2001: A Space Odyssey – Stanley Kubrick
Anything by Stanley Kubrick is visually stimulating. Get lost in Kubrick’s intricate story lines and imagination; during production of this film he was granted permission by NASA to tour a spacecraft for perfect accuracy. Kubrick was known for his eye for detail, even picking out the fabric for the characters’ costumes. This is the perfect film for feeling a little otherworldly and having deep philosophical discussions. Recommended strain: Metal Haze, a stimulating 90% sativa. Lovingly grown by HMH.
Dazed and Confused – Richard Linklater
Linklater does the quintessential coming-of-age story first with this classic, later with Boyhood— his characters are lovable, eccentric and reminiscent of those painfully awkward days between childhood and adulthood, complete with first cannabis experiences. You’ll either relate to this story, or remember a time when you did. Matthew McConaughey’s performance is unforgettable. Enjoy this one with snacks on hand (popcorn, Junior Mints?) Recommended Strain: Super Skunk, an indica which encourages warm relaxation and sleepy nostalgia.
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Wes Anderson
Like Kubrick, Anderson almost has an obsession with the most minute details. His films are beautifully symmetrical and flawlessly color coordinated. You’ll love being drawn in by the unique characters but also the ingenious set design. In an interview with National Public Radio, Anderson said, “I usually feel the need to invent a world for the characters to live in in the movies I do.” Budapest Hotel is one of Anderson’s most intriguing invented worlds and it will most likely make you giggle. Recommended strain: Ghost Train Haze. Grand Budapest Hotel calls for a sativa that will keep you in high spirits for hours after the end credits.
Spirited Away – Hayao Miyazaki Sprited Away, a 2001 film from the well-respected Studio Ghibli, set the bar high for future animation. The plot centers around 10 year old Chihiro, who, to rescue her parents (who have been turned into pigs), is forced to work at a traditional Japanese bathhouse. The visitors at the bathhouse represent a whole range of strange and entirely unique characters, some of which are evil and others who try to help Chihiro return to the normal, human world. There’s a reason Spirited Away was the highest grossing Japanese film of all time and won an Academy Award. Recommended strain: Blue Dream, a creatively energizing sativa for a soaring imagination.
Smiley Face – Greg Araki Any list of movies you should watch while medicated would be incomplete with this comedy. Anna Farris plays Jane, a young twenty-something living in L.A.. After accidentally consuming an entire batch of medicated cupcakes on accident Jane encounters a number of events and obstacles that prove to be especially entertaining and hilarious because of Jane’s current condition. Maybe you’ll relate to some of the shenanigans that Jane finds herself in? Recommended Strain: A silly comedy like this one requires something sweet and giggle-inducing like Pineapple Queen. Enjoy!
