When you hear the name Bob Marley, what comes to your mind? The beats of reggae, dreadlocks, and maybe a cloud of sweet-smelling smoke. The legendary Jamaican musician is equally associated with marijuana as his incredibly inspiring songs.
In today’s world, it is quite common to come across weed sub boxes and monthly weed boxes that help you forget that marijuana once symbolized counterculture, served for spiritual purposes, or posed a legal risk for some people. Bob Marley was not just its user, he was also one of its spiritual propagators who referred to it as “the herb”. But did Bob Marley actually smoke weed? And if so, why did he do that?
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Bob Marley: His Drug Use and Reggae Music
The use of marijuana by Bob Marley was, in essence, connected with both his religious beliefs and musical career. To Marley, who was deeply religious and adhered to the Rastafarian faith, cannabis was not a drug for recreational purposes but rather a holy offering.
- Marley converted to Rastafarianism in the mid-1960s
- From this time until his death, he likely used marijuana daily
- His cannabis use was deeply rooted in spiritual practices rather than recreational purposes
Marley's reggae music often reflected his beliefs about marijuana. Many of his songs contain references to the herb and its spiritual significance. For example, in "Easy Skanking," he sings, "Excuse me while I light my spliff," openly acknowledging his use of marijuana.
While Marley is known to have supported marijuana, he was strongly against other drugs and alcohol. "Herb is the healing of the nation, alcohol is the destruction" was his famous quote that supported his position on it being medicine as well as having some spiritual powers, unlike any other kind of substance.
Read more: Who Was the First Person to Smoke Weed?
How Bob Marley Popularized Weed Smoking?
His openness about his marijuana use and its spiritual significance played a significant role in popularizing cannabis culture worldwide.
- His music spread the message of marijuana's spiritual and medicinal benefits
- Marley's image became synonymous with cannabis use, especially in Western countries
- His advocacy helped challenge negative stereotypes about marijuana users
Marley's influence on cannabis culture continues to this day. Modern cannabis enthusiasts often pay homage to Marley through various means, including the unique weed box themed around reggae culture or Jamaican cannabis strains.
The Bob Marley Facts You Need to Know
To fully understand Marley's relationship with marijuana, it's crucial to know some key facts about his life:
- Born: February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica
- Died: May 11, 1981, in Miami, Florida, USA
- Religion: Rastafari movement
- Musical genres: Reggae, ska, rocksteady
- Notable bands: Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Wailers
Marley's Rastafarian beliefs were central to his identity and his use of marijuana. Rastas consider cannabis a holy herb, using it for religious purposes such as meditation and seeking spiritual insights.
Read more: What Happens If You Smoke Old Weed?
A Scientist in Search of Ganja Smoked by Bob Marley
Interestingly, Marley's cannabis use has sparked scientific interest. Dr. Machel Emanuel, a Jamaican scientist, has been on a mission to recover and study the cannabis strains that Marley might have used.
- Dr. Emanuel's research aims to preserve Jamaica's cannabis heritage
- He's searching for landrace strains that existed before widespread hybridization
- This research could provide insights into the properties of cannabis available during Marley's time
This scientific pursuit showcases how Marley's influence extends beyond music and culture into the realms of botany and cannabis research. It's a testament to the lasting impact of his association with the plant.
Bob Marley and Marijuana: A Song of Redemption
For Marley, marijuana wasn't just about getting high; it was a tool for spiritual growth and social change. He saw it as a means of "redemption" from oppressive systems and a way to connect with a higher consciousness.
- Marley believed marijuana opens spiritual doors and aids meditation
- He used cannabis as part of his creative process in music-making
- Many of his songs, like "Kaya" and "One Draw," celebrate the herb
Marley was heard once saying “When you smoke herb, herb reveals yourself to you,” so, it is believed that he thought people could undergo self-reflection under the influence of marijuana.
Nowadays, this legacy lives on in different forms such as weed subscription boxes usually meant for providing knowledge on the various aspects related to the herb like its culture and history, etc.
Read more: Can You Smoke Weed After Surgery?
Did Bob Marley Have a Favorite Weed?
While there's no definitive record of Marley's preferred strain, we can make some educated guesses based on what was available in Jamaica during his lifetime.
- Lamb's Bread: A sativa strain rumored to be Marley's favorite
- Jamaican landrace strains: Pure, Indigenous varieties that were common in Jamaica
- Columbian Gold: A popular strain in the 70s that Marley likely encountered
It's worth noting that the cannabis available today is quite different from what Marley would have used. A trendy subscription box for smokers often includes a variety of strains and products that weren't available in Marley's time.
Bob Marley and Cannabis
Bob Marley's relationship with cannabis was multifaceted. It was a spiritual sacrament, a creative tool, and a symbol of resistance against oppression. His openness about his use helped change global perceptions of the plant.
- Marley saw cannabis as a natural right, not just a recreational drug
- He believed in its medicinal properties, which science is now beginning to confirm
- His advocacy helped pave the way for today's growing cannabis industry, including Monthly Weed Boxes
As a way of recognizing him and propagating the healing powers of this plant, Marley's family established Marley Natural in 2014 as their line of marijuana. Known for its heirloom Jamaican cannabis strains that reflect Marley's conviction in cannabis's capacity for spirituality and creativity, this brand is also involved in other related products.
Read more: What Do You Feel After Taking Cannabis Infused Gummies?
Wrapping Up
No matter how much you enjoy Marley’s tunes, for some, engaging with cannabis culture; or for others who only have an interest in a section of music history that is seldom documented; Bob Marley’s bond with marijuana has enabled us to understand the influence music and beliefs have on cultural perception. Marijuana was more than just an intoxicant for him; it served as a holy herb packed full of spiritual meaning. It was a significant part of his Rastafarian religion as well as his quest for creative and divine knowledge.
In today's world, where cannabis is becoming increasingly accepted and legalized, Marley's early advocacy seems prescient. The proliferation of weed boxes and other cannabis-related products and services can be seen as a continuation of the normalization that Marley helped initiate.
Are you looking to connect with the spirit of Marley's appreciation for cannabis? Well, Greeen Box is leading the way! We have a subscription box for smokers that delivers a handpicked cannabis experience to your door. Every month, we send our subscribers an assortment of thoughtfully selected high-grade marijuana products, smoking gadgets, and reading resources on the plant’s deep-rooted culture, smoking accessories, and educational materials that honor the plant's rich cultural history.
