Skateboarding And Cannabis: Sharing a Rich History Rooted in Counterculture and Rebellion
Skateboarding and cannabis, although very distinct in nature, have more in common than you might think. Both have scratched and clawed their way from marginalized and subculture activities into mainstream phenomena. They now not only continue to build and influence that underground presence, but they also influence overall mainstream society. Both activities change norms through community engagement, while also giving us unique insights into how subcultures can drive positive societal change.
Historical Intersections of Cannabis and Skateboarding
Climbing out of the shadows prominently in the 1960s and 1970s, both skateboarding and cannabis became symbols of defiance and nonconformity. Although no one knows who officially came up with the very first skateboard, or deck, it owes its heritage to the papa he'e malu (surfboards) and papahōlua (land sleds) of Native Hawaiians. The first manufactured skateboards were ordered by a Los Angeles, California surf shop, meant to be used by surfers for practice in their downtime.
Skateboarding, originating from Californian surf culture, was initially seen as an act of rebellion. Skaters were and still are often labeled as misfits, weirdos, and outcasts, but that didn’t stop pioneers like Alan Gelfand who invented the Ollie in 1978, Rodney Mullen who invented the kickflip in the early 80s, Patti McGee, the first female pro skateboarder, and of course Tony Hawk and the rest of the Powell Peralta crew from pushing the activity into a sport while capturing the hearts and minds of millions of people across the globe.
Similarly, cannabis use was stigmatized via heavy media brainwashing starting back in the 1930s with Henry Anslinger, William Randolf Hearst of the Hearst Media Corporation, and their wealthy buddies who lied and pushed reefer madness narratives that were based on racism and fear. Anslinger used his position to lobby for anti-cannabis legislation which ended up in the creation of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.
Hearst controlled the editorial positions and coverage of political news in his papers and magazines and often published his personal views, which were obviously based on racism and fear for the pursuit of financial gain. This means that for most of the 20th century, cannabis was associated with countercultural movements that mainstream society labeled as filled with lazy stoners, druggies, hippies, losers, poor people, and many others on the outskirts of society.
Luckily over time, we’ve seen a decline in a lot of these perceptions as both skateboarding and cannabis have gained a much broader acceptance in mainstream society, especially as Gen X’ers have become parents. There’s no better proof of that than seeing skateboarding as part of the Olympics, and cannabis being “fully legalized” in about half of the United States.
The intersection of these two cultures is obvious within skateboarding communities, where cannabis use has been prevalent for a long time. Many skaters say that cannabis enhances creativity and focus, which helps in the visualization of new tricks and approaches to the sport overall. That synergy has helped to create a unique subculture that values innovation, personal expression, and inclusion.
Contributions to Society and Positive Impacts
Both skateboarding and cannabis can help foster and promote community development and individual well-being. Skateboarding transforms urban spaces into literal arenas of creativity, promoting physical activity and social interaction, usually in an environment free of judgment or hate. We need that now more than ever! Skate parks are places where you get to see the best of our younger generations help each other develop skills they won’t get anywhere else. These spaces can be so unique that they themselves drive awareness and change directly into our communities daily.
Cannabis can help with so many things when it comes to our health and wellness including offering alternatives to dangerous prescriptions for pain relief, anxiety, ADHD, and sleep disorders, just to name a few. For skaters, cannabis' anti-inflammatory properties can help some of us old fogies to stay on our boards much longer. Of course, beyond individual health benefits, the cannabis industry has generated massive economic opportunities, from job creation to tax revenue, contributing to societal progress in countless ways.
Challenging Stigmas and Changing Perceptions
The evolution of skateboarding and cannabis over the last few decades reflects much larger societal shifts toward acceptance and inclusivity. Both have challenged outdated stereotypes, advocating for alternative lifestyles and even different approaches to wellness. The growing acceptance of cannabis within sports, including skateboarding, signifies a move towards recognizing diverse methods of pain management and mental health support as well.
The inclusion of skateboarding in global platforms like the Olympics has elevated its status, challenging perceptions of it as merely a countercultural activity. This recognition has inspired a new generation of skaters, promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport.
The parallel journeys of skateboarding and cannabis from the fringes of society to mainstream acceptance very clearly show the transformative power of subcultures in challenging norms and fostering real change. Their shared history of rebellion and innovation continues to influence culture daily, promoting values of creativity, resilience, and community engagement. As society progresses, the lessons we learn from these movements prove the importance of embracing diverse expressions and alternative pathways to well-being.
