Golden Globe winner Hacks treats marijuana as usual

Some people take New Year's Eve to another level – here's what you should know about cannabis and plastic surgery.

The annual Golden Globes ceremony took place on Sunday evening and cannabis was among the winners. Held since 1944 to honor artists, writers and other creatives, it celebrates film, television and streaming. It was founded by the Foreign Press Association and is now operated by the Golden Globe Foundation. In a nod to mainstream acceptance, this year Golden Globe winner Hacks is treating marijuana as usual, making it an unrecognized winner. The show, directed by the talented Jean Smart, is clever, funny, takes on the mundane and is laugh-out-loud funny.

The HBO Max series offers a nuanced portrayal of marijuana use within its comedic narrative, reflecting evolving attitudes toward cannabis in contemporary television. The show was cutting edge and brought both stars into the spotlight with their witty jokes and strong storylines.

In “Hacks,” marijuana serves as a character development tool, particularly for Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder. Ava's cannabis use is portrayed as part of her lifestyle and contributes to her characterization as a young, somewhat stereotypical twenty-something. This account is consistent with Einbinder's real-life experiences, as she openly spoke about using marijuana in her youth to counteract the effects of ADHD medication.

The show cleverly uses marijuana to highlight the generational differences between Ava and Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart. While Ava's laid-back attitude toward cannabis use is representative of younger generations, Deborah's reactions provide insight into older perspectives on the drug. This contrast highlights the generational conflicts and development central to the series' premise. Today, even AARP supports marijuana use.

“Hacks” incorporates marijuana into its storylines with a sense of normalcy, often using it as a source of humor. For example, Deborah questions Ava about room service fees and reveals Ava's marijuana-induced cravings. This approach to portraying cannabis use is consistent with a broader trend in television, where marijuana is increasingly being incorporated into the storylines of dramas and comedies.

The show also delves into the medical aspects of marijuana use. In one episode, Ava reveals her use of marijuana and other substances to an emergency room doctor. Although played for laughs, this scene subtly acknowledges the growing acceptance of marijuana as a topic of open discussion in medical settings

By incorporating marijuana into the narrative without overly moralizing, “Hacks” reflects changing attitudes toward cannabis in society and the media. This approach stands in stark contrast to previous television depictions of marijuana, which often portrayed it in a negative light or as the subject of “very special episodes.”

“I have a cast and crew that was heaven-sent, especially my co-star Hannah Einbinder,” Smart said while accepting the award for Best Performance by a Female Actress in a Television Series