Why does Cannabis make music sound way more detailed and hundreds of times more enjoyable?

[Palmer]

Isn't this thread unbecoming, for a forum like this? Honest question.

 

[pablolie]

Isn't this thread unbecoming, for a forum like this? Honest question.

Why? Cannabis and psychology and how our senses work fall squarely under audio research. When we are not in a receptive mood, million dollar systems will not immerse us into music any better. Psychoacoustics are 100% relevant. It is different than the 200th measurement of a DAC that clocks at 129dB SINAD, but honestly more interesting at this point. At least to me.

A big part of honest audio research would be admitting when/where we have hit utterly irrelevant benchmarks, where we haven't, and hey, even if we hear better or immerse ourselves easier under a completely legal intake of any hearing enhancing (LEGAL!) aid.

 

[Ktacos]

Isn't this thread unbecoming, for a forum like this? Honest question.

I can't imagine a more appropriate place to discuss this topic.

Sorry, but you might just be a square

 

[Petrushka]

Why spend thousands on snake oil, when a few bucks will give you the real thing?

 

[Palmer]

Why? Cannabis and psychology and how our senses work fall squarely under audio research. When we are not in a receptive mood, million dollar systems will not immerse us into music any better. Psychoacoustics are 100% relevant. It is different than the 200th measurement of a DAC that clocks at 129dB SINAD, but honestly more interesting at this point. At least to me.

A big part of honest audio research would be admitting when/where we have hit utterly irrelevant benchmarks, where we haven't, and hey, even if we hear better or immerse ourselves easier under a completely legal intake of any hearing enhancing (LEGAL!) aid.

Well, you have answered my question pretty decisively, I withdraw my concern and get my coat...

 

[pablolie]

Well, you have answered my question pretty decisively, I withdraw my concern and get my coat...

My opinion is not religion and feel free to disagree. I think any hobby carries some irrationality in it.

Always saddens some when what binds a statistically small group of hobbyists makes them pounce on each other for irrelevant minor things rather than feel connected by a common passion.

Not claiming it happened here... thanks for your reply.

 

[steve59]

This might be the only thread nobody asks for a double blind test.

 

[Axo1989]

This might be the only thread nobody asks for a double blind test.

I'm not sure which XKCD applies best. This is a good contender:

... but I'm going with this one:

 

[xanalog]

The music even 1 single track can be listened to hundreds of times in 1 day and continue to be like the first time you hear it always putting a smile on your face.

If I recall correctly, I've been listening to pot and smoking music for over a half decade.
But I NEVER had a hankering to listen to any music even twice daily... probably by the 3rd time; it will be putting a frown on my face... I may consider going postal on the 4th repeat!

The distortion of auditory perception is good, no?

Wouldn't that depend on the type of distortion?
I've heard odd-harmonics that make my inner ear tickle.

 

[Philbo King]

Back when this all was a "thing", LSD was legal. Back in 1966. And Time-Life publications evangelized LSD as an insta-cure for psychiatric disorders. Meanwhile the "evil weed" was illegal and an easy way to arrest "undesirables". I know [very well] someone who, back then, had no problem with dropping acid because it was legal. And huge problems with pot because it was illegal and known to cause derangement.

As of 2019, cannabis is being recognized as having therapeutic value and has become mainstream enough to be featured on the covers of National Geographic special editions, available at the check stand of a grocery store near you. There is also renewed [underground, mostly] interest in the potential therapeutic value of psychedelics. Back in 1966, Owsley's formulations focused on intensity and high dosages. The current psychedelic revival focuses on "microdosing', using acid as an extra nutritional supplement for a busy day.

I don't know how far back the connection between cannabis and music goes, but this performance of a late medieval song by Ensemble Project Ars Nova suggests the Troubadours might have smoked a bowl or two.

"I am smoky,
I smoke myself,
A smoky speculation . . . ":​

More info on smoking songs of the late medieval/early renaissance fumeurs:

https://books.google.com/books?id=S7NlCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA503&lpg=PA503&dq=puisque+je+suis+fumeux+lyrics&source=bl&ots=CWPxPE4tqt&sig=ACfU3U1DHktKMWJxpsSpC84XBuqyukaCZA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJrIqY6OnlAhXMrJ4KHf7hCjwQ6AEwB3oECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=puisque je suis fumeux lyrics&f=false

Huh... I was a close friend of (the late) Maury Baker, drummer for Ars Nova. He also did stints with Frank Zappa, Janis Joplins Cosmic Blues Band, and extensive stints with symphonys.

 

[Robin L]

Why spend thousands on snake oil, when a few bucks will give you the real thing?

Hash oil?

 

[egellings]

No one is romanticizing. Taken in the context of how psychoactive substances can effect music perception, then LSD has a very profound impact on sound perception, which can not only be heard, it can be touched, seen and even tasted! Of course, if you are not comfortable exploring the unknown areas of your mind and perception, then probably best to avoid. I haven't even mentioned MDMA yet!

LSD's effects are too overpowering for me to enjoy music. Cannabis, if not overdone, adds just the right amount of enhancement to music for me.

