Cannabis Culture: Fun Facts & a Journey Through Decades of Pop Culture

Contents

1. Cannabis and Pop Culture: From Subculture to Mainstream Icon
2. The Number 420: A Global Symbol for Cannabis Culture
3. Differences between hemp and cannabis: same plant, different uses
4. Cannabis consumption groups: Who consumes it – and why?
5. Conclusion: Cannabis and its facets – More than just a plant

1. Cannabis and Pop Culture: From Subculture to Mainstream Icon

The 1930s – The Beginning of the Music Scene

By the 1930s, cannabis was already deeply rooted in jazz culture. Artists like Louis Armstrong described cannabis as a creative outlet that helped relieve stress and promote musical inspiration. Armstrong once said:
“We always looked at pot as a sort of medicine, a cheap drunk and with much better thoughts than one that's full of liquor.”
Cannabis was also mentioned in literature during this period and was a symbol of individuality and freedom.

The 1960s and 70s – Rebellion and Flower Power

In the 1960s, the connection between cannabis and culture reached its first major peak. The hippie movement made the plant a symbol of peace, rebellion and freedom. Bands like The Beatles and The Grateful Dead incorporated cannabis consumption into their music, while films like Easy Rider (1969) underlined the countercultural significance.
The 1970s brought a humorous look at cannabis culture with comedy duos like Cheech & Chong. Their films and sketches were not only entertainment, but also a reflection of the growing awareness of cannabis in society.

The 1990s to Today – From the Underground to the Mainstream

In the 1990s, cannabis began to make its way into the mainstream. Artists like Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, and Rihanna made the plant an integral part of their brands. Snoop Dogg in particular brought the culture into many people's everyday lives with his iconic connection to cannabis.
“It makes me feel the way I need to feel,” said Snoop Dogg in an interview, summing up the effects of cannabis. Today, cannabis is no longer just part of the music scene, but also of the film and television landscape. Series such as Weeds and films like Pineapple Express have destigmatized consumption and addressed new target groups.

A creative driver and cultural catalyst

Cannabis is often seen as a creative driver - both in art and in everyday life. Artists describe how it helps them discover new perspectives, reduce stress and get into a "flow state". But it's not just artists who benefit: the connection between cannabis and creativity inspires brands to develop products that expand and enrich the consumption experience.

2. The Number 420: A Global Symbol of Cannabis Culture from a California High School to a Worldwide Movement

The number "420" is now inextricably linked to cannabis. It is more than just a code - it stands for an entire culture. But the origins of "420" go back to the early 1970s, when a group of high school students from San Rafael, California, used the number to encode their shared passion for cannabis.

The Origins: The Waldos and their Ritual

The "Waldos," as the students called themselves, met regularly at 4:20 PM after school to search for a supposedly abandoned cannabis field. Although they never found the field, "420" became the internal code for their meetings and cannabis consumption. Thanks to their connection to the music scene, especially the Grateful Dead, the term quickly spread beyond California and eventually achieved worldwide fame.

From a Code to a Movement: The 420 Culture Today

April 20th, in the American date format 4/20, has become an unofficial holiday for cannabis enthusiasts worldwide. Events, demonstrations and festivals take place on this day to celebrate the plant and promote its legalization. Some highlights of 420 culture:

• 420 festivals: Cities like Denver, Colorado, or San Francisco attract thousands of visitors each year who enjoy the day with music, food, and cannabis.
• marketing campaigns: Companies use 4/20 for product launches and special promotions to attract consumers’ attention.
• Political significance: Activists use the day to fight for broader legalization and acceptance of cannabis.

The Role of Brands in the 420 Movement

420 is not only a cultural movement, but also an immense economic opportunity. Brands that identify with cannabis use this day to introduce products and strengthen their connection to the community. 

A symbol with future potential

The number "420" is no longer just a secret code, but a global phenomenon. Its popularity shows how deeply rooted cannabis is in society - culturally, politically and economically. Brands that understand this trend and use it creatively can position themselves as leaders in a dynamic market. Hertz & Selck offers exactly the right products to make the 420 experience even more intense for consumers.

(Source: Time Magazine)

3. Differences between hemp and cannabis: same plant, different uses

Cannabis is not the same as cannabis - the distinction between hemp and cannabis is often confusing. Both come from the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, but differ in their chemical composition, use and legal treatment.

What is hemp?

Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC - the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the "high" effect. Due to its low THC content, hemp is not used for recreational consumption, but mainly for industrial purposes.

• Industrial Applications: Hemp is used for textiles, paper, building materials and even bioplastics. Hemp fibers are extremely robust and environmentally friendly, which is why they are increasingly valued as a sustainable alternative in various industries.
  Source: National Hemp Association
• dietary supplements: Hemp seeds and oil are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and other nutrients and are widely used in the food industry.
  Source: Healthline

What is cannabis?

Cannabis typically refers to plants that have higher THC content and are used for either medicinal or recreational purposes. There are several subspecies, including Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and hybrids.

• Medical Applications: Cannabis with high THC or CBD content is used to treat pain, anxiety, epilepsy and other conditions. Medical cannabis has been legal in Germany since 2017.
  Source: Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM)
• Legal challenges: Although cannabis is legal in many US states, it remains subject to strict regulations at the federal level. The distinction between legal medical cannabis and illegal recreational use is often confusing.
  Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Hemp vs. Cannabis: Important Differences at a Glance

The significance for Hertz & Selck

Hertz & Selck specializes in developing innovative flavors and terpene solutions suitable for both hemp and cannabis products. From terpene blends for medical cannabis products to flavors that mask the characteristic taste of hemp, the company offers solutions that combine quality, innovation and adaptability.

4. Cannabis consumption groups: Who consumes it – and why?

People use cannabis for a variety of reasons, whether it's recreational, medicinal or to support a particular lifestyle. This diversity is reflected in clearly identifiable consumption patterns and target groups that differ by age, gender, motivations and preferences. Understanding these groups is critical for brands like Hertz & Selck, which develop innovative flavors and terpene solutions.

Leisure consumers: enjoyment and relaxation

Recreational users make up the largest proportion of cannabis users. They use cannabis to reduce stress, enhance creativity or enrich social interactions.

• age groups:
  Younger adults ages 18 to 25 are the most likely to consume cannabis, particularly in the form of vaping products or edibles.
  Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
• Preferred forms of consumption:
  • Vaping: Fast effect, discreet application.
  • Edibles: Appealing in taste, ideal for social occasions.
  • Hemp Wraps and Smokeables: For classic consumption with a modern twist.

Medical Users: Health in Focus

Since the legalization of medical cannabis, the number of therapeutic users has increased significantly. This group uses cannabis to relieve symptoms such as pain, sleep disorders, nausea or anxiety.

Application areas:

• Chronic pain: With a share of 62%, this is the most common reason for prescribing medical cannabis.
• Anxiety and stress management: Many patients report a calming effect from products with balanced THC and CBD ratios.
  Source: Journal of Cannabis Research

Hertz & Selck offers terpene blends that can be used very well for medicinal products and support therapeutic properties.

Gender Differences: Men vs. Women

Traditionally, men have been more likely to consume cannabis, but women are catching up – especially with products such as edibles and CBD oils, which have a more appealing taste.

• Men:
  Prefer classic forms of consumption such as joints or vapes and tend towards stronger THC concentrations.
• Women:
  More often opt for mild, fruity flavors or products with relaxing effects such as linalool or myrcene.

According to a recent study, 62% of female consumers prefer edibles to inhaled forms of consumption.
Source: Cannabis Consumer Insights (2023)

Target Group Development: Growing Markets

The cannabis industry is developing dynamically and new target groups are emerging:

• Older consumers: Cannabis is increasingly being used as a means of improving the quality of life in old age, for example to relieve pain or aid sleep.
• Wellness enthusiasts: CBD products are appealing to consumers seeking a natural approach to stress management and relaxation.

Market opportunity: Hertz & Selck can optimally exploit market potential through target group-specific aroma profiles – for example, relaxing terpenes for older target groups or energizing aromas for younger users.

Conclusion: Cannabis and its facets – More than just a plant

Cannabis is much more than a consumer product - it is a cultural, economic and scientific phenomenon. From pop culture to the 420 movement to the distinction between hemp and cannabis, the versatile aspects of this plant reflect its importance in society. Each target audience - whether recreational users, medicinal consumers or wellness enthusiasts - brings unique preferences and requirements that shape the market.

For the flavors industry This opens up immense opportunities to enrich the market with innovative flavors and terpene solutions. 

The future of the cannabis market is dynamic, and brands that understand trends and bring their expertise have the opportunity to take a leading role in this exciting industry. Hertz & Selck is ready to help shape that future.