The Best Music To Listen To When You Are High

There’s scientific evidence that cannabis enhances your appreciation of music. And according to the experts at Harvard Medical School, listening to music is good for you. So what happens when you enjoy weed and music together? It’s a winning combo! 

But what’s the best music to listen to when you are high?

Opinions on the best genre differ, but we’ve rounded up some of the best contenders. We’ve looked at why music sounds so good when you use cannabis and why we think these particular songs are the best music to listen to when you are high. Read on to learn more about this fascinating topic.

Why Does Music Sound Good When You Are High?

Many people who use cannabis often find that music takes on an exceptional quality when they’re blissed out. Is it just a feeling, or is there some truth to it? 

Well, it turns out there’s some science behind it! People who indulge in cannabis often share that they experience music in a unique and enhanced way, and researchers have found evidence to support this. 

Here are a couple of studies (but plenty more out there) that show something about being high that makes music sound different.

The Science Of Enjoying Music When You Are High

Your senses are more acute when you’re high. Not only is your hearing more sensitive, but some research suggests cannabis may help with auditory issues. Cannabis can positively influence your auditory perception! 

It may be why music sounds good when you’re spaced out. But there’s more. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC (the component that makes you high) has a measurable influence on cerebral music processing. That indicates music does sound better when you’re high. 

The Lore Behind Chilling Out To Music When You Are High 

Research aside, most weed users agree they’re able to focus solely on appreciating the music, without outside distractions, when they’re stoned. 

Sometimes, it’s the beats they hear better. But very often, the lyrics take on a deeper meaning, too. This anecdotal evidence gives us insight into which music genres are the best for when you’re high. 

Great Music Genres To Listen To While High

Are you looking for inspiration for your musical highs? Here are a few great music genres to listen to while under the influence.

Rock

There’s no better time for the awesome guitar riffs of classic rock than when your senses are heightened by smoking moon rocks. The ’70s and early ’80s were the best years for rock music. If you’ve never listened to the Stones while stoned, it’s time you give it a go. 

We recommend these classics:

• “The Great Gig In The Sky” by  Pink Floyd. With references to heaven and the afterlife, this rock classic is best listened to while enjoying weed. It contemplates humankind’s longing for meaning beyond our physical existence, something you may often have pondered while high.
• “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. Like the song above, this song explores life beyond the trappings of materialism and earthly possessions. If you find your mind wandering to these topics while high, you’ll enjoy this rock classic.
• “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix. We’ve all had those dreams that seem hauntingly real, and weed users often experience a similar dreamlike state when high. This psychedelic rock song was inspired by a psychedelic dream.

Reggae

Who hasn’t listened to some cool reggae sounds while high? Reggae and weed are the ultimate combo in Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae music. This cannabis heritage influenced famous reggae artists, and you can pay homage to their artistic genius by enjoying their music while high. 

Our reggae recommendations:

• “Kaya” by Bob Marley. The master of reggae and a renowned weed lover, Bob sang this song about watching rain fall while smoking weed. You won’t find a better reggae song to listen to while high. Listen to it while you watch the rain. Here’s a fun fact: Kaya is a Jamaican slang term for weed.
• “Legalize It” by Peter Tosh. An anthem for legalizing marijuana; this song celebrates the many uses and universal appreciation for this wonder herb. We know every cannabis user will resonate with these lyrics. You can also listen to it while you wait for your edibles to kick in.
• “Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh is a brilliant collaboration by two ganja (Jamaican weed) – loving musical artists. This song calls for people to fight against oppression and stand up for their rights. They are powerful lyrics set against a peaceful reggae beat. 

R&B

Rhythm and blues, or R&B music, has its roots in the African-American communities of the 1940s. But although it’s undergone many changes since then, this musical genre is still around today. Most R&B songs have meaningful lyrics that touch the soul, especially when you’re high and deep in your thoughts.

We recommend these soulful tunes:

• “On & On” by Erykah Badu. It’s the perfect R&B song for those mellow highs. The inspirational lyrics about keeping going amidst life’s challenges will touch a chord with every music fan. If you’re dwelling on life’s ups and downs, this song lifts you higher, especially when you’re high!
• Any song by Marvin Gaye. We mean it; anything! Marvin Gaye was one of R&B’s finest artists, and you can hear the influence of his laidback and funky sound in many R&B songs today. Here are his greatest hits. 
• “Nice & Slow” by Usher. This song is about love and passion with a slow and sultry R&B sound. It’s the perfect choice when you and your soulmate get high together. 

Hip Hop

Hip-hop culture has always been intertwined with weed culture. This is clear from the names and lyrics of many famous hip-hop tunes. If you’re hanging out with your friends and getting high together, it’s not a party without some weed-inspired hip-hop. 

