Lifestyle

Watch This: Spike Jonze Directs MedMen’s First Cannabis Commercial Starring Jesse Williams

Published on February 25, 2019 · Last updated July 28, 2020
Courtesy of MedMen

Need an easily digestible look at the history of cannabis in America? Check out “The New Normal,” a short that was produced by MedMen, directed by Spike Jonze, and stars Jesse Williams.

It’s the first time in a while that a powerhouse cannabis company has outwardly and explicitly acknowledged the realities of the cannabis industry—where prohibition came from, how it has affected certain communities, where it is now, and where legalization should be headed.

While the commercial provides an abundance of feel-good vibes about the future, it’s important to understand that we still have a long way to go before the normalization of adult-use cannabis is achieved. The war on drugs is not over, and until the problems of prohibition are corrected, this industry cannot truthfully say that it is.

But the future looks bright. Very bright.

Shop highly rated stores near you

Showing you stores near
See all stores
Danté Jordan
Danté Jordan
Danté Jordan is a cannabis writer based in Los Angeles. He's written for Leafly, Weedmaps, High Times, and many more publications.
View Danté Jordan's articles
Sign up for more Leafly news

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.