Matthew McConaughey Says Janet Jackson… Hit Changed His Relationship with Weed
Matthew McConaughey has revealed the unusual story behind his decision to stop smoking weed, and it involves one of Janet Jackson’s biggest songs.
During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the Oscar-winning actor discussed songs that have played an important role in his life. Among them was Jackson’s 1993 hit “That’s the Way Love Goes”.
McConaughey said the song became part of a memorable night when he was supposed to attend his own birthday celebration. Instead, he spent so much time listening to the track in his car that he missed the party entirely.
More importantly, the experience convinced him that he no longer wanted to smoke marijuana.
The song became an unexpected turning point
McConaughey described “That’s the Way Love Goes” as a relaxed and appealing song. However, the circumstances surrounding one particular lesson were anything but ordinary.
According to the actor, the incident happened around the period when he noticed stronger hydroponically grown marijuana becoming more common. He contrasted it with the marijuana he had previously experienced and said the newer, more potent version could produce unexpectedly intense effects.
On the night in question, McConaughey was on his way to a birthday party that friends had organised for him at a club. After smoking, he remained in his car and became absorbed in Jackson’s song.
He eventually listened to “That’s the Way Love Goes” 24 times in a row.
By the time he finally decided to go inside, the birthday celebration had already ended and his guests had left.
Why Matthew McConaughey Quit Smoking Weed
For McConaughey, the experience became more than an amusing birthday story.
He told Rolling Stone that the episode was the reason he quit smoking weed. His comments suggest that the intensity of the experience, rather than the song itself, made him reconsider marijuana.
In fact, McConaughey made it clear that he still enjoys Jackson’s music. His issue was with the marijuana, not the track.
The story is also notable because it shows how strongly music has influenced McConaughey throughout his life. His Rolling Stone interview focused on songs connected to important memories, places and periods in his career and personal life.
Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” Remains a Major Hit
Released in 1993, “That’s the Way Love Goes” became one of Janet Jackson’s signature songs.
The track was the lead single from her fifth studio album, Janet, and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a major commercial success, later receiving a double-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
The song’s smooth, understated sound has helped it remain an enduring part of Jackson’s catalogue. Its appeal also explains why McConaughey could become so absorbed in it during his unusual birthday-night experience.
The song itself was created by Jackson with long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Rolling Stone previously reported that Lewis described the track as combining a funky rhythmic foundation with softer synthesiser textures.
McConaughey Has Told the Birthday Story Before
The story is not entirely new.
McConaughey previously discussed the same birthday incident while promoting his 2025 book Poems & Prayers. He also recalled it during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in December 2025. However, the number of times he said he played Jackson’s song has differed between versions.
In the 2026 Rolling Stone interview, he said 24 times. Earlier accounts reported different numbers, making the latest figure best understood as the version McConaughey gave during his most recent interview.
That small discrepancy does not change the central point of the story: McConaughey arrived at his own birthday celebration, stayed in his vehicle while repeatedly listening to Jackson’s song, and ultimately decided to stop smoking weed.
Music Continues to Play a Major Role in McConaughey’s Life
The Janet Jackson story was only one part of McConaughey’s conversation with Rolling Stone.
The actor discussed several songs connected to different stages of his life. His selections included music by U2, Tears for Fears, Paul Simon, John Mellencamp and the Steve Miller Band, among others.
McConaughey has also previously explained that music can help him get into character. That connection between music and acting has remained an important part of his creative process.
So while “That’s the Way Love Goes” may forever remind him of an unexpectedly chaotic birthday night, the actor says he still appreciates the song itself.
For McConaughey, the takeaway was simple: he loved the song, but he did not love the experience that came with it.