Weed And Reggae

It was only a matter of time before we addressed the connection between weed and reggae. Let’s check out the history of this iconic relationship, some dope reggae-related seeds, and some groovy tunes to boot.

HISTORY OF WEED AND REGGAE

Weed and reggae go together like Bob Marley and dreads. Straight outta Jamaica, reggae music flourished and illuminated every corner of the world with rhythmic afrobeats at the essence of Jamaica’s culture. It’s impossible to talk about the influence of marijuana on reggae music without mentioning Rastafarianism, a belief system which evolved from the Judeo-Christian culture of inhabitants of the Caribbean.

Rastas, the followers of Rastafarianism, consider Haile Selassie I, the emperor of Ethiopia (1930-1974) to be the messiah who will bring black people back to Zion. Rastas use marijuana as a sacrament during their spiritual sessions. The Rasta culture is mediated through reggae music, hence the connection between weed, reggae, Jamaica, and Rasta.

A big influence on the connection between the herb and reggae is, of course, Bob Marley, who toked ganja like a boss. He believed that marijuana could heal the people and help humanity move in the right direction. As Bob Marley stated, “Herb is the healing of the nation”.

CURRENT STATUS

Since marijuana is so deeply tied to Jamaica's culture, let’s examine the current status of the herb throughout the nation. Contrary to some belief, the legal status of marijuana in Jamaica has leaned more toward the prohibitionist side. However, a recent 2015 law decriminalised possession of small amounts of ganja for personal use.

While this is but a small measure, it shows promise for the future of cannabis policy. Also, growing five plants for personal use is allowed, as is ganja toking for religious purposes. Rastas approve of this message. Medicinal marijuana has also become legal. Many Jamaicans hope for more lenient laws to pass, which will attract greater tourism and boost revenue countrywide.

MARIJUANA'S FUTURE PROSPECTS IN JAMAICA

The legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada and many US states shows hope for the future of Jamaica’s marijuana policy. Many locals want the herb to become legal as it would create a flow of cash and other resources into the nation. It’s not hard to imagine that when Jamaica's laws become more lenient, cannabis tourism will skyrocket.

Jamaica is well-known for its reggae, Rasta, and ganja culture. Today, there are already tours guiding visitors through local ganja farms. The music scene, primarily Reggae music, will bring in huge numbers of tourists and show the world all Jamaica has to offer. As Peter Tosh stated: Legalize It!

TOP 5 REGGAE SONGS ABOUT WEED

1. Peter Tosh - Legalize It

After Peter Tosh left The Wailers, “Legalize It” became his debut album as a solo artist. The album was released in 1976, named after its hit single. The tune is all about legalizing that ganja, with the message: “doctors smoke it, nurses smoke it, judges smoke it, even the lawyers too, legalize it, don't criticize it”.

2. Lee “Scratch” Perry - Free Up The Weed

Lee “Scratch” Perry is an absolute legend when it comes to dub and reggae music. His innovative style back in the ‘70s shaped the way music from Jamaica was mediated to the world at large. His tune “Free Up The Weed” represents his passion for ganja. He believed that weed “was here from creation, it's for the healing of the nation”.

3. Bob Marley - Kaya

Bob Marley was an absolute legend, who you’re already familiar with. The style of his music has changed the course of reggae history. “Kaya”, which is synonymous with weed, penetrates the hearts of ganja enthusiasts around the world with the phrase “Got to have kaya now”. Word.

4. Culture - The International Herb

Joseph Hill, the lead singer of the roots reggae group Culture, expresses his love for ganja in many of his creations. Culture came to light in the ‘70s; they rode the first waves of the commercial reggae scene. The song “The International Herb” is pumped through plenty of speakers in today’s world. “It gives me inspiration in music man, the international herb”.

5. Bob Marley - Easy Skanking

“Excuse me while I light my spliff” is one of the most iconic pieces of wisdom offered by the late Bob Marley, expressed in the “Easy Skanking” tune of 1978. The rhythm and background singers make the listener feel like everything is just alright. The best way to describe this tune is optimism manifested in audio format.

4 REGGAE-RELATED CANNABIS STRAINS

Here are some perfect strains to enjoy while reggae vibrations are penetrating one's soul.

1. Jamaican Pearl by Sensi Seeds

This strain has harnessed the essence of the Caribbean paradise into a sativa-dominant strain. Jamaican Pearl is a hybrid deriving from Marley’s Colli and Early Pearl. This 85% sativa plant induces energetic and happy feels. The tropical aromas and flavours perfectly represent the chill-out vibes of the best reggae music.

View

Jamaican Pearl (Sensi Seeds)

(7)

Parents: Marley's Collie x Early Pearl

Genetics: 15% Indica / 85% Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks

THC: Unknown

CBD: Unknown

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

2. Doctor Jamaica by Vision Seeds

Somebody call the doctor! The patient is outta weed! Doctor Jamaica arrives, cooling down the anxious feels, making everyone open their eyes to true wonders of the universe. This strain is a perfect 50% sativa and 50% indica mix, emanating orange and citrus aromas. Doctor Jamaica is a variation of California Orange strain, commonly known as Cali-O.

View

Doctor Jamaica (Vision Seeds) feminized

(2)

Parents: Cali-O (California Orange)

Genetics: 50% Indica / 50% Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks

THC: 15%

CBD: Unknown

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

3. SomaRi by Soma Seeds

This strain was developed by a true Rastafarian, who’s deeply passionate about providing the world with best-quality ganja. This strain derives from a mix of NYCD, Kushadelic, and Buddha's Sister. Being an HTCC 1st prize winner in 2013, this plant is mindblowing. If one wishes to experience a true reggae cultivar, SomaRi delivers.

View

SomaRi (Soma Seeds) feminized

(2)

Parents: NYCD x Kushadelic x Buddha's Sister

Genetics: 70% Indica / 30% Sativa

Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

4. Jamaican Dream by Eva Seeds

To finish this dank Reggae list, let’s enter the Jamaican Dream. This strain was developed by Eva Seeds. It's a tall, sativa-dominant plant, ready to take reggae enthusiasts for a spin. The THC levels are relatively high, producing potent and superb experiences. Jamaican Dream is a true gem, which grows like a dank alternative to a Christmas tree.

View

Jamaican Dream (Eva Seeds) feminized

(24)

Genetics: 10% Indica / 90% Sativa

Flowering Time: 6-7 weeks

THC: 19%

CBD: Low

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

REGGAE AND GANJA

There you have it, the most significant connections between our beloved herb and reggae. Blazing some flavorsome nugs while satisfying one’s auditory senses with reggae beats is something worth experiencing. Relax, chillax, and let those positive vibes sink into your mind with this timeless music genre. Peace.

Steven Voser

Steven Voser is an independent cannabis journalist with over 6 years of experience writing about all things weed; how to grow it, how best to enjoy it, and the booming industry and murky legal landscape surrounding it.

Read full bio