There are certain films in the canon that deserve a place amongst the stars. These movies simultaneously humor us, heart break us and teach us all at once. In the world of drug culture, it’s hard to find examples of cinema that doesn’t simplify and demonize the use of recreational substances. But when Trainspotting, written by the incredible Irvin Welsh and directed by the equally wonderful Danny Boyle, was released in 1996, people knew that they had a nuanced and well-thought out film about heroin addiction on their hands.
Trainspotting forced its way into many viewer’s ‘best films of all time’ list and rightfully so. But why did it hit so differently? Why did a movie about a group of Scottish friends dealing with drug and life issues become such a cult classic? Perhaps it simply told the truth.
Trainspotting
Trainspotting is a cultural phenomenon that has had a lasting impact on popular culture and public discourse. Originally a novel by Scottish writer Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film directed by Danny Boyle. Set in Edinburgh, Scotland in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Trainspotting follows a group of heroin addicts as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their drug-fueled lives. The film was a major commercial and critical success, earning awards and accolades for its unflinching portrayal of drug use and addiction.
It also has an 8.1 IMDB rating and 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. But beyond its entertainment value, Trainspotting was also notable for shining a light on the heroin problem in Scotland, a problem that was particularly acute in the period in which the film was set. We’re going to take a look into Trainspotting’s role in bringing the issue of heroin abuse to the forefront of public discourse, and its lasting impact on society’s perception of drug addiction. Although, let’s be honest, does a film have the power to change the world?
Heroin in Scotland
Scotland – one of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom – has a very specific identity and character. If you watch Trainspotting, you’ll see that clearly. In the 1990s, Scotland was facing a growing heroin epidemic that was having a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country. With heroin use on the rise, and a growing number of people struggling with addiction, the Scottish government was grappling with how to respond to the crisis. CNN writes:
In the early 1980s there was a “wave of Afghan and Iranian heroin that came into western Europe, which was very pure by anybody’s standards,”… Even today, older drug users “still wax eloquent about how lovely it was, that heroin that was 50% purity. It didn’t need to be mixed with anything else.”
According to government statistics, the number of heroin users in Scotland rose dramatically in the 1990s, from around 1,000 in 1989 to more than 10,000 by the end of the decade. This rise in drug use was accompanied by a sharp increase in the number of overdose deaths, with heroin being responsible for a significant proportion of the country’s drug-related fatalities.
However, despite the increasing urgency of the problem, public discourse around heroin was limited, with many people unsure of the true extent of the problem and the best ways to address it. In this context, Trainspotting emerged as a powerful voice that shed light on the reality of heroin addiction, and helped to raise awareness of the problem among the wider public. Through its graphic and often shocking portrayal of drug use, Trainspotting challenged prevailing attitudes towards heroin and those who were addicted to it, and opened up a much-needed conversation about the issue.
Public Perception
Trainspotting had a significant impact on the public perception of heroin addiction, with many praising the film for its honesty and authenticity. Although the film and book contains many great moments, one of the most memorable is from Ewan Mcgregor’s character. He says, and Irvine Welsh wrote, this:
Thank you for stopping in. Head over to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter for direct updates; and get access to awesome deals on cannabis buds, vapes, edibles, smoking devices and equipment, cannabinoid compounds, and some psychedelic products! Go get high responsibly!
“Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on a Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourself”
The ‘choose life’ campaign was a anti-drug concept that aimed to give substance abusers the confidence to say no to drugs. However, what Trainspotting perfectly captures here is that the choice doesn’t seem to be a difficult one. The ‘life’ that they speak of, well, it isn’t so great anyway, is it? It was this truthfulness that highlighted, on a rare occasion, that substance abusers don’t believe life is worth the hassle. For many people in Scotland and the world, their miserable lives are somewhat improved by drugs. Maybe only temporarily, but still improved. Danny Boyle, the director, says:
“It was presenting these voices who are normally marginalized. Drug addicts from the fringe “sinker estates” around Edinburgh — they were on the outskirts of Edinburgh — were regarded as being, at best, victims. At worst, evil. And all stupid; to get involved with this drug and let their lives decay in the way they did. But actually, the book celebrates their energy.”
