The Cannabis Connection: How Cannabis Builds Community & Brings People Together
Discover the cannabis connection — from ancient community rituals to modern social bonds in New Jersey
By The Library Team | Licensed NJ Dispensary (RE000228) | Updated: January 2026
What is Cannabis Culture?
Cannabis culture describes the social atmosphere, traditions, language, art, music, and rituals that have evolved around cannabis consumption over thousands of years. It encompasses everything from ancient spiritual practices and medicinal traditions to modern 420 celebrations and dispensary communities.
As cannabis scholar Nick Brownlee writes: “Cannabis has evolved its own language, humour, etiquette, art, literature and music.” This culture transcends national borders and promotes values of community, sharing, creativity, and wellness.
New to cannabis? Start with our Cannabis 101: Complete Beginner's Guide to understand the basics before diving into the culture.
Ancient Origins: 5,000 Years of Cannabis History
Cannabis culture isn't a modern invention—it's one of humanity's oldest plant relationships. Archaeological evidence suggests cannabis has been cultivated and consumed for at least 5,000 years, making it one of the earliest domesticated plants.
Central Asia & China (~3000 BCE)
Cannabis originated in Central Asia or western China. Ancient Chinese texts reference hemp fiber for textiles and cannabis seeds as food. Emperor Shen Nung (2737 BCE) reportedly documented cannabis's medicinal properties.
India & the Vedic Tradition (~2000 BCE)
Hindu sacred texts mention cannabis as one of five sacred plants. The god Shiva is called “Lord of Bhang” (a cannabis preparation). Cannabis remains integral to Hindu spiritual practices today, consumed during festivals like Holi.
Scythians & Ancient Greece (~500 BCE)
Greek historian Herodotus documented Scythian shamans burning cannabis to induce trance states. The word “cannabis” itself derives from Greek “kánnabis,” borrowed from Scythian or Thracian languages.
Cannabis Culture Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| ~3000 BCE | First recorded cannabis use in Central Asia/China |
| ~2000 BCE | Cannabis mentioned in Hindu Vedic texts (India) |
| ~500 BCE | Scythians use cannabis in ritual steam baths (Herodotus) |
| 1839 | Irish physician W.B. O'Shaughnessy introduces cannabis to Western medicine |
| 1930s | Jazz 'reefer' culture emerges in Harlem |
| 1937 | Marihuana Tax Act effectively bans cannabis in the US |
| 1960s | Counterculture movement embraces cannabis; Woodstock era |
| 1971 | The Waldos coin '420' in California |
| 1972 | Bob Marley releases 'Kaya' and globalizes reggae cannabis culture |
| 1990 | High Times magazine spreads '420' to mainstream |
| 1996 | California becomes first state to legalize medical cannabis |
| 2012 | Colorado and Washington first to legalize recreational cannabis |
| 2020 | New Jersey voters approve recreational cannabis (67%) |
| 2022 | NJ recreational sales begin April 21st |
The Counterculture Revolution: Cannabis Goes Mainstream
While cannabis has ancient roots, modern cannabis culture crystallized during the 1960s counterculture movement. This era “sums up the glory years of modern cannabis culture,” with the 1969 Woodstock Festival representing “the pinnacle of the hippie revolution.”
Jazz Age (1920s-1950s)
Cannabis (“reefer”) flourished in Harlem jazz clubs. Musicians like Louis Armstrong openly discussed cannabis use. Jazz culture established cannabis as a creative enhancer.
Beatniks (1950s)
Beat Generation writers like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac embraced cannabis as part of their rejection of mainstream conformity and exploration of consciousness.
Hippie Movement (1960s-70s)
Cannabis became synonymous with peace, love, and anti-war protest. San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury and events like Woodstock defined cannabis culture for a generation.
Hip-Hop Era (1990s-Present)
Artists like Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, and Wiz Khalifa made cannabis central to hip-hop identity. Cannabis culture merged with mainstream entertainment.
The 420 Phenomenon: Cannabis Culture's Most Iconic Symbol
420 (four-twenty) is cannabis culture's universal code—representing both the daily ritual of consuming at 4:20 pm and the annual April 20th celebration.
The term originated in 1971 when five California high school students—the “Waldos”—would meet at 4:20 pm to search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop. Though they never found the plants, their code spread through the Grateful Dead community and eventually worldwide.
Today, April 20th is celebrated globally with festivals, concerts, dispensary sales, and mass gatherings. Major 420 events occur from San Francisco's Hippie Hill to Amsterdam's coffee shops—and right here in New Jersey.
