As the United States finds itself at a crossroads over cannabis policy, the intersection of music, culture, and politics is shaping a new era for marijuana in America. Recent developments have thrust cannabis into the national spotlight—both as a cultural touchstone and a political flashpoint—while the rhythms of 420 culture continue to reverberate through music festivals, hip-hop lyrics, and legislative debates.
The phrase "420"—now synonymous with cannabis culture—traces its roots back to a group of California teenagers in the early 1970s. Meeting at 4:20 PM to share a joint, these teens unwittingly coined a term that would become a rallying cry for marijuana enthusiasts nationwide. Over the decades, the number evolved from inside joke to universal code, especially as legalization efforts gained steam in the early 2000s, according to reporting compiled by multiple sources.
Music has played a pivotal role in both reflecting and shaping 420 culture. Reggae, with legends like Bob Marley at the helm, has long celebrated the spiritual and communal aspects of cannabis, framing it as more than a recreational drug. As the movement grew, other genres joined the chorus. Hip-hop, in particular, has emerged as a powerful platform for cannabis advocacy. Artists such as Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Curren$y openly weave cannabis themes into their music, helping to normalize and legitimize marijuana use in the mainstream.
Snoop Dogg, one of the most prominent voices in cannabis culture, has gone beyond music by launching his own line of marijuana products. This entrepreneurial spirit, as highlighted by sources like The Hill, mirrors the broader growth of the legal cannabis industry and its increasing acceptance. Hip-hop also serves as a vehicle for social commentary, with many artists using their platforms to address racial disparities in marijuana criminalization and advocate for legalization. Their lyrics and activism echo a larger narrative about justice and the need for reform.
Music festivals have become key venues for celebrating and expanding 420 culture. Major events like Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, and the Smokers’ Club Festival draw crowds who openly embrace cannabis, blending live performances with a sense of shared community. Some festivals, such as the High Times Cannabis Cup, are explicitly dedicated to cannabis culture, featuring both musical acts and vendors promoting marijuana products. These gatherings foster networking among cannabis entrepreneurs and provide a space where music and marijuana industries can collaborate and innovate.
Meanwhile, the music industry itself is adapting to the new landscape. Weed-themed tracks—ranging from Afroman’s iconic "Because I Got High" to newer hits like "Good Day" by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—continue to resonate with audiences. Streaming platforms such as Spotify now curate playlists for cannabis enthusiasts, and artists are increasingly partnering with cannabis brands to monetize their music and lifestyle ventures. According to recent coverage, these trends reflect the normalization of marijuana in American culture and the growing synergy between music and cannabis commerce.
Yet, for all the cultural momentum, the legal status of cannabis remains complex and contentious. In August 2025, President Trump indicated he was open to advancing the rescheduling of marijuana—a move that would shift cannabis from Schedule I to the less restrictive Schedule III under federal law. This follows efforts by the Biden administration, which initiated the rescheduling process but left it unfinished. Trump told donors that a decision could come "in the next few weeks," signaling that cannabis reform is no longer a strictly partisan issue.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has historically resisted change. Just before Trump first took office, DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney canceled a hearing on rescheduling after supporters alleged agency collusion with opponents. According to Adam Smith, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, "The DEA, culturally and historically, has been against reforming cannabis laws. And I think to some extent that is their natural response is to dig in their heels." Despite this resistance, Trump’s public statements have signaled a shift. On Truth Social in September 2024, he wrote, "I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product."
Trump’s support for cannabis reform is not entirely new. He voted "YES" on Florida Amendment 3 in 2024—a measure that would have legalized recreational cannabis in the state. Although the initiative won 55 percent of the vote, it fell short of the 60 percent supermajority needed to pass. According to Pew Research polling at the start of 2025, 87 percent of Americans now support marijuana legalization for medical use, recreational use, or both. Smith points out, "I would point out that majorities of Americans from all parties support cannabis law reform and support legalization. [A] large, large, overwhelming majority support medical access, and so I don’t think it’s as unpopular as it on the right as it is often portrayed." He adds that personal freedom is a value that resonates across the political spectrum.
However, rescheduling is not the same as full legalization. If cannabis is moved to Schedule III, there would still be federal penalties for use and possession, but cannabis businesses would gain significant tax advantages. Currently, companies dealing with Schedule I or II substances are barred from deducting business costs or credits from their taxes. Jonathan Robbins, chair of Akerman LLP’s Cannabis Practice, told The Hill, "While this sounds onerous, and indeed it is, outright support from President Trump will absolutely facilitate the process, particularly given that the vast majority of congressional opposition has historically come from the right side." Robbins also notes that rescheduling could encourage more states to allow medical or recreational use and would give cannabis businesses access to traditional banking services.
Not everyone is on board. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and a former drug policy adviser, warns that rescheduling is essentially a "financial favor" to cannabis businesses. "I don’t think it’s consistent with his agenda at all. The other thing is, you know, it would give huge tax breaks to the marijuana industry. That’s all that this is about. It’s about money. It’s about a small number of people making a lot of money off of many users," Sabet said. He expressed concern that the move would lead to "huge commercialization in terms of the advertising that they can now deduct as expenses" and send the message that marijuana is being downgraded in seriousness.
As the debate rages on, the intertwining of music and cannabis culture continues to reflect broader societal changes. Music is not just a soundtrack to the cannabis movement—it’s a force that shapes and amplifies the conversation, from festival stages to legislative halls. The future of marijuana in America remains uncertain, but one thing’s for sure: the rhythm of 420 culture, fueled by both artistic expression and political momentum, is far from fading.