session #1: the smoking circle in 'that '70s show'

i'm debuting a new series for 'the garden' that delves into cannabis pop culture references!

Hi, and welcome to “the garden’s” sessions. Part-inspired by thee Hunter Harris’ Vulture column “Hunter’s Line Readings,” part-something I’ve always wanted an excuse to write about, each ‘session’ newsletter will dive into the most iconic cannabis pop culture references across film, TV, music and more. If you have any recommendations or specific lines/scenes or phenomena you’d like me to discuss, feel free to DM me on Twitter.

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did “that ‘70s show’s” smoking circle walk so twitter’s ‘dream blunt rotation’ meme could run?

I was in fifth grade or so when I saw the first rerun of “That ’70s Show,” so naturally, I understood only half of the jokes (this and “Pretty Little Liars” taught me everything I know about the world today). After the first couple of episodes, I decided I was really into it, quickly solidifying my love for the show throughout the ages. (Is it sometimes cheesy and does the sitcom laugh track kill me? Yes. Do we acknowledge the last season? No. Do I still love the series? Yes. Oh, and we can’t skim over how the actor who plays Hyde is … yeah.)

Anyways, one thing that stuck with me was the series’ iconic “smoking circle.” I remember wracking my brain as to what it meant, why smoke pillowed in the background, why everyone was suddenly laughing more than usual and barely making sense, what “toasted” meant, etc. etc. Eventually, though, the concept of weed became known to me, and I was able to piece together why the fuck Leo (played by the iconic Tommy Chong, who is much higher in person than you think) was like that.

Knowing that my parents were very anti-drug (and by extension, anti-weed), the show became like my little afternoon post-school secret. I wasn’t going to begin my homework until I finished the reruns for the day, which usually ran from 3-5 p.m. And, looking back, it’s probably one of the many pop culture touchstones that shaped me and my love for television.

So, back to the smoking circle. The eight-season sitcom ran from 1998 until 2006 on Fox, which, at the time, had TV censorship rules that prohibited the depiction of teenage characters using drugs. But a show focused on the 1970s without weed? No, thanks. As a creative solution, the show’s creators came up with a way to bypass the regulation — the group would sit in a circle in front of a swiveling camera, imitating the passing of a joint in a “puff, puff, pass” circle.

“During the circle scenes in ‘That '70s Show,’ drug paraphernalia is never directly shown. The characters rarely referred to the drug as ‘marijuana’ and ‘weed’ and instead called it their ‘stash.’”

Also, an iconic “fuck you” to conservative network executives.

“To pull off the effect of the circle, the team behind ‘That ’70s Show’ pumped in constant special effects smoke from a machine. The smoke used was strawberry-scented so that it wouldn't bother the cast and crew considering the amount used. A few of the cast members of the show also smoked cigarettes at the time so they assisted in the circle. They would hold their lit cigarettes low under the table to provide more smoke while filming the specific scenes. The filming technique was very successful, which was why it remained a common sequence in the series — whether Fox liked it or not.”

I think it’s safe to say that the series’ circle shaped an entire generation of stoners that come of age during and right after the mid-aughts. Filled with brilliant existential monologues; gags like Hyde’s car that runs on water, man; and special guest appearances, the writers’ room was thoroughly in its bag as it was crafting the dialogue featured in the circle. These characters were, and are, the epitome of the “dream blunt rotation.” So, without further ado, here are my top two smoking circles for your viewing pleasure.

1. Eric’s (Topher Grace) freak-outs in the circle are the best, and most relatable, moments:

2. Jackie’s (Mila Kunis, who was much younger than her co-stars and undoubtedly ate everyone up with her depiction of the privileged, upper-class original girl boss character) first foray into the circle is only one for the books:

no context sitcoms ☮︎ @oocsitcoms

jackie’s first circle

And, as an honorable mention, check out the smoking circle in Season 7, Episode 13 “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” when the group has to smoke through their stash for fear of being caught by the police. After the third circle, things start getting weird.

‘dream blunt rotation’ but make it “victorious” (also a great show to watch while high)

big mikey milkers @mrmikeyreid

dream blunt rotation

it wouldn’t be “the garden” if i didn’t mention seth rogen

B @brjxv

i like seth rogen. he smoke a lil oui’d. he make a lil vase. he stay out the way

As you all probably know, the one and only Seth Rogen has launched a cannabis brand. Rogen is probably my favorite well-known celebrity stoner, and with the rise of the cannabis industrial complex and other multi-millionaires’ entry into the cannabis business (think: MedMen and Jay-Z’s luxury weed brand Monogram), I’m not irked by his venture into the entrepreneurship space.

It’s clear that Rogen is a die-hard weed-lover (“Pineapple Express” holds a special place in my heart), so I’m not terribly bothered from him capitalizing on this more than decade-long love and knowledge. It’s also evident that he is approaching his company, Houseplant, with care and diligence, hand-picking strains and coordinating them with complementary records.

Furthermore, I really appreciate Rogen’s dedication to craft and design, and bringing a certain je ne sais quoi to cannabis, as Houseplant is striving to create custom, innovative weed paraphernalia for smokers to enjoy.

“‘We are trying to really consider people who smoke weed in a way that they have not been considered before,’ Rogen tells AD. ‘Just like alcohol has martini shakers, wine glasses, and corkscrews. If you are someone who smokes weed, there is really none of that. There are Bic lighters and you are ashing into a mug half the time.’”

I mean … a lighter and an ashtray in one? That’s fucking genius.

At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge the very real privilege Rogen has, in being a celebrity, first and foremost, and a white, wealthy man who has the access to opportunity, connections and capital to even consider launching a weed empire. And, of course, we must keep bringing to the forefront discussions and policies regarding equity programs, expunging records and more to help Black and brown communities affected by the War on Drugs tap into the legal market.

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and now, a song to light up to

A timeless classic.

further reading

• “Best Stoner Movies and TV Shows to Stream Right Now” — Variety (shameless plug because I wrote this!)

• “Weed & Nail Art: Yes, It’s a Thing” — The Broccoli Report (thoroughly enjoyed this one, which is exclusively for the gals and gays)

• “Illinois city uses weed sales tax for reparations” — Leafly

• “These states could legalize cannabis next in 2021” — Leafly

• “5 types of weed highs and the best strains for them” — Leafly

one last thing

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your bud, Natalie