Cannabis & Music: An Inseparable Bond
Cannabis has profoundly influenced nearly every popular music genre of the past century. The plant's ability to alter perception and enhance creativity has made it a muse for countless artists.
Reggae & Rastafari
Bob Marley made cannabis (ganja) synonymous with reggae music and Rastafarian spirituality. Songs like “Kaya” and “Easy Skanking” celebrate cannabis as a sacrament. Reggae remains cannabis culture's most spiritually connected genre.
Jazz & Blues
Jazz musicians pioneered cannabis culture in 1920s America. Louis Armstrong was a lifelong advocate. “Reefer songs” like Cab Calloway's “Reefer Man” celebrated the plant openly before prohibition intensified.
Hip-Hop
From Dr. Dre's “The Chronic” to Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, and Wiz Khalifa, hip-hop has elevated cannabis culture to the mainstream. Modern artists like Kid Cudi continue this tradition, openly discussing cannabis's creative and wellness benefits.
Psychedelic Rock
The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix created music deeply influenced by cannabis (among other substances). The 1960s “Summer of Love” intertwined psychedelic music and cannabis culture permanently.
Cannabis in Art, Film & Literature
The Stoner Film Genre
Cannabis has spawned its own film genre—from Cheech & Chong's “Up in Smoke” (1978) to modern classics like “Pineapple Express,” “Harold & Kumar,” “Half Baked,” and “Dazed and Confused.” These films celebrate cannabis culture's humor, friendship, and laid-back philosophy.
Visual Art & Design
Cannabis culture has influenced art from psychedelic poster design to modern cannabis branding. The iconic green leaf symbol is recognized worldwide. Artists like Alex Grey explore cannabis-inspired consciousness in their work.
Cannabis & Literature
Writers from the Beat Generation (Ginsberg, Burroughs) to Hunter S. Thompson have explored cannabis in their work. Even historical figures like Shakespeare may have used cannabis—17th-century pipes found in his garden tested positive for cannabis residue.
Cannabis Slang: The Culture's Language
Cannabis culture has developed an extensive vocabulary. As slang scholar Jonathon Green notes, new terms continue emerging even as legalization spreads—creating slang “is simply fun.”
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 420 | Cannabis consumption time/date; cannabis culture code |
| Bud / Flower | Dried cannabis plant material ready for consumption |
| Dank | High-quality, potent cannabis with strong aroma |
| Eighth | 3.5 grams of cannabis (1/8 of an ounce) |
| Sesh / Session | A social gathering to consume cannabis together |
| Munchies | Increased appetite and food cravings after consumption |
| Cottonmouth | Dry mouth sensation, common side effect |
| Blunt | Cannabis rolled in tobacco leaf or cigar wrap |
| Joint | Cannabis rolled in paper, like a cigarette |
| Dab | Cannabis concentrate consumed via vaporization |
Cannabis Rituals & Social Etiquette
Cannabis culture is deeply communal. Unlike alcohol, which can fuel aggression, cannabis traditionally promotes sharing, conversation, and connection. Specific rituals have evolved:
“Puff, Puff, Pass”
The fundamental rule of sharing: take two puffs, then pass to the left. This ensures fairness and prevents “camping” (holding too long). Breaking this etiquette is a social faux pas.
The Smoke Circle
Groups traditionally sit in a circle, passing cannabis clockwise. The person who provides (“packs the bowl”) often gets first hit (“greens”). This ritual emphasizes equality and community.
The “Sesh”
A “sesh” or session is an informal gathering to consume cannabis socially. It can be two friends or dozens of people. The emphasis is on relaxation, conversation, and shared experience.
Sharing is Caring
Offering to share cannabis with friends is deeply embedded in the culture. This generosity ethic distinguishes cannabis culture from more individualistic substance cultures.
The Cannabis Connection: How Cannabis Brings People Together
The cannabis connection describes the unique social bonds and community relationships formed through shared cannabis experiences—a phenomenon that distinguishes cannabis culture from other substance cultures.
Unlike alcohol, which research shows can increase aggression and impair social judgment, cannabis has historically promoted sharing, meaningful conversation, and genuine connection. This isn't just anecdotal—studies suggest cannabis may reduce social anxiety and enhance interpersonal bonding, making it easier for people to connect authentically.
Why Cannabis Creates Connection
1. Built-In Sharing Rituals
The “puff, puff, pass” tradition isn't just about getting high—it's a ritual of equality. Everyone in the circle takes the same amount, passes in the same direction, and participates equally. This structure promotes fairness and collective experience over individual consumption.
