By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
From Bob Marley to Wiz Khalifa, the image of a musician with a joint in hand is almost cliché. Weed and music seem to be an inseparable duo—but why?
Why do so many musicians cling to cannabis like it’s part of their instrument?Let’s be clear: not every musician smokes weed, but the culture surrounding music—especially in genres like reggae, hip-hop, afrobeat, and rock—has long romanticized marijuana.
Artists often claim it helps “unlock creativity,” “calm nerves,” or “enhance performance.” And while there’s some truth in the way weed alters perception and lowers inhibition, the bigger question is: at what cost?
Many musicians use weed to battle stage fright or the pressures of the industry. The spotlight can be a cruel place—constant scrutiny, endless touring, late nights, and the stress of creating hit after hit. In such an emotionally charged world, weed becomes a numbing agent, an escape hatch. But escape has a price.
Dependency is often the unseen monster in the room. What starts as occasional puffing to “vibe out” in the studio gradually morphs into a daily ritual. Before long, creativity is no longer sparked by talent, but by THC. Worse still, some artists begin to associate good music solely with being high—a dangerous trap.
There’s also the influence factor. In an industry driven by trends, young musicians see their idols lighting up and naturally follow suit. Weed becomes part of the brand—something to be flaunted in music videos, lyrics, and stage performances.
Authenticity gets blurred. Is the weed use genuine or just part of the aesthetic? Ironically, while weed is often touted as a creativity booster, studies suggest it can impair memory, motivation, and long-term mental clarity. Some artists who once praised it now regret their dependence.
A few have even gone public about quitting and reclaiming control of their craft. The truth is, weed has become a cultural accessory in the music industry. It’s cool. It sells. It’s rebellious. But behind the smoke, there’s a harsh reality—one of addiction, lost potential, and an industry that rarely encourages sobriety.
Musicians may not be able to quit weed easily—but maybe it’s time more of them started asking why they ever needed it in the first place.
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