In honor of 4/20, here are some film and music recommendations from the Artsweek’s staff to enjoy when you are high!

“Something for your M.I.N.D.” by Superorganism

“Something for your M.I.N.D.” is the first official single of the London-based indie pop band,[[ok]] Superorganism. The song was released in 2017 via SoundCloud and was initially created on Garageband and recorded on a MacBook. The band’s DIY alternative style is clear in the upbeat electronic synths throughout the song. “Something for your M.I.N.D.” is a love letter to mental stimulation and fulfillment amid an overwhelming and isolating society. It’s an anthem to stoners and Gen Z alike, urging the listener to let go and “vibe.” It features a unique conglomeration of sounds great for zoning out and letting the music move you, including a beat drop to the sound of biting into an apple. The music video matches the trippiness of the instrumental by using collage to create stunningly vibrant visuals. The laidback and fun feel of the song is the perfect backdrop for a joint, some snacks and a good time. 

— Sally Shapiro 

“Rupaul’s Drag Race” on Hulu

“Rupaul’s Drag Race” is a campy, over-the-top reality competition series in search of America’s next drag superstar. Hosted by the incomparable RuPaul, the show has no shortage of hilarious moments and mesmerizing performances. There are six seasons of the show currently on Hulu, including season five and season nine, personal favorites featuring some of the most iconic Drag Queens to date, such as Sasha Velour and Alyssa Edwards. Every episode has a quirky challenge for the Drag Queens to follow, resulting in wickedly humorous performances and beautiful vibrant runways to follow. It’s a great show to watch when high, as the show does not take itself too seriously and doesn’t require much focus or following of narrative. It’s nothing but a good time with dancing, lip-sync battles and gorgeous gowns to keep your eyes glued to the screen. 

— Sally Shapiro

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles

The feeling of laying in bed, staring at the ceiling and listening to psychedelic music is a perfect excuse to get high. The 1967 Beatles classic, “Strawberry Fields Forever,” perfectly encapsulates this psychedelic feel with John Lennon’s slow and somewhat muffled lyrics and the droning instruments that back his voice. The song, inspired by Lennon’s childhood memories with the Strawberry Field orphanage that he watched while sitting in the tree in his backyard (“No one I think is in my tree / I mean, it must be high or low”), is undoubtedly influenced by drug use — The Beatles were using drugs almost daily at this point in their careers. A song influenced by being high is definitely a song to listen to while high, and “Strawberry Fields Forever” should be at the top of your 4/20 playlist. 

— Stella Mullin

“Dazed and Confused” (1993)

A list of media to watch while high would not be complete without “Dazed and Confused,” the stoner cult classic set in the ’70s. The movie follows a group of high schoolers on the last day of school, partying at a pool hall and ending at a kegger, with the incoming freshmen on the constant run from being hazed. And, of course, weed is the theme throughout. Everyone is always high or getting high or looking for a way to get high. Both humorous and nostalgic, “Dazed and Confused” is perfect for watching, and you’ll be sure to find yourself laughing (probably a little too hard) for the entire hour and 43 minutes, especially during any scene with Matthew McConaughey and his iconic “alright, alright, alright.”

— Stella Mullin

“Marijuana” by Kid Cudi

It’s even in the name! Marijuana is Kid Cudi’s love song to weed, with the lyrics literally saying “Pretty green bud / All in my blunt / Oh I need it.” The instrumentation fully immerses the listener into the song. It’s dreamy and dazy, perfectly capturing the feeling of being high. To make it even better, the song is exactly 4 minutes and 20 seconds long. It is the ultimate smoke sesh song, both in a technical and vibe-like sense. 

— Lauren Chiou

Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000)

This comedy starring Ashton Kutcher and Seann William Scott follows two stoners who, as the title suggests, cannot find their car after a night of partying. Yet this film is far from normal. On their journey, the duo comes across a variety of characters ranging from an ostrich farmer to groups of aliens. Let me be clear: this movie is far from good. It’s incredibly stupid, outwardly ridiculous, and slightly problematic. Despite this, the film has become a cult classic over the years and is the perfect stoner comedy.

— Lauren Chiou

“Smiley Face” (2007)

Anna Faris delivers a hilarious performance as an aspiring actress, Jane F., who loves pot. After unknowingly eating her roommate’s cannabis-laced cupcakes, Jane embarks on a wild adventure around Los Angeles as she runs her usual errands and attempts to buy more weed.. Marijuana is the main character. It is the cause, catalyst and motivation behind every single action in this film. I personally recommend watching it while high to enhance the viewing experience by giving it a meta feel. 

— Lauren Chiou

Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009)

There is no normal way to describe Flight of the Conchords. Created by comedy duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, the New Zealanders play fictionalized versions of themselves as folk musicians trying to make it big in New York. Each episode features original songs written by the two, such as Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros and Leggy Blonde. This show could be a drug on its own. The wacky premise and ridiculous characters provide a viewing experience that is equivalent to being high, so one could only imagine how actually being high would enhance that.

— Lauren Chiou

This appeared in the April 20th Daily Nexus printed edition.