. In this episode, Monica invites her old friend Ethan over for dinner, unaware that he is a heavy marijuana user. As the evening progresses, the friends become increasingly suspicious of Ethan’s behavior and suspect that he may be high. The episode hilariously navigates the awkwardness and misunderstandings that arise from the group’s attempts to confirm their suspicions. It cleverly balances humor with moments of reflection on the social perception and legal status of marijuana. “The One with the Stoned Guy” showcases the chemistry and comedic timing of the Friends cast, delivering an entertaining and memorable episode that playfully examines the topic of marijuana in a way that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

Saved by the Bell “No Hope with Dope”

Saved by the Bell No Hope With Dope screenshot

The Saved by the Bell episode “No Hope with Dope” stands out as a memorable and educational installment in the iconic teen sitcom. In this episode, Zack Morris and his friends find themselves facing a new threat: drug use among their classmates. When one of their friends falls victim to the lure of drugs, the group takes it upon themselves to raise awareness and combat the growing issue. “No Hope with Dope” tackles the serious topic of drug abuse with a mix of sincerity and light-heartedness, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of making wise choices. Through the episode’s engaging storyline and relatable characters, Saved by the Bell addresses the topic of drugs in a way that resonates with its young audience, promoting a message of empowerment and smart decision-making. It’s an episode that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact, serving as a valuable resource for discussing drug education and prevention with young viewers.

The Office “Drug Testing”

The Office Drug Testing screenshot

The Office episode “Drug Testing” injects humor and intrigue into the workplace as Dunder Mifflin faces an unexpected situation. When Dwight finds a joint in the parking lot, he seizes the opportunity to conduct a surprise drug test on the entire staff. The episode humorously explores the dynamics between the characters as they grapple with the possibility of someone in the office being a drug user. From Jim’s sarcastic pranks to Michael’s bumbling attempts at handling the situation, “Drug Testing” captures the signature awkwardness and comedy of The Office. It cleverly tackles the subject of drug testing in the workplace, poking fun at the absurdity of such measures while providing moments of hilarity and insightful character interactions. The episode serves as a reminder of the show’s ability to turn everyday situations into comedic gold, leaving viewers laughing and eagerly anticipating the next workplace escapade.

South Park “Medicinal Fried Chicken”

South Park Medicinal Fried Chicken screenshot

The South Park episode “Medicinal Fried Chicken” hilariously satirizes the controversial topic of medicinal marijuana. In this episode, the town of South Park is faced with a dilemma when a fast-food restaurant replaces its fried chicken with medical marijuana. This sparks a frenzy of people seeking out marijuana prescriptions for various ailments, leading to a booming marijuana economy. The episode cleverly tackles the hypocrisy and absurdity surrounding the issue of medicinal marijuana, using humor to highlight the contrasting views and motivations of the characters. With its sharp social commentary and irreverent humor, “Medicinal Fried Chicken” showcases South Park’s ability to tackle controversial topics head-on while delivering a memorable and uproarious episode. It offers a humorous take on the intersection of marijuana and medicine, leaving viewers entertained and pondering the complexities of the subject matter.



As marijuana becomes more widely accepted and legalized in various parts of the world, its presence on television continues to evolve and reflect shifting societal attitudes. Whether used for comedic effect, as a catalyst for intriguing storylines, or as a means to explore deeper social issues, television shows have found creative ways to incorporate marijuana-themed plots. From the hilarious misadventures of characters getting stoned to the thoughtful exploration of its medicinal uses and cultural impact, weed on TV has become a rich and diverse subject matter. As the small screen continues to push boundaries and tackle taboo topics, we can expect marijuana to remain a prominent and intriguing element in storytelling, offering viewers a unique and entertaining perspective on this fascinating and ever-evolving aspect of our culture.

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Meet Bud Blaze, the cannabis reporter with a nose for news and a taste for the good stuff. Bud was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where he developed a passion for cannabis at a young age. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in journalism, Bud started his career as a freelance writer, covering local cannabis events and dispensaries. His work quickly gained recognition, and he was hired by a major cannabis publication as a staff writer. Over the years, Bud has covered numerous cannabis-related topics, from legalization efforts to medical research. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry, including growers, dispensary owners, and activists, and has been known to sample their wares for research purposes. Bud's writing is always on point, even when he's not, and he's won several awards for his work, including the prestigious Cannabis Journalism Award. In his free time, Bud enjoys hiking in the mountains and trying out new strains of cannabis. He's always on the lookout for the next big thing in the world of weed, and he's not afraid to get his hands sticky to find it.