14 Country Singers Who Smoke Weed

Country music and cannabis share a surprisingly deep connection. Whether for creative inspiration, anxiety relief, or simply personal preference, these 14 country artists have openly discussed their relationship with marijuana. Browse cannabis strains mentioned by your favorite artists to understand their choices better.

• Medical benefits drive many artists’ choices – From Loretta Lynn trying cannabis at 84 for medical reasons to artists exploring different consumption methods
• Cannabis helps artists maintain sobriety – Jelly Roll credits marijuana with helping his anxiety, while maintaining sobriety from harder substances
• Legal consequences remain real – Jamey Johnson’s November 2024 arrest demonstrates ongoing legal risks in certain states
• Generational attitudes are shifting – From Willie Nelson’s longtime advocacy to younger artists like Kacey Musgraves normalizing discussion
• Business ventures legitimize the industry – Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Reserve brand launched in 2015, operating in multiple legal states
• Creative enhancement is commonly cited – Dierks Bentley discussed Colorado’s influence while recording his album “The Mountain”
• Health considerations vary by individual – While many report benefits, Willie Nelson quit smoking marijuana in 2019 due to breathing issues

Willie Nelson stands as country music’s most iconic cannabis advocate. With his Willie’s Reserve brand operating in Colorado, California, Nevada, and Washington, Nelson transformed from outlaw to entrepreneur. He recently told Forbes that he quit smoking marijuana, but continues to consume edibles. His influence extends beyond personal use – he’s normalized cannabis discussion for generations of country artists.

Nelson’s cannabis advocacy intertwines with his Farm Aid work and environmental activism. His Willie’s Reserve brand emphasizes sustainable growing practices and supporting independent farmers. Despite experiencing breathing issues that led him to quit smoking, Nelson continues advocating for legalization and responsible use.

Kacey Musgraves faced resistance at some country radio stations when “Follow Your Arrow” included the line “roll up a joint”. Her 2013 song challenged Nashville’s conservative stance while earning Grammy recognition. In recent interviews, she’s discussed her evolving relationship with cannabis, showing maturation in her approach.

Musgraves represents a new generation comfortable discussing cannabis without shame or apology. Her mainstream success despite – or perhaps because of – her openness signals changing attitudes in country music. She’s proven artists can maintain credibility while being honest about cannabis use.

In interviews, Jelly Roll has stated marijuana has helped him “in so many regards, with my anxiety” and discussed how it supports his recovery journey. His story resonates with many using cannabis for harm reduction. Unlike stereotypical narratives, his cannabis use supports rather than threatens his recovery.

The artist’s openness about using marijuana while maintaining sobriety from harder substances challenges traditional recovery narratives. His success demonstrates cannabis can be part of a healthy lifestyle for some individuals. Read more about cannabis education regarding harm reduction approaches.

While maintaining a relatively private stance compared to others, Toby Keith has made subtle references to cannabis throughout his career. His inclusion among artists who’ve discussed marijuana reflects the widespread nature of cannabis use in country music. Keith represents mainstream country’s quiet acceptance rather than vocal advocacy.

Jamey Johnson was reportedly arrested on marijuana-related charges in Tennessee in November 2024, highlighting ongoing legal risks. The acclaimed songwriter faces charges despite cannabis’s growing acceptance. His case demonstrates the disconnect between cultural acceptance and legal reality in certain states.

Johnson’s situation underscores the importance of understanding local laws. Even established artists face consequences in prohibition states. His arrest serves as a cautionary tale for the country music community. Check legal dispensaries in your area to avoid legal issues.

Eric Church has discussed cannabis in various interviews, demonstrating how professional musicians adapt their choices to maintain their careers. Church’s openness helps destigmatize different approaches to cannabis use.

The Chief’s practical approach resonates with many professionals who use cannabis while maintaining demanding careers. His story illustrates how artists balance personal choices with professional responsibilities.

While recording “The Mountain” in Colorado, Bentley told Rolling Stone about the creative environment and a tray of weed brownies during the album’s production. He credits the Colorado atmosphere with enhancing the album’s authenticity. His experience reflects many artists’ creative processes.

Bentley’s Colorado recording sessions produced some of his most acclaimed work. The correlation between environment and creative output remains a common theme among musicians. His openness adds credibility to discussions about creativity.

