Exploring the interaction between cannabis and music

Abstract

Cannabis use has long been associated with enhanced music experiences, yet scientific research on its effects on auditory perception remains limited. This convergent mixed-methods self-report study investigated how recreational cannabis users experience auditory stimulation and music in particular. A total of 104 participants completed an online questionnaire, 15 of which were selected to participate in an optional semi-structured interview. Quantitative analyses showed that listening to music was the most commonly reported activity while high, indicated by 45% of participants. Participants reported significantly greater hearing sensitivity (p < 0.001) and state absorption in music (p < 0.001) while high compared to sober. Higher trait absorption in music was associated with greater state absorption in music while high. Qualitative thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) altered cognitive processes and reinterpretations, (2) auditory perceptual effects from new sensations to sensory overload, (3) emotional openness, sensitivity, and regulation, and (4) embodiment, immersion, and out-of-body dissociation. This study provides a novel theoretical framework to understand the complex interactions between cannabis and musical experience.

Keywords: absorption; cannabis; hearing; music; reward.

FIGURE 1

A bar graph illustrating the frequency of responses regarding whether participants believe cannabis affects their hearing. The dashed line indicates the comparison across groups, while the asterisks (***) denote a statistically significant result at p < 0.001. Error bars denote ± standard error.

FIGURE 2

A bar graph displaying participants’ responses concerning changes in hearing sensitivity while under the influence of cannabis. The dashed line indicates the comparison across groups, while the asterisks (***) denote a statistically significant result at p < 0.001. Error bars denote ± standard error.

FIGURE 3

A bar graph representing participants’ perception of sound quality when high. The dashed line indicates the comparison across groups, while the asterisks (***) denote a statistically significant result at p < 0.001. Error bars denote ± standard error.

FIGURE 4

A bar graph illustrating self‐reported levels of state absorption in music while high, compared to when sober. The dashed line indicates the comparison across groups, while the asterisks (***) denote a statistically significant result at p < 0.001. Error bars denote ± standard error mean.

FIGURE 5

A diagram illustrating how cannabis‐induced state absorption in sound and music interacts with reward. State absorption, influenced by cannabis use, may expand or narrow experiences across the four outlined themes, in a unidirectional relationship. This suggests that an individual's level of state absorption can modulate how these experiences may be rewarding.