10 Music Genres Changed Forever by Marijuana

There are simply too many music genres and subgenres to name them all off. Here we’ll try to sum up those where inspiration from marijuana kinda feels most obvious and lasting. Without further ado – here is a list of popular music genres and how marijuana has influenced them all.

Top 10 Music Genres with Marijuana Inspiration History

1. Country

Most people would associate country music with drinking beer or whiskey. To a certain degree this in not an unfair assumption, however, many country artists have included weed references in their songs. This doesn’t even go to mention the fact that Willie Nelson, one of the most popular pot smoking musicians, is first and foremost a country singer. Willie Nelson even inspired Toby Keith to write a song titled “Weed for Willie.” In this song, Toby Keith jokes about not being able to keep up with Willie during a smoke session. Ashley Monroe’s song “Weed Instead of Roses” (below) proves that a cowgirl can handle both a bull and a blunt.

2. Electronica

Early electronic music dates back to the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that electronica began to evolve into its modern form. Electro music has always had a close relationship with mind-altering substances. In fact, it’s almost difficult to tell which came first – the music or the marijuana. Skrillex collaborated with hip hop artist ASAP Rocky on “Wild for the Night,” which has a fair share of marijuana and drug references. ASAP Rocky also claims have smoked weed with veteran mix-genre electronic French duo Daft Punk.

3. Folk

Folk music has been around for centuries, but it was the 1970s when folk became mainstream. Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that marijuana also went mainstream during the 70s. Bob Dylan said it best: “Everybody must get stoned.” Joni Mitchell was arrested in L.A. for marijuana. Country Joe and the Fish had no problem letting the world know their stance on weed. Their song, “Marijuana,” is mostly “I like marijuana” repeated over and over.

4. Hip Hop

Coming up with hip hop artists who smoke is easy. Deciding which ones to feature is the difficult part. Perhaps we should start with the grand master of both hip hop and weed smoking – Snoop Dogg, or Snoop Lion, who this summer opened his own coffeeshop in Amsterdam. Wiz Khalifa, who was recently escorted off stage by police after allegedly smoking during a festival performance in Romania, has also made a name for himself in both the rap and weed game. Lil’ Wayne made it quite evident what he is all about in his song “Pussy Money Weed.” This list can keep going, and you get the idea. Hip hop has always shared a close connection with ganja. It’s one of the music genres highly defined by marijuana. Not to mention that most hip hop artists do have their own cannabis brands these days. 

5. Jazz

Marijuana and jazz music have a long and somewhat disappointing history. In the early 19th century jazz musicians were used in an attempt to illustrate the dangers of marijuana. A country plagued by ignorance and racism used jazz musicians to paint a portrait of crazy, over-sexualized maniacs. This of course was far from the truth. Unfortunately, at the time the truth didn’t matter, and by demonizing jazz musicians anti-marijuana activists were able to criminalize weed. Were jazz musicians smoking weed? Sure they were, but so were a lot of other people. Are jazz musicians to blame for making weed illegal? Hell no! Anti-marijuana activists were motivated by personal gain and misinformation, and would have used anything as an excuse to demonize weed. In fact, we should thank jazz musicians and regard them as early proponents of our beloved herb. Louis Armstrong released a song called “Muggles,” which is a slang term for marijuana.

6. Opera

Most people don’t think of opera as a form of music that would be associated with marijuana use. This is perhaps due to the fact that opera singers rely heavily on their vocal chords which could be affected by smoking marijuana. Luckily, modern opera singers can choose from a vast array of infused edibles. Sadly, the edible market was not quite so abundant during the golden age of opera; however, this didn’t stop conductors from partaking. Michael Tilson Thomas, a famous conductor, was known to smoke marijuana, and was unfortunately arrested with 3 marijuana cigarettes among a few other mind-altering substances. René Leibowitz was a French composer and conductor, who wrote a piece called “Marijuana – Variations non sérieuses.” 

7. Pop

Pop is another music genre that is absolutely riddled with marijuana use. Many early pop artists were known for heavy marijuana use. The Beatles were one of early pop music’s hottest bands. They not only openly smoked marijuana, but they also wrote songs about it. ‘I get high with a little help from my friends,’ the Liverpool band sang. As the famous story goes, The Beatles were introduced to cannabis by none other but Bob Dylan. According to another story, Paul McCartney and his mates showed up high even in Buckingham Palace where they were due to meet Queen Elizabeth II. Contemporary pop music continues the tradition of smoking herb or nowadays also vaping. Miley Cyrus has been photographed multiple times toking a joint. Justin Bieber has been seen smoking weed on a plane ride. Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Ed Sheeran have all been spotted with marijuana as well. Like pop music, everyone is doing it. 

8. Punk

Most pot smokers tend to be rather mellow. Punk music is anything but mellow. In fact, many punks were known to be anti-pot. Pot was often associated with hippies who pretty much held opposite ideals from punks. But don’t let the stereotypes fool you. There is plenty of punk rockers who enjoy lighting up. For example, NOFX released “Herojuana” in 2000. Long before that, The Clash inspired Bob Marley to write “Punky Reggae Party.” Pretty sure you can find plenty of more marijuana outings in the punk music genre. 

9. Reggae

Now this is going to be tough. How on earth could anyone ever relate reggae to marijuana? Reggae was born in Jamaica during the 1960s. It is a form of music derived from ska and rocksteady. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer formed The Wailers in 1963. The Wailers, and Bob Marley in general, is probably the most well known reggae group ever. So how did marijuana influence the reggae music genre? Do you really need it spelled out? Marijuana had made it’s way into the lyrics of most of Bob Marley’s songs. Reggae also has strong ties with Rastafarians, who use marijuana for religious purposes. These days, if you’re Rastafari, you can legally use cannabis in multiple Caribbean islands as that’s your sacramental right. 

10. Rock

Rock has been around for decades and continues to evolve. It started in the late 40s and is still going strong. Brian Wilson used marijuana heavily while he was writing, producing, and performing with The Beach Boys. Jimi Hendrix liked to get stoned and light guitars on fire. As time progressed the music changed but marijuana use remained constant. Sebastian Bach, lead singer of Skid Row, has been on the front cover of High Times, and is shown smoking lots of pot during his performance on Trailer Park Boys. Contemporary rock bands continue to smoke weed and, yeah, they occasionally write songs about it. 

Those were just some of the genres that have been changed, shaped or at least a little bit influenced by marijuana over the course of music history. Of course, there’s more. You probably also know another music genre that has been influenced by marijuana (hint: there are a bunch), but then again, probably one of the best feelings in the world is to enjoy your favorite tune or the concert of your favorite artist all while buzzed. 

Also read on Soft Secrets:

- Cannabis Greatest Moments in Popular Culture

- Erykah Badu Announces Self-Named Weed Strain

- Die Antwoord's Tour Cameraman Was Stoned 24/7