At 92, Willie Nelson continues to maintain a remarkable presence both in the music industry and in popular culture, but the legendary country singer has recently shared some surprising updates about his health and habits.
Known for his long-standing love of marijuana, Nelson has built a reputation not only as an icon in country music but also as a prominent figure in the marijuana advocacy community. In addition to his music, he’s become widely associated with cannabis culture, particularly in the 1970s when he embraced the “outlaw” lifestyle and publicly promoted marijuana usage. However, the 92-year-old singer has recently revealed that he can no longer indulge in the same way he once did.
In an interview with Forbes, Nelson confessed that while he still enjoys getting high, he “can’t smoke anything anymore.” The primary reason for this, he explained, is the toll that decades of smoking have taken on his lungs. “My lungs have already said, ‘Don’t do that,'” Nelson shared. As a result, he has shifted his cannabis consumption to edibles, a far gentler option for his body. Despite this, Nelson hasn’t completely abandoned his love for marijuana, saying, “I don’t really do anything now much except a few edibles.”
In addition to his personal consumption, Nelson has also expanded his cannabis-related ventures. He spoke about his line of THC-infused tonics, Willie’s Remedy, noting that it has gained significant popularity. “I think it’s good, the people like it from what I’ve seen and heard,” he said, adding that his wife, Annie D’Angelo, has played a major role in the brand’s development and promotion. “She works hard and talks to a lot of people,” Nelson said. “I nod my head a lot and say, ‘Yes, thank you.'”
Nelson’s decision to give up smoking extends beyond cannabis. In 2019, he revealed that he had also quit smoking cigarettes due to similar health concerns. “I don’t smoke anymore. I take better care of myself,” he told KSAT in San Antonio. At the time, his comments sparked speculation that he had also quit smoking marijuana. His publicist clarified that he still “tastes the flower,” meaning he continues to consume cannabis, but in a different form that is less taxing on his respiratory health.
The shift in Nelson’s habits came after a bout with breathing difficulties that led him to cancel part of his tour. Nelson acknowledged that his lungs had suffered from years of misuse, having started with smoking cedar bark as a child before progressing to cigarettes and other substances. “I’ve mistreated my lungs since I was young. I started smoking cedar bark, went from that to cigarettes to whatever. And that almost killed me,” he said. This history of lung issues is why he has become more conscious of his health in his later years.
While Nelson may no longer be able to indulge in the same way he once did, his long career and enduring legacy are a testament to his resilience. His recent health updates serve as a reminder that even the most iconic figures must adapt as they age, but Nelson’s dedication to his music and cannabis advocacy remains strong. Fans continue to support him as he navigates his health challenges, and his influence on both music and marijuana culture will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact for years to come.