Country legend Loretta Lynn tried cannabis for medical reasons later in life, though she reportedly didn’t find it suited her. Her willingness to experiment for health reasons at an advanced age challenged stereotypes about who uses cannabis. Lynn’s story demonstrates cannabis isn’t just for young rebels.

Her experience shows even country music’s most traditional figures have considered cannabis for medical purposes. Lynn’s openness helped older fans feel comfortable discussing medical marijuana. Learn about cannabis guides for seniors and medical users.

Ashley Monroe represents younger female artists comfortable with cannabis culture. As part of the Pistol Annies alongside Miranda Lambert, Monroe embodies the rebellious spirit of modern country women. Her generation treats cannabis as a normal part of life rather than a scandal.

Margo Price continues the outlaw tradition with open cannabis advocacy, even launching her own cannabis collection in 2023. Her independent spirit and willingness to challenge Nashville norms includes honest discussion about marijuana. Price represents artists using their platform to normalize cannabis conversation.

Despite writing “Okie from Muskogee” seemingly mocking marijuana users, Merle Haggard later admitted extensive cannabis use in various interviews. Haggard’s evolution mirrors country music’s changing relationship with cannabis.

The Hag’s transformation from apparent cannabis critic to advocate reflects broader generational shifts. His later honesty about marijuana use added complexity to his legacy. Haggard proved even conservative icons could evolve on cannabis issues.

Tyler Childers brings Appalachian authenticity to cannabis discussion. His grassroots following appreciates his honest approach to marijuana as part of regional culture. Childers represents how younger artists integrate cannabis naturally into their artistic identity.

His music often references the realities of rural life. Childers’ success shows audiences’ hunger for authentic voices. Discover strains popular in regional cannabis culture

Sturgill Simpson’s psychedelic-influenced country includes open discussion of cannabis and altered consciousness. His experimental approach to country music parallels his unconventional cultural stances. Simpson proves country artists can push boundaries musically and culturally.

His willingness to discuss consciousness through music expands the country’s creative boundaries. Simpson’s success encourages other artists to be authentic.

Florida Georgia Line has discussed the pressures of touring and various ways artists manage stress. The duo represents mainstream country’s increasing comfort with open discussion about wellness and lifestyle choices, including their pot use.

Their commercial success while being open about various aspects of their lifestyle signals shifting industry attitudes. FGL proved discussing real-life choices doesn’t limit opportunities in modern Nashville.

The relationship between country music and cannabis continues evolving with changing laws and attitudes:

• Legal Landscape: As of 2025, 38 states and Washington D.C. have legalized medical marijuana while 24 states and Washington D.C. allow recreational use
• Television Acceptance: CMT featured Kacey Musgraves performing “Follow Your Arrow” at the 2014 CMT Music Awards, despite the song’s marijuana reference

The contrast between cultural acceptance and legal reality remains stark. Recent arrests in prohibition states occur while Willie Nelson operates legal cannabis businesses in multiple states. This disparity affects touring artists who must navigate different state laws.

Artists increasingly weigh legal risks against personal choices and potential business opportunities. Some focus advocacy efforts on their home states while others become national legalization voices. The economic potential of celebrity cannabis brands continues attracting artist interest despite legal complexities. Find legal dispensaries to support legitimate cannabis businesses.

Willie Nelson undoubtedly holds this title, with decades of advocacy and his own cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, which launched in 2015. His openness about marijuana use since the 1970s helped normalize cannabis discussion in country music. Nelson’s influence extends beyond personal use to active legalization efforts and business ventures.

Yes, many contemporary artists including Kacey Musgraves, Sturgill Simpson, and Margo Price openly support legalization. The younger generation of country artists treats cannabis as a normal topic rather than taboo. Their mainstream success while discussing marijuana indicates growing acceptance within Nashville’s traditionally conservative culture.

Several female artists have discussed cannabis, including Kacey Musgraves, whose song “Follow Your Arrow” faced resistance at some country radio stations for marijuana references. Loretta Lynn famously tried cannabis for medical purposes later in life. Ashley Monroe and Margo Price represent younger women comfortable with cannabis discussion.

Willie Nelson leads with Willie’s Reserve, operating in Colorado, California, Nevada, and Washington since 2015. His success has inspired interest from other artists in the cannabis business space.

The genre evolved from Merle Haggard’s seemingly anti-marijuana “Okie from Muskogee” to widespread acceptance today. Younger artists discuss cannabis openly while older legends admit past use they once hid.