Weed and music—a natural duo, and a love story that has been shared between generations. From jazz to hip-hop, there’s always been a beat to sync with the haze, a melody to match each puff of smoke. These songs are no fleeting melodies; they’re ingrained in the culture of cannabis enthusiasts and music enthusiasts.
We’re rolling up a historical retrospective, tracking the evolution of weed in song lyrics, curating a hit-list of smokin’ songs, and forecasting what the future may hold for this timeless pairing. Join us for a melodic, visual high in our exploration of the best songs about weed.
The Blunt Beginnings: Weed in Music’s Early Days
Back in the 1930s and 40s, jazz and blues set the scene with subtle references to “tea” or “gage,” slang terms for marijuana at the time. Louis Armstrong’s ‘Muggles’ and Cab Calloway’s ‘The Man from Harlem’ belong to a bygone era where cannabis was still a taboo subject. These pioneers were weaving it into the lyrics with a wink and a nod towards social rebellion and mischief.
Fast forward to the 60s, and marijuana took center stage in the rock and roll movement. Bob Dylan’s ‘Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,’ with its unmistakable chorus “Everybody must get stoned,” was a not-so-cryptic nod at getting high. The doors burst wide open, setting the stage for a psychedelic revolution that brought weed and music to the masses.
The Inhalation of Reggae and Ganja Culture
Reggae, often synonymous with Rastafarian culture, was instrumental in bringing marijuana to pop culture’s forefront. No conversation about weed and music is complete without Bob Marley’s ‘Kaya’ or Peter Tosh’s anthem, ‘Legalize It.’ These artists not only endorsed the plant, they espoused its spiritual and healing properties, helping to break down stigmas.
The 70s also saw the rise of ganja-inspired music in Jamaica, where marijuana was being legalized. It became a symbol of freedom and resistance. This was a golden age for songs about weed, giving us classics that transcend time.
Up in Smoke: The Prohibition Era and Anti-Drug Campaigns
The 80s and 90s brought a cultural shift with the war on drugs and an accompanying wave of anti-drug campaigns. This meant a toning down of explicit drug references in mainstream music, but it couldn’t silence them entirely. Hip-hop emerged as the new rebel; artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg brought the chronic back into the spotlight with tracks like ‘The Next Episode.’
However, the criminalization of weed spawned its own sub-genre within rap music, where smoked-out lyrics became a form of protest against oppressive drug policies. Acts like Cypress Hill kept the flame burning, even as the music industry tiptoed around the controversy.
The Reinvention of the Smoke Session in Modern Music
The 2000s and beyond saw a dramatic shift in the public perception of marijuana. With the burgeoning of the cannabis industry and increasing legalization, weed-themed songs started to hit the charts with a new sense of freedom. Artists didn’t just mention smoking; they celebrated it with pride. Wiz Khalifa’s ‘Young, Wild & Free’ or Afroman’s ‘Because I Got High’ mark this change in narrative.
Modern music has reinvigorated the connection between cannabis and creativity, with edgier and more experimental artists using weed as both a topic and, likely, an inspiration. This freedom to create within the cannabis space has led to some of the most innovative music in recent memory.
Top Shelf Tracks: The Definitive Weed Playlist
Picking the top 10 weed songs is like picking the best strain—they all provide a different buzz and satisfy different cravings. Here’s a mixtape of some bonafide classics that deserve a smoke session of their own:
1. ‘Kaya’ – Bob Marley
This anthem captures the mellow essence of getting high, perfectly paired with Marley’s mellifluous voice. A must-listen for those slow, sun-drenched afternoons.
2. ‘Because I Got High’ – Afroman
This modern anthem mixes humor with a cautionary tale about the perils of letting weed become a crutch. Catchy and nostalgic for many, it’s an ode to the everyday pot smoker.
3. ‘Mary Jane’ – Rick James
A soulful twist on the relationship between a man and his weed, Rick James brings the funk to this chilled-out classic. ‘Mary Jane’ is as smooth as the smoke you exhale.
4. ‘The Next Episode’ – Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
The iconic piano riff and Snoop’s drawl set the backdrop for a song perfect for igniting any session. A chronic anthem known by the masses, it has a timeless coolness.
5. ‘Legalize It’ – Peter Tosh
Tosh’s call for the end of prohibition is a defiant anthem for both weed smokers and activists. It’s a song about weed and freedom, pure and simple.
6. ‘Light Up’ – Drake ft. Jay-Z
A modern hip-hop collaboration that layers personal success with enjoying the fruits of labor, including the finest cannabis. It’s a track that oozes opulence and a designated party starter.
7. ‘Smoke Two Joints’ – Sublime
Sublime’s reggae-punk style is the perfect vehicle for this double-hitter of a song. It’s laid-back and playful, making it the ideal joint-rolling soundtrack.
8. ‘Hits From The Bong’ – Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill doesn’t just spit bars; they serve them up on a silver platter with this stoner anthem. A definitive track for the ultimate smoke playlist.
9. ‘Gin and Juice’ – Snoop Dogg
While it might not be solely about weed, ‘Gin and Juice’ embodies the spirit of kicking back with friends and enjoying the high life. It’s a classic for almost any party.
10. ‘Young, Wild & Free’ – Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, & Bruno Mars
This all-star collab is a modern ode to carefree living and taking time out to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, including a little greenery. It’s a millennial’s take on Marley’s ‘Kaya.’
The Future of Weed in Music: Green-Tinged Prognostication
With the growing acceptance and legalization of marijuana, it’s safe to assume that the future of weed in music will continue to flourish. We’ll likely see a diversification of weed culture in music, with more nuanced and varied portrayals. Emerging artists may explore cannabis in more personal, political, and even spiritual contexts, bringing new perspectives and sounds to the table.
Weed legalization will also pave the way for more mainstream acceptance of weed and music. The correlation will be less about counterculture and more about creativity, fun, and relaxation. We might even see cannabis-themed mainstream music festivals in the not-so-distant future.
On a technological front, AI and machine learning could be used to create tunes tailor-made for different weed strains or types of highs. Streaming platforms might offer curated playlists synced to the user’s strain of the day, creating a new level of immersive musical experience.
FAQs About High Notes
What is the biggest weed song?
It’s hard to single out one song, but ‘Because I Got High’ by Afroman, ‘Smoke Two Joints’ by Sublime, and ‘The Next Episode’ by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg are among the biggest weed anthems in music history.
Which song is best after weed?
The ‘best’ song will vary from person to person, but many cannabis enthusiasts find enjoyment in the intricate layers of trippy sounds often found in psychedelic rock, such as Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ or artists like Tame Impala.
What was the song about weed in 2000?
While the 2000s didn’t have one definitive song about weed, several artists, like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, continued to release tracks that referenced and celebrated marijuana use.
What was the first song written about weed?
While there is no definitive ‘first’ song explicitly about weed, early jazz and blues musicians, out of necessity, used euphemisms and coded language in their songs to discuss marijuana use. One of the earliest recorded tracks, ‘That Funny Reefer Man’ by Cab Calloway, is often cited as an early example of a cannabis-themed song.