2. Conversation Enhancement
Many cannabis users report that the plant helps quiet the anxious inner voice that can make social interaction feel stressful. This can lead to more open, honest conversations and deeper connections—without the memory blackouts or regrettable behavior associated with alcohol.
3. Shared Experience Bonding
The “sesh” (cannabis session) creates a shared altered state that bonds participants. Laughing together, exploring ideas, listening to music, or simply enjoying comfortable silence—these shared moments create lasting memories and friendships.
4. Creative Collaboration
Cannabis has long been associated with creative connection. From jazz musicians improvising together in the 1920s to modern artists and entrepreneurs, cannabis can facilitate the kind of open, exploratory thinking that leads to creative breakthroughs when people work together.
Building Your Cannabis Connection in NJ
With New Jersey's legal cannabis market now mature, there are more opportunities than ever to build your cannabis community. At The Library in West Orange, we host regular events designed to bring cannabis enthusiasts together—from educational workshops to art exhibitions and social gatherings.
Tips for Social Cannabis Consumption
- Start Low, Go Slow: In social settings, it's easy to consume more than intended. Pace yourself to stay present and connected.
- Respect the Circle: Follow puff-puff-pass etiquette. Don't “camp” on the joint or bogart the pipe.
- Create the Vibe: Good music, comfortable seating, and snacks enhance the social experience.
- Stay Safe: Never drive impaired. Designate a sober driver or plan to stay put.
Whether you're a longtime cannabis enthusiast or exploring the plant for the first time, the cannabis connection is about more than just consumption—it's about community, shared experience, and genuine human connection. Visit our events page to find your cannabis community at The Library.
The Cannabis Connection in New Jersey
The cannabis connection is thriving in the Garden State. New Jersey's legal cannabis market has created new opportunities for cannabis enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and build community. From industry networking events to dispensary gatherings, the NJ cannabis connection is stronger than ever.
NJCBA Cannabis Connection Events
The New Jersey CannaBusiness Association hosts annual “Cannabis Connection” networking events that bring together industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and cannabis enthusiasts. These events have become the largest cannabis networking gatherings in the state.
Since recreational sales began in April 2022, New Jersey's cannabis market has earned over $1.3 billion in sales, creating a thriving ecosystem for cannabis connection and community.
Your Cannabis Connection in Essex County
At The Library in West Orange, we're your local cannabis connection. Our dispensary serves as a community hub where cannabis enthusiasts can connect with knowledgeable budtenders, discover premium products, and learn about cannabis culture.
Located at 5 Washington Street, we serve West Orange, Montclair, Newark, Livingston, and all of Essex County with a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the cannabis connection.
Why Choose The Library for Your Cannabis Connection?
Community First
We prioritize genuine connection over transactions
Education Focus
Our budtenders share knowledge, not just products
Cultural Hub
Art exhibitions and events celebrating cannabis culture
Cannabis Culture & Connection History in New Jersey
New Jersey's cannabis culture is entering a new era of connection and community. After voters approved recreational cannabis with 67% support in November 2020, legal sales began on April 21, 2022—appropriately, the day after 4/20. This legalization has transformed the cannabis connection from underground gatherings to legitimate community spaces.
NJ Cannabis Connection Timeline
- 2010: Medical cannabis program established, creating first legal cannabis connections
- 2020: Voters approve recreational cannabis (Question 1) with overwhelming support
- 2021: Governor Murphy signs Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act
- 2022: First recreational sales begin April 21—the cannabis connection goes mainstream
- 2023: NJ cannabis market surpasses $800 million in sales; cannabis connection events flourish
- 2024: The Library opens in West Orange, bringing curated cannabis culture and connection to Essex County
Experience the Cannabis Connection at The Library
At The Library, we honor the cannabis connection's rich tradition while embracing modern education and quality. Our dispensary philosophy draws from traditional libraries: we're a repository of knowledge and community gathering space, not just a retail store. The cannabis connection thrives here.
Our rotating art collection celebrates the intersection of cannabis culture and fine art. Our knowledgeable budtenders share the stories and traditions behind different strains, fostering genuine cannabis connections with every visit.
Cannabis Culture Events & Holidays
Modern cannabis culture celebrates through various events and observances:
4/20 (April 20th)
The biggest cannabis holiday worldwide. Dispensaries offer special deals, festivals occur globally, and enthusiasts gather at iconic locations like San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The Library hosts special 4/20 promotions and events.
Cannabis Cup Events
High Times Cannabis Cup and similar competitions celebrate the best strains, concentrates, and edibles. These events bring together growers, consumers, and industry professionals.
Hempfest & Local Festivals
Events like Seattle Hempfest and the National Cannabis Festival combine music, education, and advocacy. NJ is developing its own festival scene as legal culture matures.
