Why it matters: The legalization of cannabis in many states has led to an increase in pot-related content across various media platforms. Audible’s new dark comedy podcast, Blood Weed, aims to showcase the modern legal cannabis space, warts and all, through the story of a weed brand co-founder who finds himself at the mercy of the Russian mob.
What they are saying: Blood Weed manages to deliver an authentic and relatable story of the modern cannabis industry while still being an enjoyable listen and an out-there stoner journey. The show’s characters are recognizable archetypes of the staff that can be found in the cannabis industry, and their experiences of corporate culture are portrayed in a humorous way.
The big picture: The success of Blood Weed suggests that the market for stoner comedies is still going strong. As co-creator Matt Klinman points out, despite some people saying they don’t want “stoner stuff”, everybody loved Pineapple Express. The show’s production quality is top-notch thanks to Audible’s backing, and the plotline’s twists and turns keep listeners engaged.
What to watch: Blood Weed’s use of relatable and authentic characters, mixed with industry experience, makes it feel more connected to the new legal cannabis space than any other pot entry. It will be interesting to see how other media platforms approach their own original content about the modern cannabis industry and if they can create something as engaging as Blood Weed.
My take: As someone who doesn’t know much about the legal cannabis industry, I found Blood Weed’s portrayal of the modern cannabis space to be fascinating. The plotline’s mix of corporate culture and danger kept me engaged, and the comedic moments helped balance out the suspenseful parts. Overall, Blood Weed is an excellent addition to Audible’s original content library and a must-listen for cannabis enthusiasts.
