Best Music to Listen to High: 14 Albums and Songs

The best music to listen to high is whatever lets you sink into the details: think Jimi Hendrix's "Axis: Bold as Love," Van Morrison's "Astral Weeks," Dr. Dre's "2001" or Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes' "What Kinda Music." Music has always been the perfect sidekick for the shift in consciousness that weed brings, and it can take you anywhere: past, present or future.

For those cosmic trips, having the right stoner tracks in your playlists is key. With the right sound, you can slip into a surreal, unforgettable experience.

Here's our pick of albums and songs to enjoy while you explore the realms of altered consciousness.

Music to smoke weed and chill to

AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE - JIMI HENDRIX (1967)

"Axis: Bold as Love" is a musical odyssey released by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967.
Thirteen tracks of pure sonic journey, made to be enjoyed baked, and easily the backbone of your next Spotify session.

GORILLAZ - GORILLAZ (2001)

Gorillaz's debut album builds a one-of-a-kind musical universe across 15 captivating songs. Created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz pulls you into a virtual world full of vibrant sounds, which makes it ideal music to smoke to.

"In the Summer Time" - MUNGO JERRY (1970)

A timeless classic that captures the laid-back feel of summer. It's a perfect pick for a ganja playlist: its simple but original grooves wrap you in a good-vibes atmosphere.

"Rainy Day Women No. 12 & 35" - BOB DYLAN

Widely heard as an ode to weed (thanks to its famous chorus about getting stoned), this song ran into censorship over its drug connotations. The recording features spontaneous backing shouts and Dylan cracking up, and he never hid his fondness for marijuana.

"Astral Weeks" - VAN MORRISON (1968)

This eclectic album blends jazz, blues, folk and classical music into a listening experience like no other. "Astral Weeks" regularly lands on lists of the greatest albums ever made, which makes it top-tier music to smoke weed to.

"You Don't Know How It Feels" - TOM PETTY (1994)

The whole song isn't about weed, but there's that famous line about rolling another joint and an easy, laid-back vibe throughout.
A '90s classic, perfect for a sunset with a touch of nostalgia.

"The End" - THE DOORS

This enigmatic song, which started out being about a breakup, became an anthem for shamanic trips. More than ten minutes of music that sends you exploring the depths of the universe.

BAYOU COUNTRY - CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL (1969)

Dive into Creedence Clearwater Revival's classic "Bayou Country," released in 1969.
With just 7 songs, this album is pure rock and blues gold that's stood the test of time. Made for rock and blues fans, its down-home, country feel will take you somewhere new.

2001 - DR. DRE (1999)

Get a masterclass in hip-hop with Dr. Dre's "2001," an iconic album released in 1999. Its hard-hitting beats and standout features from Snoop Dogg and Eminem make it essential listening. The cover, with its cannabis leaf, sets the laid-back, smoked-out tone that runs through every track, which makes it some of the best music to listen to high.

"Hits from the Bong" by Cypress Hill:

A dose of California hip-hop for a rowdy, over-the-top ride.

"Because I Got High" - AFROMAN (2001)

This modern classic, which blew up online in 2001, takes listeners on a ride that's both funny and thoughtful.

In his easygoing style, Afroman walks through what happens to his alter ego, putting the downsides of smoking too much weed front and center.

The song is all good vibes, but it also works as a self-aware take on how cannabis can mess with your life when you overdo it.

"Young, Wild & Free" - SNOOP DOGG & WIZ KHALIFA ft. BRUNO MARS

This explosive collab between Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars is a full-on cannabis anthem.

It brings together two weed legends and adds Bruno Mars' smooth touch, creating a can't-miss tune for cannabis lovers.

"Young, Wild & Free" celebrates freedom, youth and, of course, a love of the herb.

"PICNIC" - CRÁNEO (2018)

Take a trip to Spain with Cráneo, a Madrid-based lo-fi artist whose songs are made for a chill high.

His lyrics, in Spanish, capture everyday life, skating and, of course, kicking back with some weed.

Check out Cráneo's genuine, easygoing sound: he's the musical friend you want around when you're hanging out with your crew.
Go explore his "Get High" playlist.

WHAT KINDA MUSIC - TOM MISCH AND YUSSEF DAYES (2020)

Go modern with "What Kinda Music," a 2020 collab between Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes. Misch, a gifted English guitarist and songwriter, teams up with eccentric jazz drummer Yussef Dayes for a gorgeous sound.

With indie, funk, neo-soul and hip-hop influences, this album is the perfect smoking soundtrack
to kick back to with friends.

How are music and weed connected?

Research suggests music can lower cortisol levels, helping calm the mind and body. Weed, which many people use to unwind, makes a natural companion.

Some studies point to certain kinds of music, paired with cannabis, delivering a euphoric, relaxing experience.

Weed and how you hear music:

Research suggests cannabis modulates the brain functions that process sound.

Weed might offer a "wider view of the 'space between the notes'," letting you hear music on a deeper level.

Weed and creativity:

Some studies link cannabis use to divergent thinking, the kind tied to imagination and free-flowing ideas, though the evidence is mixed.

For some people, weed provides the creative spark that helps them get fully lost in the music.

Explore the unique connection between weed and music, and see how the two come together for some seriously memorable listening sessions.