 

[xanalog]

LSD's effects are too overpowering for me to enjoy music. Cannabis, if not overdone, adds just the right amount of enhancement to music for me.

Has the LSD "micro-dosing" trend subsided, yet?
I am in a FOMO limbo state, re: new trends over/above ketamine and peptides.

I got this far; then, realized I could ask AI on latest psychedelia:
GHB/Sodium Oxybate?
Amanita Muscaria?
5-MeDMT?
Ibogaine?
Rapamycin?

Biohacking has become a more dynamic industry than audio ever was.
Xi did not ask but Putin told him about his "New Technologies for Health Preservation" initiative.
Plasma Dilution?
Partial Epigenetic reprogramming?
Senolytics?
Polypharmacy combos?

The cutting-edge (SOTA; as we say) in 2026 supposed to be all about:
AI-designed longevity compounds?
UrolithinA+Fisetin stacks?
GDF11/Exosome therapeutics?

What could possibly go wrong?

 

[pablolie]

well, biohacking isn't synonymous with drugging (I think -as an example- Urolithin is great and it's not expensive).

my concern with asking AI what to take is that with those questions AI just becomes a search engine and just parrots a lot of internet supplement propaganda (how can it not), albeit a tad more balanced by blending in some research it finds. but i found ChatGPT quite opinionated on some things... it told me to stop taking aspirin for heart health and such things.

on LSD, i did try it in the 90s, did little for me, but entirely effed up a friend and they kept having weird flashbacks for two weeks. i don't recall us talking about the music we were listening at all (unlike with good sativa).

 

[ahofer]

well, biohacking isn't synonymous with drugging (I think -as an example- Urolithin is great and it's not expensive).

my concern with asking AI what to take is that with those questions AI just becomes a search engine and just parrots a lot of internet supplement propaganda (how can it not), albeit a tad more balanced by blending in some research it finds. but i found ChatGPT quite opinionated on some things... it told me to stop taking aspirin for heart health and such things.

on LSD, i did try it in the 90s, did little for me, but entirely effed up a friend and they kept having weird flashbacks for two weeks. i don't recall us talking about the music we were listening at all (unlike with good sativa).

I don’t know what Urolithin is.

I’ve never tried LSD. The one thing that intrigues me is the concept of “ego death”. I’d like to know what that is like. It sounds like a relief.

I know someone who microdosed LSD with “pre-drug”. He said it worked better than anything else for what ails him (it’s complicated- you might say severe ADHD) but he said you have to keep taking more so he stopped.

 

[PristineSound]

This post reminds me of weed heads, they are always looking for hidden messages on anything and everything about weed.

 

[xanalog]

This post reminds me of weed heads, they are always looking for hidden messages on anything and everything about weed.

What's a weed head? Is it similar to the derogatory pothead?
If I never found (or even looked for) any of those 'hidden message'; would I be considered one of them?

AI just becomes a search engine and just parrots a lot of internet supplement propaganda (how can it not),

Exactitude was NOT what I was seeking, when I asked for AI assistance on drugs-du-jour.
It was strictly topical!
I've come this far in my life, w/o even -so much as- ever taking aspirins, alcohol- or chemical- cocktails and have no desires to start now!

 

[PristineSound]

What's a weed head? Is it similar to the derogatory pothead?
If I never found (or even looked for) any of those 'hidden message'; would I be considered one of them?

Exactitude was NOT what I was seeking, when I asked for AI assistance on drugs-du-jour.
It was strictly topical!
I've come this far in my life, w/o even -so much as- ever taking aspirins, alcohol- or chemical- cocktails and have no desires to start now!

If you never looked for it but you always have lingering thought maybe there is a reference to week, then yes, you are a weedhead.

 

[pablolie]

What's a weed head? Is it similar to the derogatory pothead?
If I never found (or even looked for) any of those 'hidden message'; would I be considered one of them?

Exactitude was NOT what I was seeking, when I asked for AI assistance on drugs-du-jour.
It was strictly topical!
I've come this far in my life, w/o even -so much as- ever taking aspirins, alcohol- or chemical- cocktails and have no desires to start now!

I was in no way whatsoever attacking you, I would have zero platform to credibly do that based on many messages in here.
Calling anyone that functions perfectly fine in demanding professional life a weed head or anything is downright ignorant. Smart people realize what helps them when and what doesn't and don't need anyone effing else to tell them what works or doesn't. It WORKS for them, and we should shut up and accept those substances may be very helpful with those who tolerate them and use them within their known limits.

 

[pablolie]

If you never looked for it but you always have lingering thought maybe there is a reference to week, then yes, you are a weedhead.

Weed doesn't create addiction unless you're a weak & $@#!?(! looking for constant excuses on why your life is a mess. which seems a journey for some people.
of course it can feed a need for momentary existential escapism but that is very different
I do partake, but never ever have I felt OMG I need this and I don't care. quite the contrary. I use it to enhance myself. indica for chill and sleep, sometimes sativa for a creative edge when stuck. and I hate feeling drugged or drunk. I just like the extra edge for different purpose and I never spend half an hour puffing to excess, it's one or two draws and done.