Celebrating Cannabis Culture

Salem, MA, is gearing up for the inaugural Seagrass 420 Film Festival, slated to unfold at Cinema Salem located in the Witch City Mall from April 18th to April 20th. This festival, presented by Seagrass, the largest cannabis dispensary on the North Shore, aims to explore and celebrate the nuanced portrayal of cannabis in popular films.

Festival Kickoff and Film Highlights

The festivities commence on Thursday, April 18th, with an introductory reception leading into a night of iconic cinema. The festival’s meticulously selected lineup not only entertains but also delves into the diverse facets of cannabis culture:

Thursday, 4/18:

• 6:00 PM: Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978) – The quintessential stoner comedy that follows the smoke-filled misadventures of Cheech and Chong as they unwittingly smuggle a van made entirely of marijuana from Mexico to L.A.
• 8:00 PM: The Cabin in the Woods – A unique take on the horror genre, this film adds a layer of humor and unexpected twists, making it a modern cult classic.

Friday, 4/19:

• 6:00 PM: Super High Me – Doug Benson’s documentary explores the effects of smoking cannabis for 30 days, drawing a humorous parallel to Super Size Me.
• 8:00 PM: The Big Lebowski – This Coen Brothers’ masterpiece combines bowling, a case of mistaken identity, and a kidnapped trophy wife, centered around the laid-back, pot-smoking Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski.
• 10:30 PM: Half Baked – Dave Chappelle’s stoner comedy about a group of friends who start selling marijuana to bail their friend out of jail.

Saturday, 4/20:

• 5:00 PM: Dazed and Confused – Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age film set in the 1970s captures the last day of high school, filled with rock music, cruising, and marijuana.
• 8:00 PM: Pineapple Express – A stoner duo, played by Seth Rogen and James Franco, find themselves on the run from hitmen and a corrupt police officer after witnessing a murder.
• 10:30 PM: Reefer Madness – The 1936 propaganda film that exaggerated the effects of marijuana, intended as a cautionary tale, now serves as a humorous and historical look at past attitudes.

Tickets and Accessibility

Full festival passes are available for $75, granting access to all films, with individual movie tickets priced at $12. Purchases can be made directly at Cinema Salem or through its website, cinemasalem.com.

The Significance of Cannabis Culture in Film

Peter Horne, Cinema Salem’s operations manager, and Chip Tuttle, CEO of Seagrass, both emphasize the festival’s role in celebrating and demystifying cannabis culture through cinema. This event not only showcases the comedic and cultural aspects of cannabis in film but also supports the local community by fostering a partnership with Cinema Salem.

About Seagrass

Seagrass has been committed to sustainability and the local community since its inception in December 2020. Located in downtown Salem, it offers a diverse selection of cannabis products and is involved in initiatives to preserve local marine ecology.

Festival Sponsors and Support

Wana Brands, Green Gold Group, and other notable sponsors proudly support the festival, which aligns with its mission to celebrate cannabis culture and community engagement.

Festival Schedule in Detail

With a lineup ranging from comedies to documentaries, the Seagrass 420 Film Festival promises a comprehensive exploration of cannabis culture. Join us in this cinematic journey as we light up the screen with stories that define and challenge the perceptions of cannabis use.

Note: This event is not a social consumption gathering. Consumption of cannabis products should be done responsibly. Cannabis may impair and can be habit-forming. This event is intended for adults aged 21 and over. Keep out of reach of children.

For more details and to secure your tickets, visit Cinema Salem and Seagrass Salem.