Rediscovering the Classics with Suggested Pairings
The Holiday season is around the corner, and that means so too is the inevitable seasonal movie marathon. Friends and family will soon take a break from the small screens to gather around the big one for some quality nostalgia-tinged entertainment.
But should the tradition feel stale (and at some point, it will), take heart; there’s a simple remedy—and “remedy” is the operative word here. Yes, we’re suggesting you make a hearty toke a part of the festivities. Think about it. If weed can make the Dead listenable, it’ll do wonders for a classic film.
Here at HeadQuest, we’ve done the backbreaking, mouth drying, and eye reddening work of cultivating the ultimate Holiday movie viewing combinations. We’ve paired the optimal cannabis strain and smoking accessory with our favorite movies to keep you feeling warm through this cold winter season.
We all know the importance of strain selection when it comes to facilitating a certain experience, but our very scientific research1 shows that the accessory choice can also make a key difference in the movie viewing experience as well. Our recommendations are backed by thousands of hours of research and testing performed by our new intern, who’s currently at home sleeping the study off, and reports that he’s never been more relaxed.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Suggested Strain: Monster Cookies
Accessory: Coffine Handpipe – Creature X GEAR
Tim Burton’s classic animated film about the king of Halloween Town learning the true meaning of the season with the help of his monster friends should be a staple in every stoner household. For full plot immersion, we find that Monster Cookies does the trick. Recognized widely as an indica, our recommend strain is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Granddaddy Purple, which will do wonders to open your mind to the collision of Halloween’s macabre scenery with the beauty of the yuletide season. And what better accessory to break out for such an occasion than the Coffin handpipe from the Creature x GEAR collab series? By the end of the movie, you’ll be a bona fide believer—in both the bogeyman and the spirit of Christmas.
Muppet Christmas Carol
Suggested Strain: Granddaddy Purple
Accessory: Volcano – Storz & Bickel
One of my personal favorite Christmas movies growing up was The Muppet Christmas Carol—and it’s only gotten better as I’ve aged. Michael Caine acting across from Jim Henson’s iconic cast of plushy pals is a marvel to behold, and a Christmas miracle in its own right. For this nostalgic piece of cinema, grab a pinch of Granddaddy Purple. The classic indica strain will pin you comfortably to the couch, with your thoughts drifting in a daydreamy buzz, which is exactly the viewing headspace Jim Henson intended (or so we assume). As far as an accessory goes, only the classic Volcano from Storz and Bickel will do. For optimal results, be sure and squeeze out a full bag of vapor just as our pal Ebeneezer encounters the Ghost of Christmas Future.
Elf
Suggested Strain: Candyland
Accessory: Santa Roast and Toast – Fashioncraft
Elf is the quintessential holiday comedy that never fails to bring the laughs, thanks to Will Ferrell’s over-the-top portrayal of Buddy the Elf. Whether it’s the syrup-covered spaghetti or Buddy’s relentless enthusiasm, this movie is pure holiday joy. To enhance the experience, light up some Candyland—a sweet, sativa-dominant strain that’ll keep you giggling at Buddy’s antics. And for an extra festive touch, enjoy your smoke with the Santa Roast and Toast Mug from Fashioncraft. It’s the perfect combo for getting cozy, embracing your inner elf, and of course, having the best cup of coffee in the world, just like Buddy would want you to.
Die Hard
Suggested Strain: AK-47
Accessory: Thicket V2
There’s been great debate over whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie, or just an action movie with added holiday frills. We’re here to say . . . this is 100% a Christmas movie! The people on the naughty list lose, and the good guy learns a valuable lesson about family, and what’s important in life. For this fast-paced holiday film, make sure you’re locked and loaded with some AK-47 bud, a sativa-dominant hybrid that delivers a steady, long-lasting brain buzz that will keep you alert and attentive for all the twists and turns of your favorite holiday action flick. Like any good undercover cop, you’ll want to keep your accessory incognito, so for this masterpiece, look no further than the Thicket V2. It may just look like a simple water bottle up close, but with a twist of the top it suddenly becomes so much more. Remember, though, it’s not an actual water bottle, so keep one in reach. When you’re battling the evil Hans Grueber, you want to stay high and hydrated.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Suggested Strain: OG Kush
Accessory: Entwood Dugout – Entwood Originals
Despite the jarring materialism that seems to saturate every crevice of the season, we know that, at least in theory, the real meaning of the holidays is about being grateful for what we have, and the OG Christmas movie of all Christmas movies, It’s A Wonderful Life is a wonderful way to be reminded of all those things. For example, I’m thankful for color television and CGI software. An OG film demands an OG strain, which is why we’re going with OG Kush for this one. The classic hybrid will give you the energy to make it through an old movie, along with the peace of mind to appreciate all of life’s little joys. A dugout from Entwood is the accessory of choice here; enjoy the fruit of an honest laborer, while conserving what you have during hard times, just like Mr. George Bailey.
A Christmas Story
Suggested Strain: Alaskan Thunder F*ck
Accessory: Loov – Randy’s
I have huge love-hate with the movie A Christmas Story, and through my research, I’ve discovered I’m not the only one. Scott Farkus and the creepy Santa Clause still give me PTSD—and the “24 Hours of A Christmas Story” marathons on TBS fill me with unmitigated dread. It feels like a challenge to get through every year, but also mandatory, which is why we suggest smoking Alaskan Thunder F*ck. Known for its wafts of pine and “creeper” effect, this varietal of the sticky icky will help carry you through that marathon while providing a multisensory experience for the tree-shopping scene. Meanwhile, make sure you’re toking out of the Loov by Randy’s. The vibe is just right and it’s made for a long, mellow sesh—exactly what you need to make it through the ordeal. Plus, it looks like a lamp, so . . .
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Suggested Strain: Green Crack
Accessory: Mangonada Mini Rig – Empire Glassworks
How The Grinch Stole Christmas is my personal go-to for getting myself into the holiday spirit—and I really don’t care which version you pick. Jim Carrey absolutely nailed the role in the live action edition, but there’s still something undeniable about the original animated feature, not to mention, slinking around like the animated Grinch is my favorite way to scare my dog. Since “Who-hash” isn’t a thing yet, Green Crack is the strain to obtain here; this high-octane sativa is just what you need for taking in all the brilliant subtleties of Carrey’s performance, especially with Ron Howard in the director’s chair. And to get in the spirit of Whoville, look no further than the Mangonada Mini Rig from Empire Glass; it’s like you’re having Who-pudding at the Who-feast.
