Willie Nelson on How He Stays Calm: ‘I Smoke a Lot of Cannabis’

Article by Sam Riches, Growth Op

In a virtual keynote for South by Southwest (SXSW), Willie Nelson talked about cannabis, music and coping with the pandemic.

After being asked how he keeps his temper in check, the legendary musician, who turns 88 next month, revealed one of the worst-kept secrets of all time.

“I smoke a lot of pot,” Nelson said, according to the Austin Chronicle. “It keeps me from killing people or keeps me from getting killed. Also, think positive. That helps.”

Speaking from his ranch just outside of Austin, Nelson also discussed how he’s handled the pandemic, including his longing to get back on the road.

His tour bus is parked on the ranch and has been idle for more than a year. “Every now and then, I go and sit in it,” Nelson said. “Just to pretend I’m going somewhere.”

After 60 years on the road, Nelson hasn’t played a show since last March. According to the Austin Chronicle, while Nelson said he misses the “energy exchange” of live shows, he won’t return to the stage until fans can safely attend.

Despite the unprecedented pause to his live performances, Nelson has stayed busy. Last month, he released That’s Life, a tribute album to Frank Sinatra. It marks Nelson’s seventy-first studio release.

He’s also been working on a book,  Letters to America, that is anticipated to hit shelves this June.

On the topic of cannabis, Nelson, who launched cannabis company Willie’s Reserve in 2019, struck an optimistic tone.

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