How the Cast of 'That '70s Show' Made Stoner Culture Mainstream

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox Film Corp.

That '70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006, masterfully transported viewers to the 1970s, capturing the essence of teenage life in that era. Beyond its nostalgic charm, the series played a pivotal role in bringing stoner culture into the mainstream, blending humor with subtle social commentary.​

The Circle: A Subtle Nod to Cannabis Culture

One of the show's most iconic elements was "The Circle," a scene where the teenage characters sat in a circle, engaging in conversations as the camera rotated to each speaker. While the act of smoking marijuana was never explicitly shown—no joints or paraphernalia appeared on screen—the thick clouds of smoke, coupled with the characters' behavior and dialogue, implied their cannabis use.

This creative approach allowed the show to depict marijuana use without direct portrayal, adhering to network standards while resonating with audiences familiar with the culture. ​

Balancing Humor with Authenticity

The cast's portrayal of teenagers experimenting with marijuana was both humorous and authentic. The characters' antics, munchies-induced escapades, and philosophical musings during their "high" moments provided comedic relief. However, the show also subtly addressed the consequences and perceptions of drug use during the 1970s, offering a balanced perspective that neither glorified nor vilified marijuana.​

Influence on Perception and Media Representation

By integrating stoner culture into its narrative, "That '70s Show" contributed to a broader acceptance and understanding of marijuana use in mainstream media. It paved the way for future television shows and films to explore similar themes more openly, reflecting changing societal attitudes toward cannabis. The series demonstrated that marijuana use could be portrayed as a facet of everyday life without resorting to negative stereotypes or heavy-handed morality tales.​

Cast Members and Cannabis Culture

The connection between the cast and cannabis culture extended beyond the screen. Notably, Tommy Chong, renowned for his association with stoner comedy duo Cheech & Chong, played the recurring role of Leo, a laid-back, perpetually "high" character. Chong's involvement added authenticity to the show's depiction of stoner culture and connected it to the broader history of cannabis in entertainment. ​

Legacy and Continued Influence

Decades after its original airing, "That '70s Show" remains a cultural touchstone, with its influence evident in contemporary media's portrayal of cannabis. The show's innovative approach to depicting stoner culture has left an indelible mark on television storytelling, illustrating that such themes can be explored with humor, subtlety, and depth.​

In conclusion, "That '70s Show" played a significant role in bringing stoner culture to the forefront of mainstream media. Through its clever storytelling, memorable characters, and subtle yet effective depiction of marijuana use, the show opened the door for more nuanced portrayals of cannabis in popular culture.