Popular Music Festival Drugs: New Study Reveals Coke & Molly Reign Supreme At Coachella, EDC

In case you’re wondering, a new study revealed the most popular drugs used at some of the most popular music festivals in the United States and Europe. It’s not entirely shocking since drugs and music typically go hand-in-hand. They don’t say, “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll” for no reason.

Drugabuse.com conducted a study of drug use that takes place at all major festivals, not just music festivals. The resource for substance abuse and addiction treatment observed over 3 million social media costs that mentioned popular festivals and drug use.

Some music festival like the Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra Music Festival use ecstasy, molly, and MDMA. Cocaine is increasingly popular at Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival, the Mad Decent Block Party and Lollapalooza. Pills are also popular at both EDC and Lolla.What’s not entirely surprising is that 83 percent of festival goers admit to smoking marijuana at Marley Fest.

Alcohol was another popular drug of choice. Over 90 percent of participants drink at Chili Cook-Off. Brad Paisley’s hit song, “Alcohol,” could’ve been to blame, according to the Music Times. The country singer is also the headliner at the festival. Alcohol is also popular at Summerfest and Glastonbury.

Burning Man is the festival where drugs are rampant. The festival is in the top three when it comes to social media posts about psychedelic and mind-altering drugs. There have been posts about crack cocaine, mescaline, mushrooms, and LSD. Camp Bisco and Tomorrowland are not far behind since they’re popular electronic music festivals that’s known for having such a widespread drug culture. Society has also become less judgmental when it comes to abusing pills and using crack cocaine.

There were very little social media posts about marijuana use. That’s probably due to the drug sniffing dogs that have been enforced at festivals. Festivalgoers are turning to smaller and less pungent drugs to get their high. Those who attend electronic music festivals also want to complete their “experience” with hallucinogens, which is not entirely surprising.

Drug use is common at music festivals, which is why this study isn’t shocking people. It’s important for festivals to figure out a way for attendees to use drugs safely, and to make them feel like they’re part of a safe environment. Festivals should also enforce alternatives and emergency medical services in case someone feels sick, according to Your EDM. Users should also educate themselves on how to use recreational drugs safely with their friends.

What’s surprising is the fact that people are willing to talk about their drug use on social media. Some share too much information about what they do at music festivals without realizing their current or future employer could be watching.

However, this study fails to include people who don’t use Instagram or use other forms of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. What about those that don’t publicly announce their drug use on social media? Still, it’s an interesting way for people to see which drugs are used recreationally at music festivals.

[Image: Samir Hussein/Getty Images]