7/10 (Dab Day)
July 10th (7/10 spells “OIL” upside down) celebrates cannabis concentrates. Concentrate enthusiasts mark the day with special dab sessions and dispensary promotions.
🎵 Music Bingo Nights at The Library
Experience cannabis culture and community at our 90s R&B Bingo nights! Free entry, prizes, food trucks, and good vibes. The only dispensary in NJ hosting music bingo events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Culture
What is cannabis culture?
Cannabis culture describes the social behaviors, traditions, language, art, music, and rituals associated with cannabis consumption. It encompasses everything from the 420 tradition and “puff, puff, pass” etiquette to reggae music, stoner films, and the counterculture movement. Cannabis culture has evolved over 5,000 years and includes both spiritual/medicinal traditions and modern recreational practices.
Where did cannabis culture originate?
Cannabis culture has ancient roots dating back at least 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests cannabis use began in Central Asia or western China around 3000 BCE. It was used spiritually in ancient India (associated with the god Shiva), medicinally in China, and recreationally by the Scythians. Modern cannabis culture emerged primarily during the 1960s counterculture movement.
What does 420 mean in cannabis culture?
420 is cannabis culture's most iconic code. It refers to 4:20 pm as a consumption time and April 20th as an unofficial holiday. The term originated in 1971 when five California students called “the Waldos” would meet at 4:20 pm. It spread through the Grateful Dead community and went mainstream via High Times magazine in 1990.
How has cannabis influenced music?
Cannabis has profoundly influenced multiple genres. Reggae (Bob Marley, Rastafarian culture) is closely tied to cannabis spirituality. Jazz musicians embraced it in the 1920s-50s. Hip-hop has celebrated cannabis since the 1990s through artists like Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. Psychedelic rock of the 1960s was also heavily influenced.
What is “puff, puff, pass” etiquette?
“Puff, puff, pass” is fundamental cannabis etiquette when sharing. Take two puffs, then pass to the left. This ensures everyone gets equal turns. The tradition emphasizes sharing, community, and fairness in social consumption settings.
What are common cannabis slang terms?
Common terms include: weed, pot, marijuana, ganja, bud, flower, dank (high quality), eighth (3.5g), zip (ounce), blunt (cigar wrap), joint (rolled paper), bowl (pipe), bong (water pipe), dab (concentrate), edibles, cottonmouth (dry mouth), munchies (appetite), and sesh (session).
When did cannabis become legal in New Jersey?
NJ voters approved recreational cannabis with 67% support in November 2020. Governor Murphy signed enabling legislation in February 2021. Recreational sales began April 21, 2022. Adults 21+ can purchase from licensed dispensaries like The Library without a medical card.
How is cannabis culture celebrated today?
Modern celebrations include: 4/20 events and dispensary sales; festivals like Cannabis Cup and Hempfest; cannabis art, film, and music; social consumption lounges; online communities; dispensary events; cannabis tourism; and daily rituals like observing 4:20 pm. The culture emphasizes community, sharing, creativity, and wellness.
What is the cannabis connection?
The cannabis connection refers to the social bonds and community relationships formed through shared cannabis experiences. Unlike alcohol which can fuel aggression, cannabis traditionally promotes sharing, conversation, and meaningful connection. This includes rituals like “puff, puff, pass” that emphasize equality and community, as well as modern dispensary events that bring cannabis enthusiasts together.
Does cannabis bring people together?
Yes, cannabis has historically been a social catalyst that brings people together. Cannabis culture is deeply communal, emphasizing sharing, conversation, and connection over competition or isolation. From ancient spiritual ceremonies to modern 420 celebrations, cannabis has served as a social bonding agent across cultures for over 5,000 years. Many people report that cannabis helps reduce social anxiety and enhances meaningful conversation.
Continue Exploring Cannabis Culture
The History of 420
The complete origin story of cannabis culture's most famous number
Cannabis 101
Essential guide to cannabis basics for beginners
Explore Strains
Discover indica, sativa, and hybrid varieties
What is Indica?
Complete guide to relaxing indica strains
What is Sativa?
Energizing sativa strains explained
Art Collection
Cannabis culture meets fine art at The Library
Cannabis Connection
Build community through cannabis events and gatherings
Experience Cannabis Culture at The Library
Visit West Orange's premier dispensary and join a community that honors cannabis tradition while embracing modern quality and education.
Educational Purposes Only: This information is for educational purposes about cannabis history and culture. It is not medical advice. Must be 21+ to purchase cannabis in New Jersey. The Library holds NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228. Please consume responsibly.