13 Reggae Artists Who Smoke Weed: The Cannabis Culture List

The connection between reggae music and cannabis runs deeper than casual consumption – it’s a spiritual sacrament rooted in Rastafarian religious practices that has shaped the genre since its emergence in late 1960s Jamaica. For those interested in exploring the cultural strains that have influenced reggae culture, Herb’s extensive strain guide offers detailed information on varieties celebrated in reggae music. This comprehensive list examines the reggae artists who have openly embraced cannabis as part of their spiritual journey, creative process, and political activism.

• Cannabis use among reggae artists is rumoured to be 18 joints a day – Far exceeding recreational use, Bob Marley was rumoured to smoke this amount as part of Rastafarian religious observance
• The practice spans generations – From Bob Marley to his sons, cannabis advocacy continues through multiple generations of reggae families
• It’s primarily spiritual, not recreational – Artists consistently emphasize cannabis as a tool for meditation and self-examination rather than party use
• Political activism defines the culture – Songs like Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It” became global anthems despite being banned in Jamaica
• Modern artists continue the tradition – Contemporary reggae maintains cannabis advocacy through music, business ventures, and social media
• Safety concerns drive organic advocacy – Artists like Ziggy Marley actively warn against pesticides in commercial cannabis
• Women in reggae also participate in cannabis culture – Female artists bring unique perspectives to the conversation
• Business ventures expand the legacy – Multiple reggae artists have launched cannabis brands, merging culture with commerce

Reggae’s relationship with cannabis predates the music itself. The Rastafarian movement began in Jamaica during the mid-1930s, establishing cannabis as a sacred plant for spiritual meditation 30 years before reggae emerged. This religious foundation transformed how musicians approach cannabis – not as intoxication but as a pathway to divine connection.

The consistent daily practice reflects cannabis’s role as a religious sacrament rather than a recreational substance.

Bob Marley remains reggae’s most iconic cannabis advocate, with rumors stating he smoked 18 joints daily as part of his spiritual practice. His philosophy transformed cannabis from taboo to spiritual tool for millions worldwide. He viewed herb as a tool for meditation and self-examination rather than mere recreation. The Marley Natural brand continues his advocacy posthumously, bringing his vision of conscious cannabis use to legal markets worldwide.

Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It” album reached #199 on the US Billboard 200 despite being banned in Jamaica, establishing him as reggae’s most outspoken cannabis activist. His confrontational approach included smoking on stage and publicly challenging authorities about criminalization. Through direct political confrontation, Tosh created key songs like “Legalize It” and “Bush Doctor” that inspired global legalization movements and remain anthems for cannabis activism today.

Bunny Wailer (1947–2021) was an original founding member of The Wailers who maintained deep connections to cannabis cultivation and Rastafarian practices throughout his career. He was the last surviving original Wailer until his death in 2021. His solo work, particularly the “Blackheart Man” album, consistently celebrated herb culture while advocating for small farmers’ rights. Bunny championed traditional cultivation methods and remained committed to the agricultural and spiritual aspects of cannabis culture throughout his life.

For those interested in learning about cannabis cultivation, Herb offers comprehensive growing guides that align with traditional reggae cultivation philosophies.

Damian Marley openly states “I’m burning a spliff as I’m speaking” during interviews, maintaining his father’s legacy while adapting to legal markets. In 2016, Marley partnered with Ocean Grown Extracts to convert a former California prison into a cannabis facility, transforming a symbol of incarceration into a cultivation space. He continues to use cannabis throughout the day and has established multiple cannabis business partnerships. Cannabis plays a really big role in his life both personally and professionally.

Stephen Marley began using cannabis at age 13 for spiritual purposes, continuing the family tradition while developing business ventures in the cannabis space. His usage philosophy centers on spiritual and medicinal benefits rather than recreation. Stephen regularly headlines cannabis-focused events like Kaya Fest, where he shares his perspective on the spiritual dimensions of herb culture with audiences worldwide.

Despite starting at age 9 with his father’s permission, Ziggy Marley now advocates for responsible use and organic cultivation. He describes becoming a “shaman” when using cannabis spiritually. Ziggy actively warns against pesticide-laden cannabis and opposes death penalties for cannabis possession, positioning himself as both a spiritual practitioner and safety advocate in the modern cannabis landscape.

Sean Paul’s connection to cannabis includes his father being caught with 700 pounds in 1982. He criticizes commercial cannabis, stating dispensary weed “tastes like cardboard”. While supporting legalization, he advocates for traditional farming methods over industrial production. His preference for traditional Jamaican cultivation reflects a broader concern about maintaining quality and cultural authenticity as cannabis becomes commercialized globally.

Check out Herb’s cannabis products directory to explore quality options that meet the standards reggae artists advocate for.

