Top 18 Best Songs About Weed

In the disguise of a love song, “Got to Get You Into My Life” was written after Paul McCartney’s first experiences with marijuana. In his own words: “It’s actually an ode to pot like someone else might write an ode to chocolate or good claret.” A little more than a decade later, the group Earth, Wind, and Fire covered the song, giving the lyrics an R&B and soul feel to it.

When “Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35” initially came out, it was banned by United Kingdom radio stations for being a drug song. As a response, Dylan not only threatened to never play in the UK but also proclaimed, “I have never and never will write a ‘drug song.’ I don’t know how to. It’s not a ‘drug song.’ It’s just vulgar.” Still, with the chorus lyric being “Everybody must get stoned,” it comes as no surprise many in the marijuana community took a keen liking to it.

While largely popularized by Sublime’s cover, the Toyes’ original piece was a West Coast anthem. Many California radio stations played the song at 4:20 p.m. to get everyone in the mood for a high evening. And since the 1980s, this song has become an intergenerational inspiration for marijuana enthusiasts of all ages.

More than just a love song to marijuana, Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf” is one of the earliest songs about the plant to hit the mainstream. In Ozzy Osbourne’s own words: “Songs like ‘Sweet Leaf’ and ‘Paranoid’ talked openly about drug experiences.” Through this fast-paced tune, listeners will find lyrics such as “you gave to me a new belief” a reminder of the power of cannabis.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mike Brewer noted that “One day we were pretty much stoned and all, and Tom [Shipley] says, ‘Man, I’m one toke over the line tonight.’ I liked the way it sounded and so I wrote a song about it.” That song ended up hitting the top 10 charts in the spring of 1971 and has since been introduced at concerts as “our cannabis spiritual.” We personally like this one not just for the catchiness, but also the fact that we’ve all been one toke over the line before.

The term “kaya” is Jamaican slang for “herb.” In Marley’s own words, “It’s a password some of the brethren use in JA. So, kaya is really dealing with togetherness and humanity and peace.” That said, it comes as no surprise that one of the biggest music faces in marijuana has a whole song dedicated to the plant. Off his album Exodus, Marley lays down a reggae track that’s all about relaxing and getting stoned.

One day, when Afroman was feeling ambitious to write some music, a friend came over and got him stoned. Unfortunately, that killed his motivation. However, it did lay down the inspiration for what would make him a one-hit wonder (no pun intended). In the twenty-plus years since its release, it has become the most requested song to play on U.S. radios.

Another reggae hit, “Pass the Kouchie” is a simple melody that helps to ease the mind right after taking a hit. The chorus of the song, “Pass the kouchie to the left-hand side” may have given rise to the unspoken rule of where to pass a joint in a marijuana circle. That said, this is definitely one of those songs you’ll want to turn on if you have a large group of stoners over.

More of a political statement, “Mexico” by Jefferson Airplane discusses Nixon’s attempts to curb the influx of illicit marijuana coming in from the Mexican border. As such, it was banned by a number of radio stations across the U.S. Still, it managed to find some success on the billboards. If you enjoy psychedelic sounds paired with your marijuana high, this one’s definitely up your alley.

If you’re looking for a feel-good song about marijuana, look no further than “Wacky Tobacky” by NRQB. The song in itself comes off as though everyone involved was stoned, with loud horns opening up the tune followed by a series of silly rhythms. That said, if you’re having a bad high, this may be the one for you.

As one of their most famous pro-marijuana songs, Cypress Hill’s “Hits From the Bong” was one of the first hip-hop artists to develop a full tune surrounding Mary Jane. This track opens with a deep bass and a relaxing groove that’s almost become synopsis with cannabis culture.

We all know what Mary Jane is. However, Rick James’ song comes off more about a woman who’s freaky rather than marijuana. Still, we know what he’s talking about.

“Legalize it, and I will advertise it.” Such lyrics are one of the many reasons Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It” has become the staple reggae marijuana song. While initially written as a response to victimization by the Jamacain police, the song holds up today as we continue to fight for cannabis legalization. Not to mention, it’s got a laidback groove that’s sure to hit right.

It was no secret that Willie Nelson has always been a big fan of marijuana. However, it took until 2012 before he finally released a song about it. Still, the wait was worth it. Beyond featuring Snoop Dogg and Kris Kristofferson, we witness Nelson nonchalantly talking about his own death.

If you’re looking for something a little more country, look no further than Humble Pie’s “Only a Roach.” The song tells the true story of the band getting busted for having a small amount of marijuana contraband on them right before their U.S. tour. This almost prevented them from entering the country and such consequences are echoed through the lyrics, “Only a roach won’t keep us from crossing no ocean!”

Argued to have one of the catchiest hooks in all of hip-hop, Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” takes an alternative view of the streets. One that’s laidback and sees the pros of living in such an environment. Naturally, it’s become a mainstream classic. It was also nominated for “Best Rap Solo Performance” at the 1995 Grammy Awards.

Similar to other songs on this list, D’Angelo’s song “Brown Sugar” initially appears as a love tune to a woman. However, he’s really talking about marijuana – more specifically, the Indica strain of the same name. As his debut single, earning him #5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, D’Angelo would go on to also get a Grammy nomination for the tune. In the modern era, the track is considered the spiritual successor to “Mary Jane” by Rick James.

“Addicted” isn’t just about Amy Winehouse’s eternal love for marijuana. It’s also about how her best friend’s boyfriend continuously stole from her stash. Naturally, this isn’t her first track about the plant. Similar odes can also be found in “Mr. Magic (Through the Smoke).”