J Cannabis Ther 2001(2):93-105

Music

Marijuana and Music: A Speculative Exploration

Author
P. Webster

Abstract
The extra-therapeutic uses of cannabis and other age-old psychoactive plants are currently ignored or dismissed not only by the usual suspects (moral entrepreneurs, political, religious leaders and other self-proclaimed do-gooders), but also by the great majority of the academic community. Those wishing to experiment with such substances often do so at no small risk to reputation or freedom. Thus, potentially important research has been banished from mainstream science to be accomplished only unofficially, often anonymously, and seldom given recognition when merited. As an example of such unofficial, unpublished, and underground research, the author presents a speculative exploration on the cannabis-produced altered state of consciousness and its relation to the appreciation and production of music. Hypotheses will be offered for consideration concerning the neurocognitive changes brought about by cannabis and how these may produce various useful effects. Aspects of the development of jazz music in the 20th century are presented which provide support for the hypotheses.

Keywords
Altered states of consciousness, short-term memory, creativity, holonomy, music appreciation, jazz, neurocognitive effects of cannabis, language, musical improvisation, music composition

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