Black Uhuru has promoted marijuana through music for over 50 years since their founding in the early 1970s. Their consistent support for cannabis has never wavered throughout their career, making them one of reggae’s longest-running cannabis advocates. The group has influenced multiple generations of reggae artists and helped normalize cannabis in reggae culture through their decades of advocacy and musical contributions.

Protoje combines traditional Rastafarian cannabis use with modern advocacy, using social media platforms to normalize responsible consumption and challenge stereotypes. He actively educates followers about responsible use and cultural respect through his online presence. His music weaves cannabis themes throughout his discography while maintaining a focus on conscious messaging. Protoje reaches younger audiences with positive messaging that emphasizes cannabis’s cultural and spiritual significance.

Jesse Royal actively promotes cannabis through his song “Modern Day Judas” and live performances, maintaining that herb connects him to ancestral wisdom and creativity. His debut album “Lily of da Valley” (2017) features cannabis as a resistance tool throughout its themes. During performances, he often discusses cannabis on stage, sharing his philosophy about ancestral connection through herb. Jesse also supports small farmer rights, advocating for traditional growers in Jamaica’s evolving cannabis industry.

Alborosie proves cannabis culture in reggae transcends nationality, fully embracing Rastafarian practices despite Italian origins, showing the global reach of reggae’s cannabis connection. Born in Italy but now Jamaica-based, he has fully adopted Rastafarian cannabis practices. His authentic reggae music features strong herb themes throughout his extensive discography. Alborosie’s journey demonstrates cannabis culture’s universal appeal and how it bridges cultural divides within reggae music.

Ivory Coast’s Alpha Blondy extends reggae’s influence to Africa as a West African reggae pioneer. He navigates strict African cannabis laws while addressing political themes in his music. His message promotes Pan-African unity through reggae, influencing perceptions across the continent through his socially conscious approach to music and activism.

Collie Buddz openly celebrates cannabis culture through his name and music, representing Caribbean islands beyond Jamaica in reggae’s cannabis narrative. Originally from Bermuda, his stage name “Collie” is Caribbean slang for cannabis. His music features explicit cannabis celebration while he performs at cannabis-friendly festivals globally, bringing Bermuda’s perspective to reggae’s international cannabis culture.

Modern reggae artists increasingly merge cultural advocacy with business ventures. From Marley Natural to various hemp product lines, artists transform advocacy into economic opportunity while maintaining authenticity.

These ventures often emphasize:

• Organic cultivation methods
• Support for traditional farmers
• Cultural education alongside products
• Social equity in cannabis business

Explore Herb’s dispensary directory to find reggae-affiliated products and culturally conscious cannabis businesses near you.

The reggae catalog contains countless cannabis references, from explicit anthems to subtle mentions. Key tracks include:

• “Legalize It” – Peter Tosh’s banned anthem
• “Kaya” – Bob Marley’s album-length cannabis celebration
• “Easy Skanking” – Marley’s relaxation anthem
• “Pass the Kouchie” – Mighty Diamonds’ explicit cannabis anthem later adapted as “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth
• “Sinsemilla” – Black Uhuru’s seedless cannabis tribute

These songs transformed cannabis from taboo topic to celebrated cultural element, inspiring legalization movements worldwide.

Reggae’s cannabis advocacy contributed to Jamaica’s 2015 decriminalization, though artists continue fighting for full legalization and expungement of criminal records. The culture now influences global policy discussions, with reggae festivals becoming spaces for cannabis education and activism.

Contemporary challenges include:

• Ensuring small farmers benefit from legalization
• Maintaining quality amid commercialization
• Preserving spiritual aspects versus recreational focus
• Fighting continued criminalization globally

For the latest on cannabis culture and advocacy, check Herb’s cannabis news section for updates on legalization efforts worldwide.

Cannabis use in reggae stems from Rastafarian religious practices where it serves as a sacred sacrament for spiritual meditation. The Rastafarian movement began in Jamaica during the mid-1930s, establishing cannabis as essential for connecting with Jah (God) – this religious foundation shaped reggae when it emerged 30 years later.

Not all reggae artists use cannabis. While it’s prevalent due to Rastafarian influence, some reggae musicians abstain for personal, health, or religious reasons. The genre includes diverse artists with varying relationships to cannabis, though the majority openly support its use.

Peter Tosh stands as reggae’s most militant cannabis advocate. His “Legalize It” album explicitly called for legalization despite being banned in Jamaica, and he regularly smoked on stage while confronting authorities about criminalization.

Numerous reggae songs directly reference cannabis, including Peter Tosh’s “Legalize It,” Bob Marley’s “Kaya,” Black Uhuru’s “Sinsemilla,” and Mighty Diamonds’ “Pass the Kouchie.” The genre features both explicit anthems and subtle references throughout its catalog.

While some Rastafarians consume cannabis daily as part of their spiritual practice, modern artists like Damian Marley acknowledge smoking “is not a healthy habit” and recommend alternatives. Ziggy Marley actively warns against pesticide-contaminated cannabis, advocating for organic cultivation methods.