Is Willie Nelson Smoking Weed Again? What Changed in 2025

The latest update on Willie Nelson weed habits might surprise longtime fans. At 91, the outlaw country legend has completely changed how he uses cannabis, but he hasn’t quit like some headlines say.

After decades of being marijuana’s most famous advocate, Willie made a major shift in 2019 that’s stuck through 2025, and it’s all about preserving his health while maintaining his connection to the plant he credits with saving his life.

Here’s what’s happening with Willie Nelson weed consumption in 2025, why he changed his methods, and how this Texas icon continues shaping the culture without lighting up a single joint.

According to People magazine, Willie Nelson hasn’t smoked weed since 2019, but he still consumes marijuana through other methods.

“I don’t smoke anymore,” Willie confirmed in recent interviews, “but I still use the good stuff.” The key word here is “smoke,” Nelson hasn’t quit cannabis—he’s simply found smarter ways to get the benefits of the plant without the respiratory risks.

With chronic pain and other health concerns, Nelson’s choice to stop smoking reflects his commitment to healthier consumption methods. His relationship with cannabis goes far beyond smoking, shaped by decades of personal use, advocacy, and cultural influence.

Let’s take a deep dive into Willie Nelson’s weed history. Here’s why his current approach makes perfect sense.

Willie first tried cannabis in 1954, introduced by musician Fred Lockwood. According to his autobiography “It’s a Long Story: My Life,” Nelson dabbled in other substances but found marijuana offered a more balanced and manageable high. That first experience would create a lifelong relationship he could have never expected.

The Outlaw Country movement formed with Willie as a central figure, and weed became deeply integrated in his public persona. In 1974, he was arrested in Texas for cannabis possession with several pounds found in his vehicle. Another arrest in 1977 only boosted that outlaw reputation.

By the late ’70s, Willie quit cigarettes and whiskey, replacing both with only weed. Fans began associating the plant with Willie, and Willie with the plant.

Willie actually revealed that he smoked a joint on the White House roof during Jimmy Carter’s administration. The story became famous, and it basically led to his induction into the Weed Hall of Fame and American cannabis folklore. Imagine the guts it took to light up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Nelson became co-chair of NORML’s advisory board (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), taking a proud stance on advocating for legalization. His main plot wasn’t using cannabis to catch a buzz, but using it as a wellness tool and a safer alternative to alcohol. His influence still lives on today, well beyond music into politics and social change.

Another arrest in Sierra Blanca, Texas, led Willie to launch the “Teapot Party” movement, which encouraged more cannabis-friendly political candidates and dropping the stigma. The support from fans was massive, and Willie’s influence was well beyond entertainment at this point.

Willie launched his cannabis brand, Willie’s Reserve, in legal states, and it was totally on brand. Instead of marketing potency and high-THC claims, it was a celebration of local growers and clean cannabis. The brand expanded into CBD and infused beverages under Willie’s Remedy for a more inclusive wellness-centered approach. Learn more about Willie’s Reserve here.

Respiratory issues forced a change. Willie Nelson began experiencing breathing problems and repeated episodes of pneumonia that eventually led to a diagnosis of emphysema, a type of lung disease. Following his diagnosis, Nelson announced that he quit smoking weed and switched to non-smoking alternatives to better protect his lung health while still enjoying the plant.

At 92, Willie still uses cannabis and has settled into a routine centered on non-smoking consumption methods, like edibles, oils, and beverages—especially his own Willie’s Remedy products. His 2024 cannabis cookbook is a prime example of how he’s incorporating these new methods into his 92-year-old lifestyle and remaining connected to the plant.

Despite missing several dates of the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival due to doctor-recommended rest, Willie has reassured fans that he’s managing his breathing and not facing the dramatic health crisis rumored online.

Willie’s moved from joints to drinks, and this THC-infused ale captures that Austin honky-tonk spirit perfectly. With warm pumpkin spice notes and the taste of malt sweetness, the Gardening Party Holiday Ale 10mg is perfect for holiday cocktails and family parties without the hangover. Just make sure your friends know there’s weed in it.

The 10mg THC and 10mg CBD blend delivers a balanced, social buzz that pairs perfectly with Willie Nelson weed songs in the background. Whether you’re ready to explore or want to unwind after a long night, this brew is all quality without compromise.

Holiday Special: Use code HERB20 for 20% off from November 28th through December 31st, 2025.

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