The Best Albums to Listen to For a Relaxing Cannabis Experience

Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day at work or simply want to sink into a calmer headspace, the right album can set the tone for a more relaxed cannabis experience. 

Some records make that easier than others. These are albums that tend to sound good when you’re trying to slow things down.

Top Albums for a Relaxing Cannabis Experience

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when picking an album for your relaxing cannabis experience, but these top picks are a fantastic starting place, with something for most musical tastes.

1. Flying Lotus - Until the Quiet Comes

Blending abstract hip-hop, jazz, and electronic influences, Until the Quiet Comes unfolds as a series of short pieces that register more as moods than full songs. 

Beats cut in and out, synths flicker, and melodies surface briefly before slipping away, keeping the sound in constant motion

The album holds your attention through mood and texture rather than traditional song structure. It fits naturally into quiet moments, filling the space without taking it over.

2. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue

Working within modal jazz, Kind of Blue has a calm, spacious feel that’s drawn in listeners well beyond jazz circles for decades. 

The focus is on space, mood, and tone rather than showmanship, with each instrument given room to breathe. 

Trumpet, piano, and saxophone pass ideas back and forth in an easy, conversational way, creating a sound that feels open and natural. 

Cool, fluid, and immersive, it’s an album that encourages slowing down while still staying fully engaged with the music.

3. Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works 85-92

Drawing from ambient and early electronic styles, Selected Ambient Works 85–92 moves between warm, melodic tracks and low-key electronic rhythms that leave space for the listener. 

Early techno influences are evident in looping patterns and layered textures rather than traditional song structures. 

Some tracks feel emotional and introspective, others more playful or hypnotic, but the album holds together as a cohesive whole. 

It creates a soft electronic atmosphere that’s easy to sit with when you want to relax without complete silence.

4. Tycho - Dive

Working in the space between downtempo electronic and ambient music, Dive relies on warm synths, soft, pulsing beats, and looping melodies that carry the album forward without lyrics to pull focus. 

The sound feels open and sun-washed, with a light flow that never pushes too hard. 

Dive works well when you want something calming but still immersive. It’s music that fills the room and lets your mind wander.

5. Mac DeMarco - Mac DeMarco 2

Mac DeMarco 2 falls into a loose, hazy groove with a lo-fi indie rock feel. Warped guitar tones, laid-back rhythms, and Mac DeMarco’s easygoing delivery make the songs feel loose and personal. 

The album moves between humor, longing, and introspective reflection without ever weighing itself down. 

Casual and melodic, Mac DeMarco 2 works well when you want something low-pressure and comforting playing in the background.

6. Masayoshi Takanaka - Seychelles

Seychelles feels like sunlight hitting the water at just the right angle. The guitars are clean and fluid, the rhythms feel relaxed, and everything moves with an easy, breezy flow. 

Jazz fusion, funk, and soft rock blend together effortlessly, creating a sound that feels playful but never busy.

Bright, melodic, and endlessly smooth, Seychelles is ideal for relaxed listening, especially when you want something uplifting that keeps the mood light and open.

7. Scientist - Space Invaders

A classic dub reggae album, Space Invaders drifts in and out like a signal from another room.

Heavy basslines, echoing snares, and swirling effects stretch and dissolve as drum hits drop out, basslines take over, and echoes fill the space between.

There’s very little to follow in a traditional sense, which makes it easy to relax into the atmosphere and let the sound do the work. 

Spacious, hypnotic, and immersive, Space Invaders turns the room into a slow-moving soundscape that’s perfect for zoning out.

8. Al Green - Let’s Stay Together

This album settles into a warm, easy groove almost immediately. 

Al Green’s voice is smooth and intimate, floating over soft rhythms and understated arrangements that never push too hard.

Love and closeness sit at the heart of these songs, carried by Al Green’s effortless delivery and gentle instrumentation. 

The result is warm and inviting, an album that naturally slows things down without trying to.

9. Steely Dan - Gaucho

Gaucho moves with a sleek, late-night elegance that pairs well with mellow vibes. 

Packed with smooth grooves and polished arrangements, the songs move between stories of aging, nostalgia, and characters chasing good times they can’t quite catch. 

Tracks like “Hey Nineteen” and “Babylon Sisters” blend jazz-inflected soft rock with sharp, witty lyrics, creating a sound that feels both laid-back and sharply observed. 

Rich, warm, and subtly detailed, Gaucho makes a great soundtrack for sinking into the music and letting the world blur around you.

10. Madvillain - Madvillainy

Madvillainy unfolds like a loose, late-night conversation. Madlib’s beats pull from dusty loops and unexpected samples, while MF DOOM’s verses zigzag between humor, wordplay, and sharp observations. 

The album drifts through short tracks and offbeat moments that keep things interesting without ever breaking the mood. Dense but inviting, Madvillainy rewards repeat listens and works especially well when you’re relaxed, letting the details surface on their own.

How to Choose an Album for a Relaxing Cannabis Experience

Not every album works with cannabis, especially if you’re trying to relax. More often than not, it comes down to how the music feels. Tempo, texture, and mood tend to matter more than genre.

Look for a Slower Tempo

Slower or mid-tempo albums are usually easier to settle into. The music doesn’t need to be sleepy; it just shouldn’t feel rushed. If you don’t feel the urge to skip tracks, it’s working.

Focus on Texture and Atmosphere

Cannabis can bring production details forward. Warm tones, soft layers, and a little space between sounds often feel more immersive. Music that already sounds harsh or overly busy can feel distracting when you’re listening closely.

Decide How Focused You Want to Be

Some albums are meant to be played start to finish. Others work better in the background. Albums that flow easily from track to track tend to suit deeper listening, while more atmospheric or instrumental records are easier to let play while you do something else.

Follow the Mood

Cannabis tends to amplify what’s already there. Albums that feel warm, reflective, or calm often pair well with a relaxing session. Music that feels tense or aggressive can change the energy, even if it’s great on its own.

Don’t Overthink It

Familiar albums can feel comforting, and cannabis often makes old favorites feel new again. If the music doesn’t feel distracting or intense, it’s a good place to start.

Making Listening as Relaxing as Possible

The album sets the foundation, but your set and setting (how and where you’re listening) can shape whether the experience feels relaxed or distracting. And a good sativa or indica strain doesn’t hurt, either.

Speakers or Headphones

Speakers are often easier for background listening, while headphones make details stand out more. Headphones can be great for focus, but they can also feel intense at higher volumes. Neither is better. Choose what feels easiest in the moment.

Vinyl or Streaming

Vinyl slows things down by default. You put a record on, let it play, and flip it when it’s done. Streaming is easier and more flexible, which helps if you don’t want to deal with setup at all.

Keep the Environment Simple

A comfortable place to sit, softer lighting, and less background noise go a long way. Even small distractions, like a bright phone or laptop screen nearby, can pull attention away from the music.

Then Let It Play

Once everything’s set, the best thing you can do is just let the album run. Skipping tracks, changing the volume, or jumping between albums can pull you out of the experience before it fully starts to click.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.