Billboard ranked the best weed songs by potency. Will Willie Nelson be on the list? (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Billboard has ranked the best weed songs by potency! The list comes just in time for 4/20. Their list features some of the ultimate songs for the Holidaze.
We put our own list of songs for your 420 playlist, you can check that out here. Now, let’s dive into what Billboard is saying about weed tunes. I’ve heard they know a thing or two about music. What’s their marijuana song knowledge like? Let’s find out!
The Best Weed Songs Of All-Time
First, we have to address that marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. In some states, it is medically and recreationally available. However, that’s not the case in every state. If you live somewhere where it remains illegal to do, then don’t do it. If it’s recreationally legal where you’re at, then you have the choice to partake. That choice is yours. We are in no way condoning or telling you to try it. We’re simply talking about the best songs that talk about marijuana.
Now, for the best weed songs. No matter what type of music you’re into, there’s a marijuana song. We’ve seen rock has plenty. We’ve got bands like 311, Sublime, and more who basically make a living making hits about marijuana. Additionally, there’s reggae music. That one is obvious and we don’t need to spend much time on it. I should mention it’s my favorite genre of music, both on and away from April 20th. Furthermore, country music has a lot of songs about weed from artists like Willie Nelson and Toby Keith. Then, hip-hop has plenty of great hits on the subject we’re discussing. No matter what style of music is your preference, you can find an appropriate song for your 420 playlist.
For this list, Billboard attached a potency level that measures the song’s inebriated energy on a scale of one (a mild buzz) to 10 (totally stoned). The list features some classic weed jams. Afroman’s “Because I Got High” kicks the list off at 25. Billboard gave it a potency of 1 because while it starts happy and cheerful, it ends up being a buzzkill because he turns into a bad stoner. Don’t let weed let you quit your job or drop out of school! That’s a bad stoner!
What Are The Best Weed Songs?
Down the list of Billboard’s best weed songs, Tom Petty’s “You Don’t Know How It Feels” lands at 21 and received a potency score of 5. It’s a stoner classic because of one line in the song, “Let’s roll another joint, and turn the radio loud.”
The top 5 songs on Billboard’s list includes: “Smoke Two Joints” by Sublime; “Pass That Dutch” by Missy Elliott; “Legalize It” by Peter Tosh; “Stay High” by Three 6 Mafia; and “Mary Jane” by Rick James. “Mary Jane” scored a perfect 10 in potency and I can’t help but agree. It’s a great song. Does it deserve number one? That’s going to be debatable.
Presenting 5 stoner songs necessary for your 420 playlist! These songs can get your festivities on 4/20 going or can slow them down, whatever vibe you’re going for.
For many, April 20th is one of the most anticipated days of the year. You want to make sure you’re prepared and set the right mood for whatever you may be doing on that day. Whether you’re taking it easy on the couch or hosting a get together with friends, these songs make for the perfect playlist, man!
The Best Songs For Your 4/20 Playlist
For 420 Day, you’re going to need a special playlist. You have to carefully curate songs to match the mood of the day. You may be into Death Metal, but April 20th is not the day for that music. Instead, try to find music with a relaxing vibe. It’s ideal to find something relaxing and great for easy listening. It’s a good day for any music that delivers good vibes.
Personally, my 420 Playlist (I call it “Rosetta Stoned”) features some of my favorite bands like Iration, Rebelution, and The Elovaters. I’m a big reggae fan, so it’s the perfect time to introduce my friends to some of my tunes. However, you can’t rely on a playlist full of music your friends might not be familiar with. If you have the Aux Cord or control of the playlist, you want to play some stuff that everyone knows and can enjoy. That’s why it’s good to have some classics on the playlist from Bob Marley (or any of his children), 311, Sublime, Peter Tosh, Tom Petty, and more! Rock not your thing? There’s plenty of country songs that follow the same theme from Willie Nelson or Toby Keith. Hip-Hop your thing? There’s plenty of options there, too!
This 4/20 is going to be a special one. Well, even more special than usual. Why? It’s not just 420 we’re celebrating, it’s also a ‘Stoner Eclipse’ palindrome! See, 4/20/2024 without the slashes is 4202024 and backwards it’s the same thing!
For these 5 songs to add to your 420 playlist, I wanted to include some popular songs that everyone will know and some B-Sides so you can introduce your friends or associates to some new tunes. What’s your favorite song to “relax” to on 420? Let us know! Not looking for music for your playlist? Check out our list of the 5 Greatest Stoner Movies Of All-Time!
The Best Songs For Your 420 Playlist
"Amber" - 311
In Hollywood, whenever they need some music for the background of a scene involving marijuana or a beach, I feel like it’s often “Amber” by 311. It was featured in Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates, I remember that. It’s the perfect chill song that delivers that 420 mood. It’s easy to listen to, it’s catchy, and it brings good vibes. It’s a classic and no 420 playlist is complete without it.
"Aqueous Transmission" - Incubus
This could be the most chill song of all-time. If it’s not on your Stoner Playlist then you are missing out. If you partake in 420 activities, this song takes things to the next level. Just lay back, relax, and listen to the song. It will take you away to a peaceful place. There are few songs out there like this. It even features the sitar! Incubus is touring this summer performing all the songs from their “Morning View” album, meaning you’ll get to hear this one live and in-person. Mind blowing stuff.
"Bowl For Two" - The Expendables
I promised some songs you might not be familiar with, and this could be one of them. The Expendables are a great reggae band with a lot of catchy songs to choose from for your playlist. However, this one stands above the rest. Don’t smoke alone on 4/20, you want to find someone to enjoy it with! “Bowl For Two” is like a stoner’s love song. It’s definitely one-of-a-kind and it belongs on your playlist!
"Comfortably Numb" - Pink Floyd
Had to throw a classic onto the list and felt like “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd was the best choice. There’s just something about it where the instruments cut right through into your soul, especially on 420. It goes right to the head. It’s one of the most iconic stoner songs ever, even if it’s probably about a different drug. Regardless, it makes for an enjoyable song for 420.
"Jamming" - Bob Marley
You can’t have a 420 Playlist and not feature a Bob Marley song. It’s not allowed. While my favorite song of his is “Waiting In Vain,” I think I’m going to add “Jamming” to the playlist, instead. It’s more of an upbeat song, where “Waiting In Vain” is good for a mellow mood if you’re alone. Your playlist needs at least one Bob song and it should feature a song from one of his kin, as well. It can be Damian, Stephen, Ziggy, it doesn’t matter and is totally your call.
Cort Freeman was born and raised in Metro Detroit. He was named Clarkston High School 2009 Class Clown 13 years after graduating. Totally normal thing to happen. That’s thanks to his time spent as an Intern at Comedy Central and Social Media Correspondent for The Colbert Report. Cort has done comedy across the country, both standing up and sitting down. When he’s not trying to make you laugh on-air and online, he’s probably at home enjoying his favorite shows like Seinfeld, South Park, and The Office. He’s also totally uncomfortable writing about himself in the third person. Cort enjoys writing about comedy, food, sports, and entertainment. So, basically anything and everything.
