Culture 101
Cannabis Benefits for Music Production
What are the cannabis benefits for music production? Is there a good reason why musicians should be lighting up before a performance? If you have witnessed a joint being passed around backstage before the band goes on stage and thought that this was purely for fun, you are wrong!
Read on to understand why the likes of Bob Marley, Wiz Khalifa, Lady Gaga, and Madonna all swear by the herb.
Apart from the medicinal properties of cannabis that we all know of, the herb is also good for entertainment. The “high” feeling that comes with its consumption is believed to bring a relaxing effect that can influence emotions that compliment music production.
For a long time, cannabis has been closely associated with reggae music. You might even be tempted to think that there is no reggae without weed. Actually, some people believe that all legendary reggae musicians smoke marijuana, which is untrue. The same goes for reggae lovers. If you say that you love reggae music, forgive anyone who may ask you if you are a stoner as the two are put in one bin on many occasions. Many hardcore genres of music are also closely linked to cannabis.
If you want to find the biggest gathering of stoners, some would suggest that a reggae concert is the first place you should be looking for. So, does smoking weed have anything to do with good reggae music? What about other genres of music?
Cannabis And Music: How Do They Relate?
For starters, it is important to understand the ingredients that make up cannabis. These ingredients are responsible for the effects that users often enjoy after consuming potent weed strains.
Cannabis has over 100 active ingredients which are referred to as cannabinoids. However, the two dominant ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While most cannabinoids are psychoactive, only THC is known to cause euphoria when it is consumed in high doses.
Psychoactive compounds affect the normal working of the brain and cause changes in mood, thoughts, behavior, awareness or feelings. Psychoactive substances include cannabis-based products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and certain pain-relieving medicines. They are also referred to as psychotropic substances.
Does Cannabis Help You Produce Better Music?
A recent study indicated that cannabis users have an exceeding convergent creative ability than those who don’t use it. The researchers concluded that “THC has a measurable influence on cerebral music processing and seems to enhance acoustic perception temporarily.”
As a music producer, you may try using cannabis-based products to give you that extra “oomph.” However, you have to understand several things before you start consuming cannabis.
For starters, you should know that not all cannabis strains will trigger creativity for better music production. Ideally, Sativa strains that are mentally stimulating should be the go-to music strains. Here, Jack Herer, Green Crack, and Durban Poison take the day. That said, you may need to spend some time testing with different cannabis strains to find out which strains work best for you. One way of going through this process is by writing a song or a paragraph while “high” on cannabis.
Also observe the unique characteristics of that strain, for example, how long it takes for the effects to set in and how long those effects last. This will help you to time your intake as well as dosage.
Through their assessment, most cannabis users have found that:
- Balanced hybrid strains produce balanced effects
- Strong sativa strains stand the risk of being over stimulating and hence reduce focus of the musician. Strong indicas bring a foggy feeling that can kill creativity as well.
- Balanced strains on the other hand will produce moderate stimulation that is sufficient to enhance the process.
- Limonene (a terpene which found in cannabis strains)is good for creativity
Limonene is a citrus-scented terpene that is good for arousal and stimulation. It is commonly used in aromatherapy for this reason.
Many pot smokers credit this terp for helping them churn more words in a short period when under its influence. A minor phytocannabinoid that is known as cannabigerol (CBG) has also been credited with this positive attribute.
5 Reasons To Use Cannabis To Enhance Music Production
Different cannabis strains will have different effects on different users. This makes cannabis a very dynamic herb. However, there are some general effects that have been acknowledged by many music producers who use cannabis for inspiration.
It is important to note that all the information used here is from anecdotal evidence. Therefore, it’s advisable that you proceed with caution as you observe the personal benefits that you will experience.
- Cannabis is relaxing
Many legendary musicians like Lucky Dube and Bob Marley have in the past praised cannabis for its relaxing and inspiring effects. Here is a famous weed related quote from Bob Marley; “when you smoke herb, it reveals you to yourself.”
Such words from a legend of his caliber is a strong statement that tends to confirm and offer inspiration to many upcoming musicians.
Many Jamaican famous musicians are known as regular users of cannabis. They are on record giving statements that affirm how relaxing the herb can be. They use mood uplifting strains and concentrates that help them relax and be more creative as they produce their music. Edibles and concentrates with blends of terpenes can increase alertness and give the musician control as they compose the music.
- Cannabis helps you stay focused
According to many songwriters and music producers, cannabis helps them to attain high levels of concentration and stay focused on the job. This is extremely helpful for those who suffer from attention deficit disorders or those under high levels of stress. Additionally, some also claim that cannabis helps them sustain the punch in their vocals as they sing. To the extremes, some boldly say that they cannot write or produce any piece of music if they have not indulged in weed.
We are living in a world full of distractions. We are in dire need of anything that can keep us focused and concentrate on a particular task when required. Our chaotic life full of family responsibilities, noise, relationships and day to day duties make it extremely difficult to focus.
Songwriters and music producers are likely to find a reliable refuge in cannabis. The active compounds help to create a balance between calm, focus, and inspiration which is the bedrock of music production.
- Stimulates creativity and imagination
Cannabis, or ganja, has been used by many accomplished and legendary creatives such as poets and musicians to propel them to greater heights of inspiration. They have claimed that cannabis stimulates “out-of-the-box” thinking and imagination. This way, they have been able to churn out timeless pieces that have captured the hearts of many for decades on end.
It is a fact that when you smoke weed, your brain tends to get stimulated to create images better than if you had not smoked.
“Stoned thinking” is one of the most innovative processes that are on record for providing solutions in any situation. It has bailed many musicians out when they feel stuck. The “high” feeling elevates your thinking to a whole new level. Reggae music has been a great beneficiary of “stoned thinking.”
- Cannabis inspires “connective” thinking
Research indicates that regular use of cannabis inspires a divergent mode of thinking that will help you produce wide-angled pieces. It seems to take away all the barriers in your mind and allows you to connect many ideas in one song. This is not a feat that can be achieved by many musicians without having that extra stimulation.
When this mode of thinking is activated, it sets in place a multi-dimensional creative process. This way, cannabis inspires you to produce a song that articulates several ideas.
Many songwriters have claimed that cannabis helps them come up with unique ideas and authentic thoughts. It enables them to venture into new territories that no other musician has.
It makes them better songwriters.
However, according to other studies, cannabis can also impair your creative process. It can make you dump. This is a reminder that drugs are a bet. You can never be certain what you will get. Nonetheless, there are more wins than losses.
- Cannabis is not for everyone
You should realize that not everyone must use cannabis to improve their musical creativity and music production. Unfortunately, some people may have a negative experience with cannabis, as far as music production goes.
If you are a beginner, you should try out different cannabis-based products and observe their effects. Once you find a strain that works for you, remember to exercise moderation.
If you try a puff and realize that cannabis is not giving you the desired results, stop immediately and find ways of detoxing.
In general, cannabis is a brain stimulator that can be used to increase creativity in music production. It offers a cocktail of benefits that can help take your music career to the next level. Find the right strain, right dosage, and right consumption method and stick to it.
