Cannabis and music have been intertwined for decades, with countless artists finding inspiration, relaxation, and creativity through marijuana. Whether it’s jazz legends riffing over a joint, rock icons blazing trails (literally), or modern hip-hop celebrating the plant’s culture, cannabis has been there, shaping sound and style. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic moments and lasting impacts of marijuana on the music industry.
The Jazz Era: Where It All Started
Back in the early 20th century, jazz musicians were among the first to openly embrace cannabis. In the underground clubs of New Orleans and Harlem, musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington would light up to relax, get into a groove, and enhance their creativity. Armstrong, a vocal cannabis advocate, called it “the gage” and praised it for putting him “in touch with the world.”
Jazz musicians found that weed heightened their senses, allowing for more spontaneity, creativity, and improvisation. It became a staple of the jazz lifestyle and helped lay the foundation for cannabis’ long-standing relationship with music. The influence didn’t stop with jazz – it was just the beginning.
The Psychedelic ’60s and ’70s: Rock and Roll’s Green Revolution
When rock and roll hit the scene, cannabis went mainstream. Artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones were known for their cannabis use, and the plant quickly became part of the “counterculture” movement. Bob Dylan famously introduced The Beatles to marijuana in 1964, a moment that allegedly changed their lives—and their music.
From there, cannabis became woven into the very fabric of rock. Songs like The Beatles’ “Got to Get You into My Life,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” and even Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf” became unofficial cannabis anthems. The effects of marijuana encouraged musicians to experiment with new sounds, bringing us albums full of groundbreaking music that, to this day, is hard to separate from cannabis culture.
Reggae and Rastafari: Bob Marley’s Iconic Legacy
It’s hard to talk about cannabis in music without mentioning Bob Marley and reggae. Marley used cannabis as a spiritual tool, in line with his Rastafarian beliefs, seeing it as a means of connecting to a higher power. His music spread the word about the cultural and spiritual importance of marijuana, influencing generations.
Marley’s image, complete with a joint and a peaceful vibe, became iconic. He wasn’t just singing about cannabis—he was teaching the world about the freedom and consciousness it brought him. Reggae artists like Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer also promoted the plant’s role in personal and social transformation, building an unshakeable link between reggae music and cannabis culture that remains alive today.
The Rise of Hip-Hop: Weed, Beats, and Blunt Culture
Fast forward to the ’90s and 2000s, and cannabis took on a new role in hip-hop. With artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Cypress Hill, weed became an essential part of hip-hop’s identity. Dr. Dre’s The Chronic is a prime example, paying homage to high-grade cannabis and shaping a generation of smokers with its G-funk sound and West Coast vibe.
Then there’s Snoop Dogg—perhaps hip-hop’s most legendary cannabis advocate. From his “Smoke Weed Everyday” mantra to his laid-back flow, Snoop has become an ambassador for cannabis in the music world. Hip-hop’s love for cannabis is more than just recreational; it’s a symbol of resilience, culture, and even political resistance. Songs like “Hits from the Bong” by Cypress Hill and “How High” by Method Man and Redman are straight-up love letters to the plant.
Modern Pop and Indie: Embracing the Green Wave
In recent years, pop and indie artists have also joined the cannabis conversation. Rihanna has become famous for her love of weed, posting smoky selfies and bringing cannabis culture into the pop scene. Lady Gaga has openly discussed using cannabis for pain relief and creativity, while Miley Cyrus embraced cannabis as a symbol of freedom and independence.
The indie world is no stranger to cannabis either. Artists like Mac DeMarco and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker have spoken about how cannabis helps with relaxation and songwriting, often weaving it into their laid-back vibes. Cannabis legalization in various parts of the world has opened the door for more mainstream artists to talk about marijuana openly, and we’re seeing its influence more in music than ever before.
Iconic Festivals and Cannabis Culture: Woodstock to Coachella
Beyond individual artists, cannabis has also left its mark on music festivals, where the vibe and plant go hand in hand. Festivals like Woodstock, in 1969, became synonymous with peace, love, music, and, of course, cannabis. That spirit lives on in modern festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo, where the culture of cannabis is as much a part of the experience as the music itself.
With more states and countries legalizing cannabis, festivals are increasingly cannabis-friendly, incorporating dispensary pop-ups, cannabis lounges, and wellness sessions focused on cannabis education.
Cannabis in Music Today: More Than a Muse
The influence of cannabis on music isn’t just about getting high—it’s about how the plant helps artists connect with themselves, the world, and their audiences. Today’s artists, from Kid Cudi to Billie Eilish, talk openly about using cannabis to enhance their mental well-being and creativity, normalizing it in ways we’ve never seen before.
As more people recognize cannabis’ role in mental health, pain management, and artistic expression, it’s clear that marijuana’s influence on music is here to stay. Cannabis and music are like old friends—two powerful, creative forces that, when combined, have inspired generations and continue to fuel iconic moments in sound and culture.
So next time you turn on your favorite track, remember that it just might have been inspired by a little green leaf. And whether you’re lighting up or just vibing along, know that cannabis and music are forever intertwined in a harmony that celebrates freedom, creativity, and, of course, great vibes.