Our recommended songs for a hip-hop high:

• “Marijuana” by Kid Cudi. The song’s name says it all. Listen to the singer sing about ‘the pretty green bud’ in this great R&B song for marijuana bud fans everywhere. 
• “Because I Got High” by Afroman. Say no more! Like many songs about weed culture, the lyrics can get a bit extreme. But it’s all in good fun, as the singer jokingly recounts his adventures when he got high.
• “Smoke Weed Every Day” by Snoop Dog. Snoop Dog has always been in the top ranks of hip-hop singers. He was an avid fan of smoking weed, too. He’s always been very open to smoking joints, and it has influenced his musical style over the years.

Trap Music

Trap music is a subgenre of hip-hop originating in the Southern United States. A trap house is a slang term for a place where drugs are sold, and this is likely where the musical genre got its name. Influenced by rap and synthesized drums, this niche style appeals to users who find street-style lyrics relatable.

If you haven’t yet listened to trap music when you are high, you may want to start with these:

• “DJ Turn It Up” by Yellow Claw. With trap, hip-hop, and EDM elements, it’s hard to define Yellow Claw’s style. The best time to decipher it is when your mind is more receptive and the effects of THC heighten your senses.
• “Turn Down For What” by Lil John. Not only is this musical style refreshingly different, but the comedic elements in the official music video are best appreciated when you are high!

Trip Hop

When you’re tripping on weed, trip hop is the musical style to enjoy. This blend of hip-hop, reggae, jazz, and other musical styles usually has a heavy bass but a slow and hypnotic beat. Its origins lie in the 90s in the UK and many tripping music lovers enjoy these psychedelic sounds.

Here are some top trip-hop recommendations for when you’re tripping:

• “Teardrop” by Massive Attack is an ethereal and melancholic masterpiece for when you’re high. Sometimes, you just want to focus on the melodies. Songs like this can do that for you. 
• “Glory Box” by Portishead is a slow and passionate mix of acid jazz, blues, and vocals to chill out and reflect. If you enjoy lyrics that speak profound truths when you’re high, Glory Box is the trip-hop song for you.

Cloud Rap

When you’re floating high as the clouds, some cloud rap may be the right genre for you. Cloud rap is yet another sub-genre of hip-hop. It originated in the early 2000s and has since won over many fans in the cannabis community. Like trip-hop, it often features lazy, dreamy sounds.

The best cloud rap songs for when you’re in the clouds are:

• The OG version of “The Star Room” by Mac Miller. Many users think their deepest thoughts when they’re high. Listening to this on weed, you’ll feel those lyrics about the singer’s innermost thoughts and personal struggles hit deeper.
• “Gatorade” by Jung Lean. An ode to a homemade psychedelic concoction the artist enjoyed, this unusual song helped to introduce people to the cloud rap genre. If you like to do things your way, like the artist, you’ll enjoy this song when you’re high. 

Psytrance 

Do you like to get high to ‘psy’? Psytrance music is the perfect accompaniment to the psychedelic effects of THC in weed. Several musical genres were born in the 90s, and psytrance is one of them. It’s an abbreviated form of ‘psychedelic trance,’ electronic music designed to expand your consciousness.

Some of the best psytrance tracks to listen to when you are high are:

• “Where is my mind?” by Interactive Noise. If you can relate to the title, you’ll probably love this track when you’re high. Whether it makes you want to get up and dance or lie back and chill out, you’ll be hypnotized by these sensual beats.
• The original “Psychedelic Traveler” mix by Electric Universe combines psychedelic dance sounds with reggae moments. If you can’t decide between reggae and dance music, this crazy combo is for you.

Why You Should Experiment With Music When You Are High

If you love music as much as you love weed, you probably already have a favorite musical style to listen to while you are high. And that’s okay. But this may be the right time to experiment with a new musical style. 

Science proves that your appreciation of music changes when you’re high. That means musical styles that have never appealed to you may sound good to you now. While your weed is opening your mind, you may become more open-minded about the music you get high to.

Why Is This The Right Time To Try Something New?

This might be because you now appreciate the subtleties you didn’t notice before. You may perceive the rhythm and timbre of the notes differently. Perhaps you’ll feel more connected to the music or have a deeper understanding of the lyrics than before. 

Whatever the reason, you are hearing and feeling the music differently, so give something different a try. If you’ve never been into instrumental music (without lyrics), now’s the time to sample it. Has the acoustic guitar sound of indie folk music never been your jam? Give it a try, when you’re stoned.

You may find a new favorite music genre, which’ll be all thanks to weed. That’s yet another cannabis benefit that we can get behind. 

Conclusion

Your musical interests reflect your personality. Regardless of your opinion on the best music to listen to when you are high, you’ll probably agree that music and weed are good together. However, just as we enjoy different music, we enjoy weed differently.

For some, it’s better in a joint or bong. For others, it’s best in edibles or a vape. But one thing we can all agree on is that good music sounds even better when paired with some good weed. Whatever your cannabis style, Embarc has you covered. Find your favorite in one of our dispensaries today.