Music and mind-altering substances have always been hand in hand. Jazz music was so strongly correlated with drug use that musicians who were quitting were making the headlines. Psychedelics shaped the sound of 70s music. The 80s was seen by many as one by big party and gave us a bevy of timeless classics in the process.
However, the 90s were when marijuana took the forefront as the substance of choice for many artists, especially in rap music, which has been a dominant cultural force over the years. Artists who love weed aren't limited to hip hop, however, and there are plenty of artists who partake in the herb and like to make it known. Let's take a look at some of the most famous musicians who are also weed enthusiasts.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson was one of the first major musicians to advocate for marijuana and did it at a time where it was still taboo. He argued that marijuana was natural and was created by God, unlike many other substances. He has been working to change marijuana laws and has sat as a co-chair for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law for years.
Snoop Dogg
We can't have a list of musicians who love marijuana without Snoop Dogg. Weed has been part of his artist persona since he appeared on Dr. Dre's first solo album aptly named "The Chronic". Snoop Dogg has been rapping about the pleasures of marijuana way before it was legal but was able to nicely transition into the legal marijuana business. He has a marijuana strain bearing his name, and a venture capital firm, Casa Verde, which invests heavily in marijuana ventures.
Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa is viewed by many as Snoop Dogg's successor, and they do share some similarities. However, while Snoop Dogg had a heavy "gangster" element to his music, Khalifa decided to take a whole other route. HIs music is much more palatable to mass audiences, and his cheerful character has allowed him to become a well-known figure in American mainstream. He also has a very popular strain of marijuana named after him, Khalifa Kush, and has his own brand of rolling papers as well. He also has a long-standing record as a marijuana advocate and activist.
Lady Gaga
With her talent and wild creativity, it should come as no surprise that Lady Gaga is a huge fan of the herb. She admitted to using cannabis for creativity and has countlessly praised the benefits of the plant. She even says that she loves to drink a glass of whiskey and smoke when she writes. However, she also said that she didn't want to partake too much for the sake of her vocal cords.
Weed and popular music are a match made in the clouds, and this marriage has given birth to some of the best tunes in recent history. These artists and many others are proof that stoners can become famous artists, even signing about the plant they love so much.
