Every stoner knows how good it feels to listen to some tunes while high. Where does that tight bond come from?
Cannabis has been used for centuries for both spiritual and recreational purposes. Its influence on popular culture and music is undeniable. From folk and blues to reggae, rock and roll, and hip-hop, cannabis has been a major influence on the sound and culture of popular music.
We’ll take a look at the role of cannabis in music. From its early roots to its modern-day impact, passing by some influential artists and strains that’ll spice up any jamming sesh.
How Is Cannabis Referred To In Music?
From ‘420’ to ‘Mary Jane,’ cannabis has been a frequent subject of musical references for decades. The drug’s popularity and its cultural significance have made it a regular topic in hip-hop, rap, rock, reggae, and even country music.
The term ‘420’ is perhaps the most recognizable reference to marijuana in popular culture. It has been used in countless songs from artists such as Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Cypress Hill, among others.
Its origin dates back to 1971 when five high school students from San Rafael California known as the Waldos, would meet up at 4:20 pm by a statue of Louis Pasteur on their school grounds with the intention of finding an abandoned marijuana crop they had heard about – hence why it became associated with smoking weed!
Other terms often used include ‘Mary Jane.’ This one comes from religious beliefs regarding Mary being associated with healing herbs like cannabis. In addition, there are loads more slang words, including kush, dank, bud, and many others that have become commonplace within lyrics today!
Historical Timeline Of Cannabis In Music
Cannabis has been used by musicians since the earliest days of recorded music. Here are ten ways cannabis makes music sound better.
In the 19th century, folk and blues musicians such as Lead Belly, and Bill Monroe, featured cannabis references in their songs.
During the 1950s and 60s, jazz and blues musicians, such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, were known to use cannabis while performing and often referenced it in their music.
Cannabis & Folk
Folk musicians such as Lead Belly and Bill Monroe featured cannabis references in their songs, and many other folk musicians have followed suit. Cannabis has also been used by modern-day folk musicians such as Bob Dylan and The Band.
Cannabis & Reggae
Ganja has had a major influence on reggae music since its inception in the late 1960s. Reggae musicians such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh were known to use cannabis and often referenced it in their music.
Even today, reggae musicians such as Stephen Marley and Damian Marley continue to make references to cannabis in their music.
Cannabis & Blues Music
Cannabis has been an integral part of blues music since its earliest days. Blues musicians such as Lead Belly, Bill Monroe, and John Lee Hooker all made references to cannabis in their music.
Even today, blues musicians such as Robert Cray and John Hammond continue to use cannabis and make references to it in their music.
Cannabis & Rock And Roll
Weed has been a major influence on the sound and culture of rock and roll throughout the decades. Rock and roll pioneers such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Little Richard all made references to cannabis in their music.
The 1960s saw a massive influx of songs about cannabis use, including classics such as The Beatles’ “Got to Get You into My Life,” and The Rolling Stones’ “Mother’s Little Helper.”
Even today, artists such as Bob Dylan, The Black Keys, and Bob Marley continue to make references to cannabis in their music.
Cannabis & Hip-Hop, And Rap
Flower has also had an enormous influence on the sound and culture of hip-hop and rap music. Cannabis references have been a staple of rap and hip-hop since the early days of the genre in the 1980s.
Notable examples include songs such as N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton” and Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode.”
Rap and hip-hop continue to be the primary source of popular music references to cannabis, with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Kendrick Lamar all making frequent references to cannabis in their music.
Recommended Strains For Music Genres
When it comes to cannabis and music, different strains can bring out different elements in the music.
For folk and blues, a mellow strain like Blue Dream or Sour Diesel can help bring out the emotion and soul of the music. For rock and roll, a more energizing strain like Green Crack or Super Lemon Haze can help bring out the power and rawness of the music.
For hip-hop and rap, a heavy-hitting strain like OG Kush or White Widow can help bring out the intensity and vibrancy of the music.
It all comes down to individual taste! Many prefer to match the music’s energy with the expected effect of a strain, while others are more comfortable balancing it out.
The Impact Of Legalization On Music And Cannabis
The legalization of cannabis has had a major impact on the sound and culture of popular music. Many artists, such as Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, have embraced the newfound legality of cannabis and have produced entire albums dedicated to its use.
These albums have been wildly successful, with Wiz Khalifa’s 2011 album Rolling Papers debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The legalization of cannabis has also had a major impact on the live music scene.
Many music festivals, such as the Electric Daisy Carnival and the High Times Cannabis Cup, have embraced the use of cannabis and actively promote it as part of their events.
What’s The Bottom Line?
Cannabis has definitely been a major influence on popular music and culture. For centuries, there have been both explicit and implicit references that allow us to understand its deep relation.
From its early roots in folk and blues to its modern-day presence in hip-hop and rap, cannabis has become an integral part of the sound and culture of popular music.
The legalization of cannabis has had a major impact on the music industry, with many artists embracing its use and incorporating it into their music and performances. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, its influence on the sound and culture of popular music is sure to remain strong.
H/T: herb.co
