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A Look at Fashion and Cannabis - or the lack thereof?

Updated: Feb 16, 2023

For a trillion-dollar industry, let’s take a look at its influence.


Cannabis is quickly becoming mainstream, with more states legalizing its use for both medicinal and recreational purposes. However, when it comes to fashion, there seems to be a lack of options for cannabis enthusiasts. While some clothing brands have attempted to incorporate cannabis into their designs, it's still a relatively untapped market. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the relationship between fashion and cannabis.



The History of Cannabis in Fashion


Cannabis has had a place in fashion for decades, particularly in counterculture and streetwear. In the 1960s and 70s, cannabis was a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, and it was often featured on clothing and accessories. The iconic "smiley face" t-shirt, for example, was created by artist Harvey Ball in 1963 as part of a campaign to boost morale among employees of a life insurance company. However, the image became synonymous with the counterculture movement and was often paired with cannabis-related imagery.


Fast forward to today, and cannabis has become more mainstream, but it's still not widely represented in fashion. While there are some clothing brands that cater to cannabis enthusiasts, they often rely on stereotypical imagery and designs that lack creativity.



The Current State of Cannabis Fashion


When it comes to cannabis fashion, the options are limited. There are some brands that have incorporated cannabis into their designs, but they tend to rely on clichéd imagery, such as marijuana leaves and "420" references. While these designs may appeal to some cannabis enthusiasts, they don't offer much in the way of innovation or creativity.


There are also some fashion designers who have incorporated cannabis into their runway collections, but these tend to be few and far between. For example, in 2018, designer Alexander Wang included a "This Is Not Marijuana" t-shirt in his runway show. However, these designs are often criticized for being tone-deaf or in poor taste.



The Future of Cannabis Fashion


As cannabis continues to become more mainstream, it's likely that we'll see more fashion brands incorporating it into their designs. However, for this to be successful, it's important for designers to move away from stereotypical imagery and embrace more innovative designs. This could mean using cannabis-related materials, such as hemp or bamboo, or incorporating cannabis themes into more high-end fashion designs.

It's also important for cannabis fashion to be inclusive and representative of all cannabis enthusiasts, not just those who fit a certain stereotype. This means creating designs that appeal to a wide range of people, including those who use cannabis for medicinal purposes or who are involved in the industry.



Conclusion


Cannabis has a long history in fashion, but it's still not widely represented in the industry. While some brands have attempted to incorporate cannabis into their designs, it's often done in a stereotypical or unoriginal way. However, as cannabis becomes more mainstream, it's likely that we'll see more fashion brands embracing it in innovative and creative ways. It's important for these designs to be inclusive and representative of all cannabis enthusiasts, and for designers to move away from clichéd imagery and embrace more high-end designs. With a little creativity and innovation, the future of cannabis fashion could be bright.

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