Highlighting the energy of the user is something that not many did, and still avoid doing. To show an addict as anything other than miserable, ill and unemployed is rare in the media. Trainspotting, whilst horrific and graphic, does show some glimpse of joy in these character’s lives. If you want to portray truth and nuance in a film, you cannot ignore this. Trainspotting wasn’t treating the public like children, it was treating them like adults. It helped to spark a much-needed conversation about the issue.
Political Change
Scotland, like many other nations, still suffers greatly from drug issues. Whilst not much changed in the laws around heroin at the time, the zeitgeist shift was undoubtable. It is this that often causes long-lasting change eventually. After the film came out, the heroin problem continued of course. In 2000 there was a peak of 706 deaths due to this substance in Scotland. Even now, the Scottish death rate due to drug use is the highest in Europe. It’s three and half times that of the UK. Despite this, it is films like Trainspotting that had the guts to shine a light on the truth.
A truth that may not be pretty – although sometimes it can be the prettiest thing in the world – but a truth that must be acknowledged. Art cannot fix a problem, but it can give us the courage and the information to try. Danny Boyle joins a list of many other filmmakers – including the likes of Seth Rogen – who have made it their mission to destigmatize substance use. The war on drugs has not worked and will never work. It is films like Trainspotting that blatantly underlines why a new approach is so desperately needed.
Conclusion
Whilst Trainspotting did not fix the heroin situation in Scotland, for the first time it highlighted the nuance of it. Millions of people did not understand or even want to understand why people turned to heroin in the 90s. This film, written by Irvin Welsh and directed by Danny Boyle, gave a platform to those individuals. Why would anyone want to choose life when life is full of misery? It left people with this deeply meaningful question. The more films like Trainspotting exist, the closer we as a population can get to treating addicts as people, and not criminals.
Thanks for making your way over! We appreciate you stopping in at Cannadelics.com; where we work to bring you the best in independent news coverage for the cannabis and psychedelics spaces. Visit us regularly for daily news injections, and sign up to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, so you’re always on top of what’s going on.
Sometimes you want something light that tickles the taste buds but doesn’t weigh down your stomach….here are some refreshing cocktails.
Sometimes you just need to shake things up and get a fresh perspective. Whether a change of seasons, hard day, or just want need some cheer, you need a little fun boost. Well here are the best refreshing cocktails to lighten your spirits!
Spa water usually has cucumbers in it because it is so refreshing. They are healthy with a mild but distinctly crisp and exhilarating flavor. Why not treat yourself to a cucumber martini?
Ingredients
3 thick slicescucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
2 1/2ouncesvodka or gin
1/2ouncedry vermouth
1cupice
Create
Put thick cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to muddle to bring out flavor
Add vodka and vermouth
Add ice
Put the top on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds
Strain the mixture into a martini glass
Garnish with a few thin slices cucumber
Brown Derby
Leaning into the great vintage cocktails, this 1930s drink will be a treat to your taste buds. The pairing of bourbon and grapefruit adds complexity and mellow undertones to the flavor.
Ingredients
2ounces bourbon
1 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Splash of honey
Create
Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey and simply syrup to a cocktail shaker
Fill it with ice and then shake until very cold
Strain the drink into a cocktail glass
Garnish with grapefruit slice
Whiskey Sour
This historic drink has saved lives. While the recipe first popped up in 1862, believed to have been consumed much earlier. Sea travel was difficult and like of fresh good and clean water lead to scurvy, a potentially fatal disease that was caused, in part, by a lack of vitamin C. It was safe to drink whisky, rum and other spirits on trips and sailors would take vast amounts of citrus food. Cominbing them was natural and a healthy option to avoid disease, now it is just a happy drink!
2 oz whiskey
1 oz lemon juice, fresh squeezed is best
1 oz simple syrup
1 cocktail cherry for garnish
Create
Combine whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
Smash drinks have been around for over a century and include the famed Mint Julep. First noted in Jerry Thomas’s bar guide in the mid-19th century, these drinks are known to be perfect to provide good spirits and cooling atmospheres.
