Willie Nelson, the iconic singer and songwriter, continues to be a force to be reckoned with at 91 years old. His passion for cannabis reform burns brighter than ever, and he’s actively rallying behind Kamala Harris, who he believes will bring about much-needed federal cannabis legalization.
In a recent interview with NBC News, Nelson expressed his unwavering stance on the issue: “There are so many good people in prison right now just for having something on them. That ain’t right.” A longstanding advocate, Nelson has been a familiar face at rallies, standing alongside Harris and urging fans to support cannabis reform initiatives across the country, including ballot measures in Florida and Texas. “This is our chance to truly end prohibition,” he urged a digital fundraising audience, adding, “Get out and vote for Kamala Harris.”
As Nelson prepares for the release of his 76th studio album, “Last Leaf on the Tree,” this Friday, it’s clear that his contributions to music and cannabis culture are far from finished.
Cannabis and Cooking: A New Chapter
Nelson is also branching out into the culinary world with his upcoming cannabis cookbook, co-authored with his wife, Annie Nelson, and renowned chef Andrea Drummer. After battling emphysema and pneumonia, Nelson turned to edibles as a safer alternative to smoking cannabis, sparking the idea for the cookbook. The book features recipes like cannabis-infused sweet potato hash, a twist on Willie’s favorite dish, and other Southern-inspired options designed to offer alternative consumption methods.
“He had to stop smoking, so we found a way to make it work,” Annie shared about their collaborative process on the book. “But he has night terrors, and [marijuana] really helps. So I had to figure out how to make something that he could ingest. And then it started from there.”
A Generational Icon: Collaborating with Beyoncé
Nelson’s influence transcends generations, evidenced by his recent collaborations that highlight his unique place in the world of music. He’s featured on two tracks of Beyoncé’s latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” showcasing a genre-crossing project that reflects his enduring appeal.
“I love her,” Nelson said about Beyoncé. “She’s great, and she asked me to be on her album, and I said, ‘Heck yeah, anything else you need.'” His contributions bring a classic country flavor to Beyoncé’s forward-thinking project, and together they even shared the stage at a recent Harris rally.
Willie Nelson continues to defy expectations, inspiring fans with his music, advocating for change, and embracing new ventures in the culinary world. He remains a true icon, proving that age is just a number and that the power of music, activism, and cannabis can create lasting impact.
