Green Day's Name and Legacy Rooted in Cannabis Culture and Punk Rock

Green Day, the iconic punk rock band from California's East Bay, is renowned not only for their music but also for their intriguing name, which is steeped in cannabis culture. Originally called Sweet Children, the band changed their name to Green Day in 1989 to avoid confusion with another group. The term 'green day' was local slang for a day spent smoking marijuana, a theme that resonated with the band's rebellious spirit

The band's song 'Green Day' from their debut EP '1,000 Hours' directly references cannabis use, complete with the sound of a water pipe at the start. Billie Joe Armstrong, the band's frontman, confirmed in a 2010 interview that the name was indeed inspired by marijuana, likening their early image to the Cheech & Chong of punk rock. Armstrong has been candid about his substance use, revealing that he reduced his cannabis consumption after becoming a father, though he supports legalization

Despite his openness about drug use, Armstrong's struggles with substances primarily involved alcohol and prescription drugs, leading to a stint in rehab in 2012. By 2020, Armstrong indicated he was no longer completely sober but had matured and taken responsibility for his actions. As Green Day continues to influence the punk rock scene, their name remains a testament to their roots in both music and cannabis culture