Government Study Finds Over One-Third of Rap and Hip-Hop Videos Feature Cannabis

It is no secret that hip-hop and cannabis go hand in hand, but a recent government-funded study has actually put a number on it. Research shows that roughly 41% of the top rap and hip-hop music videos from 2024 prominently featured marijuana. This is a massive jump compared to other music genres, where cannabis references barely touched 2%. Iconic West Coast figures like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are credited with weaving this "chilled" vibe into the fabric of the culture since the 90s, helping to normalize the plant through their art.

This trend is more than just about aesthetics; it is about breaking the stigma. Seeing cannabis celebrated by major influencers in the most popular music genre helps shift public perception and pushes the conversation toward full legalization. For regular tokers, this widespread cultural embrace makes it easier to enjoy a lifestyle that was once pushed to the shadows. As these artists continue to leverage their platforms for reform—like Snoop’s advocacy in professional sports—the community benefits from a more accessible and accepted cannabis landscape.