A team of researchers in Toronto is digging deeper into how cannabis influences music enjoyment. Building on past findings that marijuana enhances the experience of listening to music, they’ve launched a new study, conducted in a cannabis consumption lounge, to explore the phenomenon in real time.
From Memory to Immediate Experience
In their earlier study, researchers asked participants to recall past experiences of listening to music while high. The results showed that cannabis users reported heightened attentiveness, absorption, and emotional responses to music. However, this new study takes things further, focusing on real-time effects as participants listen to music under the influence of marijuana.
“We’re now in a unique position to directly test what happens in the exact moment individuals consume cannabis and engage with music,” said Chi Yhun Lo, a research associate at Toronto Metropolitan University’s SMART Lab. Lo and colleague Lena Darakjian have partnered with Club Lit, a downtown cannabis lounge, to create this innovative research environment.
Participants at Club Lit can scan QR codes on tables to access surveys, which ask about their emotional engagement with music and how cannabis might affect their perception. The lounge’s relaxed, real-world atmosphere gives researchers a chance to gather more authentic data compared to controlled lab settings.
Expanding Participation: Aiming for 1,000 Voices
Recruitment for the study began recently and is expected to continue through early 2025. The team aims to include 1,000 participants, making it one of the most ambitious investigations into cannabis and music perception to date.
Club Lit, conveniently located next to a cannabis retailer, provides a seamless experience for consumers interested in both marijuana and music. The lounge operates in partnership with Lit Research, which is licensed by Health Canada to conduct cannabis studies.
“By involving Club Lit’s clientele and anyone who visits the lounge, we’re hoping to build a diverse participant base,” Darakjian shared. The accessible setup also allows for broad engagement without disrupting the casual vibe of the space.
Key Questions: What Are Researchers Looking For?
The study delves into several aspects of music perception and enjoyment:
- Emotional Impact: Does cannabis amplify feelings like joy, nostalgia, or sadness when listening to certain songs?
- Cognitive Changes: How does being high affect memory, interpretation of lyrics, and critical analysis of music?
- Absorption: Are users more immersed in the music while under the influence?
These questions build on previous findings that cannabis alters cognitive processing, making users more attentive and open to the nuances of sound.
Balancing Science and Community
The collaboration between SMART Lab and Club Lit exemplifies a blend of rigorous science and community engagement. Instead of confining their research to sterile labs, the scientists have opted for an environment that reflects real-world cannabis use. This approach could yield insights that are more relatable and applicable to the average consumer.
A significant part of the study involves selecting music that resonates with participants. By curating specific songs, researchers aim to uncover patterns in how different genres, tempos, or lyrics affect users’ experiences.
The Broader Implications of the Study
While the study focuses on cannabis and music, its findings could have implications beyond these two areas. Insights into how marijuana influences sensory and emotional processing might inform everything from therapeutic practices to cultural conversations around cannabis use.
For now, the researchers are focused on collecting high-quality data. With 2025 on the horizon, they’re optimistic about reaching their target of 1,000 participants and uncovering a deeper understanding of how cannabis shapes our relationship with music.
