Introducing Stoner Cinema: A New Form of Public Consumption

Get excited for a new groundbreaking fusion of cinematic entertainment and cannabis culture! With Stoner Cinema Pop-Up events, cannabis enthusiasts can take their next movie screening to a higher level–literally. At the Stoner Cinema Pop-Up, visitors can enjoy a joint or infused seltzer in hand as classic films from the cannabis culture canon unfold on the big screen. Aside from the movies and cannabis, there is so much more to this show than just the film screening, making the Stoner Cinema Pop-Up an even more unique and thrilling experience in the emerging world of 420-friendly social experiences.

Stoner Cinema Pop-Ups

Exclusively for adults aged 21 and older, Stoner Cinema Pop-Up is a new series of cannabis-enhanced pop-up film screenings, where stoner movie night on the couch is transformed into a social and theatrical experience. Touring locations from Colorado to Massachusetts, the events have brought cannabis enthusiasts together to enjoy beloved stoner movies, such as Ted, How High, and Pineapple Express. These events not only screen favorites from the stoner cinema genre, but the founders of Stoner Cinema Pop-Up also go to new heights by incorporating activities like themed contests, celebrity appearances, and a vibrant array of food and fun offerings that embrace stoner culture and its connection to cinema.

Stoner Cinema Pop-Up launched its first screening event in Denver, which featured Half Baked in April 2023. Viewers were treated to bags of Funyuns and “Half Baked” Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to liven up various scenes that bring up certain quotable references. Showings of Cheech & Chong and Pineapple Express, among other films, have since followed. There’s more to come as the organizers pursue their ambitions across the country, with plans to host events in other legalized states like New York, California, Nevada, and even Florida.

What’s more, visitors to the Stoner Cinema Pop-Up are immersed in a carnival for cannabis lovers featuring hot vendors and stoner-tailored activities before and after the movie. There is a lot more to do than just sit and watch a movie at this theatrical experience, which offers myriad options for social cannabis enjoyment. Attending this cinema experience, guests are able to peruse a variety of food offerings, art exhibitions, and of course, cannabis vendor booths. 

Attendees can happily load up with movie snacks at the DIY Popcorn Bar or Smores Station while grooving to live music, and then take in the delightful stoner spectacle, which is vibrant with fun elements that range from exciting giveaways and pajama contests to an arcade room with a Cannabis Claw Machine. There was even a legendary pineapple-shaped, pineapple-sized joint rolled for the screening of Pineapple Express.

The fun continues onscreen, as moviegoers enjoy their cannabis and enjoy all the classic jokes of stoner film favorites. With collective cannabis consumption in full swing, the movie experience merges the social with the cinematic—think of like a stoner’s version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show or The Room where audience members can join in on their favorite one-liners and toss objects (or pass joints) around the theater. 

As of right now, the Stoner Cinema Pop-up features classic stoner films, but the event has big plans for the future. Founders endeavor to branch out to more summer-related movies later in the year, with horror movies coming in the fall. However, the event will remain true to its cannabis theme, so we should be expecting selections that give a nod or reference to cannabis culture.

What is the “Stoner Cinema” Genre?

Although the term “Stoner Cinema” can be used to describe events like Stoner Cinema Pop-Up, it also refers to a genre of movies that are set in the atmosphere of cannabis culture. From cult classics to newer releases, these films have become iconic over the years, growing the Stoner Cinema genre into a distinct niche within the broader film industry. 

These films typically use humor and depict characters who consume cannabis in various ways, and plotlines follow the stoned heroes’ adventures through various bonkers situations while under the influence of cannabis. Stoner Cinema films are known for comedic elements, ridiculous scenarios, and a generally fun, laid-back mood. These movies become cultural staples that resonate with audiences of cannabis enthusiasts who relate to the humor, characters, and storytelling that portray and reference unique features and experiences shared within the stoner subculture. 

Coming Soon…

With the emergence of more social cannabis enjoyment spaces in recent years—like consumption lounges, party buses, dinner parties, and even spas—Stoner Cinema events are a promising new social option for cannabis enthusiasts. At these events, viewers can take in iconic films in the ambiance of cannabis culture. Stoner Cinema Pop-Up offers its guests much more than a movie, with spectacular events featuring prominent cannabis brands and figures, educational seminars, and quirky interactive elements, this pop-up event is an overall immersive cannabis adventure. 

The events are about more than entertainment: they represent the progress being made in the landscape of cannabis social activities and the expanding acceptance of cannabis in mainstream culture. Spaces like the ones offered by Stoner Cinema events allow cannabis enthusiasts to converge with a sense of community. These spaces not only offer fans of stoner culture a fun outing, but they also foster a vibrant atmosphere of unity and responsibility that celebrates the shared experiences of cannabis consumers.