You might recognize the echoes of nepotism in the arts that have become quite prevalent recently. This theme partially influenced the creation of Audible’s new cannabis-centric dark comedy Blood Weed.
In Blood Weed, protagonist Chase Stapp is catapulted into chaos by the Russian mafia, dubious corporate maneuvers, a grim torture chamber, and an unsettling amount of human blood.
While Blood Weed might come across as another wild ride in the stoner genre, it actually offers a grounded portrayal of the contemporary legal marijuana industry, complete with its inherent flaws, thanks to creators Dan Abramson and Matt Klinman’s genuine enthusiasm for cannabis culture.
The series, which spans 10 episodes, features a robust lineup of voice talents, including Haley Joel Osment (as Chase), Maria Bakalova, Hugo Armstrong, Clayton English, Allan McLeod, Yevgeniy Kartashov, and others.
Listening to Blood Weed while driving through New Jersey and visiting dispensaries provided an entertaining and immersive experience.
Engaging and Relatable Plot
The narrative of Blood Weed shines through its depiction of the cannabis industry. The series begins with the episode titled Hall of Flowers, setting a tone that diverges from typical stoner comedies. Instead, it focuses on the genuine challenges faced by those in the industry, like the mismanagement seen when Chase and his team at Elevator are caught unprepared at their debut event.
Dan Abramson shared insights into the industry’s overemphasis on presentation over product quality, a theme that resonates throughout the series. This focus on superficial aspects at trade shows has often been echoed by real-world sales figures, highlighting a capitalist success story.
Further episodes deepen the authenticity of the narrative, exploring corporate takeovers, educational efforts on THC, and the challenges of maintaining legal compliance in a competitive market.
The series also benefits from a diverse cast of characters that avoid clichéd stoner tropes, offering instead a nuanced view of the various personalities one might find within the modern cannabis industry.
Blood Weed Makes an Impact
The show not only made for an enjoyable listen but also prompted reflection on the operations of the cannabis brands encountered along the way. While it might delve deeply into industry-specific jargon, this is essential for framing such a multifaceted world.
The real success of Blood Weed will be measured by listener feedback, though creators Abramson and Klinman are eager to continue exploring this theme, possibly extending into more serious representations of the cannabis industry.
Blood Weed is available on Audible, and I managed to listen to it using a free credit. For those without a credit, the show is also accessible for a preview on Soundcloud.
