They say that cannabis brings out creativity and there’s no better way to express yourself than music. Artists and musicians have been paying homage to mind-altering substances as long as anyone can remember but these chart-toppers helped solidify cannabis culture among music lovers.
“Legalize It” by Peter Tosh (1976)
This weed anthem by Peter Tosh is still popular among cannabis-supporters more than thirty years after its debut. Tosh gained popularity with “Legalize It,” the title track on his album released in 1976, and even performed with the legendary Bob Marley as a Wailer. The chorus “Legalize it/And don’t criticize it/Legalize it, yeah, yeah” makes it obvious why this anthem is still popular among cannabis advocates.
“Hits From the Bong” by Cypress Hill (1993)
This classic rap song with an easy hook – “Hits from the bong y’all/Can I get a hit?” – is one of the group’s many marijuana-themed songs. If you’re a fan of their chill rap style then be sure to listen to “Stoned Is the Way of the Walk,” “I Wanna Get High” and “Dr. Greenthumb” which also pay homage to cannabis.
“Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg (1993)
Even before his cannabis product line with domestic goddess Martha Stewart, Snoop was a vocal advocate for cannabis. This classic West Coast anthem captures the chill high of smoking that perfect strain of indica. “Rollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice/Laid back (with my mind on my money and my money on my mind)” will surely be stuck in your head during your next smoking sess. Also listen to “The Next Episode” for Snoop’s classic advice “smoke weed everyday.”
“Because I Got High” by Afroman (2000)
This relatable party song is full of funny refrains that sound like they were written by your stoner friends – “I was gonna clean my room but then I got high…I’m gonna stop singing this song because I’m high.” Popularized by films like “Animal House” and “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Afroman’s hit is a one-hit wonder that has remained popular since the days of Napster.
“James Joint” by (2016)
This short song has a memorable refrain by pop queen Rihanna, “I’d rather be smoking weed whenever we breathe” but some critics speculate that the song is about a toxic relationship rather than weed. In either case, this mysterious song with haunting lyrics is a great listen whether you’re high or not.
“Smoke Break” f/ Future by Chance the Rapper (2016)
Chance captures the best parts of smoking with a partner with this chill hit song. Throughout the lyrics, Chance implores his lover to spend time smoking with him and recalls a time when they used to spend time together just hanging out. Play it with your smoking buddy or partner and take a break from the stress – “Let me crack this blunt/Slow it down for a second…we deserve, we deserve/a smoke break.”
