5 EDM Artists Who Smoke Weed: Cannabis Culture in Electronic Music

Cannabis culture runs deep in electronic dance music, with many prominent artists openly discussing their relationship with the plant. From creative inspiration to post-performance relaxation, these EDM icons have normalized cannabis use while building some of the biggest careers in music. Whether you’re curious about your favorite DJ’s lifestyle or exploring cannabis strains that fuel creativity, understanding this connection reveals how deeply intertwined cannabis and electronic music have become.

• Cannabis affects EDM artists differently – While some find creative benefits, others experience decreased focus and productivity, leading many to avoid consumption before performances requiring technical precision
• The culture has deep roots – Cannabis use in electronic music inherited traditions from jazz and hip-hop, creating a cultural foundation that continues today
• Artists are becoming cannabis entrepreneurs – Major DJs like Diplo are launching cannabis-infused beverages and products, legitimizing the industry
• Performance and consumption rarely mix – Most successful artists separate creative cannabis use from live performances, maintaining professionalism while touring
• Sobriety movements are growing – High-profile cases have sparked mental health awareness in the EDM community
• Individual responses vary significantly – What works for one artist’s creativity might cause anxiety or decreased productivity in another
• Cannabis strains matter for creativity – Artists report different effects from various strains, with many preferring sativa varieties for production work
• The lifestyle demands balance – With some artists performing 150+ shows per year, maintaining healthy substance use patterns becomes crucia

Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known as Diplo, represents the evolution of cannabis culture in EDM. The Grammy-winning producer openly discussed his relationship with cannabis, explaining how he “used to smoke by myself and made music” during his early career.

Diplo launched Happy Flower CBD sparkling water with Rob Dyrdek in 2022, targeting the growing $3 billion cannabis beverage market projected by 2028. These products contain zero calories and sugar with 2.5mg THC per can. As he’s gotten older, Diplo admits he transitioned from regular use to more selective consumption, realizing he “could do more” without constant use while still advocating for responsible adult use and legalization.

The Dutch superstar embodies a balanced approach to cannabis, famously stating “I smoke weed — I’m from Amsterdam!” while maintaining clear boundaries. He draws a firm line, explaining “I’ve never done drugs in my life… no crazy shit” and emphasizes balance in lifestyle choices.

Martin Garrix maintains one of EDM’s most successful careers while being open about cannabis, performing at major festivals worldwide without letting substances affect his professionalism. He represents responsible use within legal frameworks and advocates for Amsterdam’s progressive cannabis policies.

Lorin Ashton’s journey with substances represents the complex relationship many artists have with cannabis and psychedelics. He started experimenting at 19, describing it as “unlocking a door” but realized within years he could “go through the door on my own” without substances.

His evolution influenced bass music culture’s relationship with substances, encouraging fans to explore consciousness with and without substances while demonstrating that creativity doesn’t require constant cannabis use.

Kris Barham represents the professional approach many touring DJs take toward cannabis, separating creative use from performance responsibilities. He explicitly states “I definitely don’t get high before I play” as he requires “hyperfocus” for festival sets and MC duties, understanding that technical DJing demands clear-headedness.

Wuki has noted differences between Colorado and California cannabis experiences, attributing Colorado’s stronger effects to altitude. His perspective represents the touring artist’s view on legal markets.

Sonny Moore’s experiences highlight the ongoing legal challenges artists face, even as legalization spreads. In 2018, Ty Dolla $ign was arrested in Atlanta on drug charges, and police body cam footage showed Skrillex was with the singer.

Despite legal challenges, Skrillex remains influential in bass music and dubstep scenes, collaborating with openly cannabis-friendly artists and continuing to be part of the generation normalizing cannabis in EDM.

Electronic music’s relationship with cannabis evolved from earlier musical traditions:

• Jazz influence – Early jazz musicians used cannabis for creativity and social coping
• Hip-hop connections – Sampling culture brought rap’s cannabis advocacy into electronic music
• Rave culture – 1990s underground parties normalized various substances including cannabis

Today’s EDM cannabis culture reflects broader societal changes:

• Legalization impact – California’s $60 million annual cannabis drink market
• Reduced stigma – Open discussion by mainstream artists
• Health consciousness – Shift toward low-dose products and CBD

The EDM community increasingly discusses sobriety and mental health, influenced by losses like Avicii. Artists like Porter Robinson openly discuss sobriety, encouraging healthier relationships with substances.

Several prominent DJs have moved away from substances:

• Career longevity concerns
• Mental health priorities
• Setting positive examples for fans
• Improved performance quality

The EDM community promotes safer practices:

• Festival drug testing services
• Hydration station initiatives
• Mental health resources at events
• Open discussions about substance use

Cannabis laws vary globally, affecting how EDM artists navigate different markets:

• Amsterdam – Home to artists like Martin Garrix who grew up with normalization
• Canada – While cannabis is legal nationwide, the Cannabis Act prohibits celebrity endorsements and imposes stringent advertising restrictions
• California – Leading market for cannabis-music collaborations. Outside Lands (San Francisco) introduced Grass Lands and became the first major U.S. festival to allow on-site legal cannabis sales and consumption (21+). Policies vary elsewhere.

• Asia – Artists must be extremely cautious during tours
• Middle East – Zero tolerance requires complete abstinence
• Parts of USA – State-by-state variations create touring challenges

Many prominent EDM artists openly discuss cannabis use, including Diplo, Martin Garrix, Bassnectar, and Wuki. However, their relationships with cannabis vary significantly – some use it for creativity, others have moved toward sobriety, and many avoid it before performances. Artists like Diplo have even launched cannabis beverage brands, while maintaining that age and experience changed their consumption patterns.

According to neurologist Dr. Alice Weaver Flaherty, cannabis acts as a stimulant that can increase creative output short-term. Producers report enhanced emotional expression and ability to break through creative blocks. However, the amount consumed significantly influences its effects, with many artists finding it helpful for initial ideas but challenging for technical execution.

Most professional DJs avoid cannabis before performances. Wuki explicitly states he “doesn’t get high before playing” big festival sets, citing the need for hyperfocus and clear communication. The technical demands of modern DJing – beatmatching, effects manipulation, and crowd reading – require mental clarity that cannabis can impair.

Producers typically prefer sativa-dominant strains for daytime creative sessions, as these enhance focus without sedation. Popular choices include energizing varieties for production work and CBD-rich options (higher CBD:THC ratio) that may reduce intoxication. Some prefer low-dose THC (e.g., 1–2.5 mg) for minimal impairment. Many artists also use indica strains for post-show recovery and tour stamina maintenance.

Yes, many festivals now incorporate cannabis-friendly policies, especially in legal states. Some events feature designated smoking areas, cannabis brand sponsorships, and even dispensary partnerships. The growing $3 billion cannabis beverage market has led to increased presence of cannabis products at music festivals where legal.