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Exploring the interaction between cannabis and music.

Lena Darakjian, Harley Glassman, Chi Yhun Lo, Frank A Russo

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences September 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.70010 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Convergent mixed-methods self-report study Qualitative Peer reviewed
Sample size 104
Population Recreational cannabis users
Topics Cannabis
Keywords Absorption Hearing Music Reward
Key points Listening to music is the most common activity while high, and cannabis use is associated with significantly greater hearing sensitivity and state absorption in music compared to being sober.

Abstract

Cannabis use has long been associated with enhanced music experiences, yet scientific research on its effects on auditory perception remains limited. This convergent mixed-methods self-report study investigated how recreational cannabis users experience auditory stimulation and music in particular. A total of 104 participants completed an online questionnaire, 15 of which were selected to participate in an optional semi-structured interview. Quantitative analyses showed that listening to music was the most commonly reported activity while high, indicated by 45% of participants. Participants reported significantly greater hearing sensitivity (p < 0.001) and state absorption in music (p < 0.001) while high compared to sober. Higher trait absorption in music was associated with greater state absorption in music while high. Qualitative thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) altered cognitive processes and reinterpretations, (2) auditory perceptual effects from new sensations to sensory overload, (3) emotional openness, sensitivity, and regulation, and (4) embodiment, immersion, and out-of-body dissociation. This study provides a novel theoretical framework to understand the complex interactions between cannabis and musical experience.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on cannabis, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Psychoactive substances as a last resort—a qualitative study of self-treatment of migraine and cluster headaches Users of online forums discussing cluster headache and migraine treatments 2017 Qualitative thematic analysis
Psychoactive drug or mystical incense? Overview of the online available information on Spice products Web pages related to Spice products 2009 Qualitative study n = 200
Patterns, Trends, and Meanings of Drug Use by Dance-drug Users in Edinburgh, Scotland Clubbers in clubs and pre-club bars 2004 Cross-sectional survey with focus groups n = 124
Fascination and Social Togetherness-Discussions about Spice Smoking on a Swedish Internet Forum. Swedish internet forum users who posted reports about Spice intoxication 2013 Qualitative study n = 40
Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis. Participants recruited from seven online communities, median age 33, 81% male 2020 Mixed methods (qualitative interviews and quantitative survey) n = 319

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