Ingredients
5fl ozSauza Gold Tequila
2fl ozfreshly squeezed lemon juice
.5fl ozfreshly squeezed lime juice
3fl ozhoney simple syrupequal parts honey and water dissolved over medium heat- about 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water
8-10mint leavestorn into small pieces
2cupscrushed ice
Create
Make simple syrup by mixing 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water in a small pan. Melt over medium heat until honey dissolves into water (about 1 minute), cool before adding to cocktail shaker
In a cocktail shaker add mint leaves, lime and lemon juice, tequila, and honey simple syrup
Shake for 30 seconds
Fill cocktail glasses with about 1 cup crushed ice and pour in the cocktail mixture
Fall is the time county fairs, carnivals, and more come to time…while engaging in the fun, there are few tip to know if you are going to consuming marijuana
September is a highlight for country fairs followed by October for the Halloween carnivals. Elephant ears, Ferris wheels and midways all appeal to our childlike delight for fun, excitement, different foods and more. But what if you want to chill out while attending? Well here are key tips for consuming marijuana at the local fair?
With over 50% of the country having access to legal marijuana, some are taking it for granted like it a beer and is accepted everywhere. But it is wise to think ahead, especially since you are with large groups of people – including families and kids. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest daily attended fair and the Texas State Fair, which is the largest in the country by total attendance, drew a peak daily attendance in 2023 of 141,410 but a total attendance of 2,341,449. Some parts of the fair are geared for kids, others for a mixed crowd, like the pirate ship and roller coasters.
Fairs are a sensation extravaganza. The lights, noises, movements, smells and food appeal to all the senses. The midway is the main path or street fairgoers walk along to find sideshows, concession stands, and other amusements.
The first thing is be discreet, fairs are family events. Consider a vape or gummies over smoking. They provide less smell, so are less noticeable. With a vape you can also manage your high.
If you are new to consuming marijuana, consider a low level high so you aren’t overwhelmed by the mass amount of sensations. It will also let you experience both things without freaking out. Part of a gummy might put you in the right spot to absorb everything going on and appreciate it at the next level.
The fair is about food, so know if you are prone to the munchies, this will be a fiesta of flavors. Consider eating beforehand or know this will be a cheat day. From fried butter to hot dogs, it is all going to look good.
Start slow on the rides. Let the high settle into your mind and body before boarding the scrambler. This gives your body time to adjust so there isn’t any unpleasant surprises.
Some fun fact, cotton candy was originally called “fairy floss” and was invented in 1897 by candy makers William Morris and John C. Wharton of Nashville, Tennessee. It was introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
Summer is winding down. A mindset seems to change after Labor Day things are more fall than summer. But the sun is still shining, the temperatures are still up, the water still warm and life is still good. So why not take a moment and really enjoy it and mix in a little extra with marijuana. Here are 5 weed friendly last of summer activities to make “pre-fall” extra fun.
A long walk or hike can let the mind wander and observe the wonders of nature. The THC will let you relax and get exercise. Pick an easy movement right, don’t litter and settle into let you mind explore nature. The serenity of the outdoors will seep into your brain and body.
While it is warm, it is great time to be on or near the water. There is something about water, the feel, the smell, the gentle movements that are enticing. Just watching the water while high can bring a certain serenity your brain. Kick back and enjoy a vape, gummy or beverage and make sure don’t over indulge while near or in the water.
Lose yourself in a film
Photo by JESHOOTS-com via Pixabay
Losing yourself in a film is a year round activity, but if you have been busy during the summer, now is the time to plop on the couch, have a bit of a hit and watch the summer blockbusters….and maybe more the watch – really feel them. And by enjoying them know, it frees up to prep for the fall and winter movies and streaming about to hit.
Weed makes visual experiences better and emotional ones deeper, which is why watching a movie while high can feel much stronger than if you were to watch it sober. The same applies to a visit to a museum or an art gallery. While you might annoy your friend or whoever you’re with your deep musings, you will for sure be having a great time.
Picnics are great, but high picnics are the best. Plan for a day alone or with friends spent at the park of your choosing, sharing a joint and eating delicious finger food. The more you plan it, the better, giving you the chance to bring speakers, a better selection of food, and more.