Cannabis Playlist #6: Jimi Hendrix — “Purple Haze”

Few songs evoke 60s psychedelia as vividly as Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze. Released in 1967 as the second single from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, the track became a psychedelic rock anthem and, inevitably, a touchstone in cannabis culture. But is Purple Haze really about the herb that shares its name?

Since its launch, Purple Haze has been associated with cannabis use, especially since years later a popular strain of weed adopted the same name. With its characteristic distortion and riffs With its mind-blowing guitar riffs, the song seemed to transport listeners to another dimension, reinforcing the connection with the psychotropic universe. However, Hendrix himself described the inspiration for the song very differently: according to him, the lyrics came from a dream in which he was walking under the sea, and the “purple haze” represented an almost mystical experience, not necessarily induced by substances.

Between reality and myth

Despite Hendrix's explanation, the relationship between Purple Haze and cannabis became undeniable. In the 60s and 70s, psychedelic music went hand in hand with the use of mind-altering substances, and fans quickly adopted the song as a celebration of the altered state brought on by cannabis. Furthermore, the phrase “Purple Haze all in my brain” became almost a mantra for those seeking to expand their minds, whether through music or other means.

Whether or not it is a direct reference to cannabis, Purple Haze remains a landmark in psychedelic music and culture. Jimi Hendrix, with his unmistakable and innovative style, transcended labels and created a sound that remains timeless. And ironically, decades after the song was released, the famous variety Purple Haze of cannabis further solidified the connection between the song and the plant.

So, we can say that Purple Haze It's not just a song or a strain of weed – it's a state of mind!

Listen to the riffs from 'Purple Haze' here:

Purple haze all in my brain
Lately things, they don't seem the same
Acting funny, but I don't know why
'Scuse me while I kiss the sky

Purple haze all around
Don't know if I'm coming up or down
Am I happy or in misery?
Whatever it is, that girl put a spell on me
Help me! Help me!
Oh no, no

Yeah! Purple haze all in my eyes
Don't know if it's day or night
You got me blowing, blowing my mind
Is it tomorrow, or just the end of time?

No, help me
No, yeah purple haze
Oh no, no
Oh, help me
Tell me, tell me
Can't go on like this
You make me blow my mind
No no no
No, no, purple haze

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Laura Ramos

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With a degree in Journalism from the University of Coimbra, Laura Ramos has a postgraduate degree in Photography and has been a Journalist since 1998. Winner of the Business of Cannabis Awards in the category "Journalist of the Year 2024", Laura was a correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome, Italy, and Press Officer in the Office of the Minister of Education of the 21st Portuguese Government. She has an international certification in Permaculture (PDC) and created the street-art photography archive “Say What? Lisbon” @saywhatlisbon. Co-founder and Editor of CannaReporter® and coordinator of PTMC - Portugal Medical Cannabis, Laura directed the documentary “Pacientes” and was part of the steering group of the first Postgraduate Course in GxP's for Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal, in partnership with the Military Laboratory and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.

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