When the hit Showtime series Weeds returns this July 1st, it will be returning for its 8th and final season.

For better or worse, Weeds was the show that introduced a lot of people to cannabis and the world of the marijuana black market. While obviously exaggerated for dramatic effect, the show featured some of the violence that comes with dealing with criminals and the power of Mexican drug lords.

Weeds premiered in 2005 and, along with other titles, pioneered an edgy adult-cable programming renaissance that not only boosted Showtime but inspired similar risk-taking content on networks. Weeds particularly broke ground with Parker’s Golden Globe-winning portrayal of a suburban pot-dealing matriarch, a performance that was later followed by other female anti-hero programs like Showtime’s Nurse Jackie and FX’s Damages.

As I’ve said before, it’s my belief that in the end all exposure to marijuana and its culture that makes it’s way into pop culture is a good thing. Drinking alcohol isn’t seen as a big deal for most of society. Someday marijuana will be like that as well.

As for Weeds, shows don’t last forever. If you love the characters on the show, their stories will be wrapped up this season.

- Joe Klare