Introduction
Willie Nelson Reflects on the Greatest Country Songs—and Why He Gave Up Smoking Pot
When it comes to country music, few voices speak with as much wisdom and authenticity as Willie Nelson. In a recent interview, the 92-year-old legend looked back on the most impactful country songs ever written—tracks that shaped the genre and his own journey—and also shared a thoughtful decision from his personal life: he’s stopped smoking marijuana, opting for edibles due to health concerns
For decades, Willie has been an ambassador for outlaw country, a subgenre rooted in raw emotion and unfiltered storytelling. He often highlights songs like Merle Haggard’s “Today I Started Loving You Again,” Hank Williams’s “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” and his own timeless tracks—melodies that have resonated across generations Those are the songs he says still bring him to tears, not just for their melodies, but for the profound truths they hold.
On the topic of cannabis, Willie made a candid shift. While he once credited marijuana with helping him quit smoking tobacco and alcohol—helping him live longer and stay more balanced —he’s now choosing passion in other forms. A 2025 Forbes interview reveals that his lungs have “already said, ‘don’t do that,’” prompting him to stop smoking and rely instead on edibles and THC beverages like Willie’s Remedy In this mix of reflections, Willie offers something deeper than nostalgia. His story reminds us that country music—and life—is about evolution: honoring the songs that shaped us, and honoring our bodies as they age. Whether we’re reminiscing over a haunting ballad or adapting to our changing needs, his journey speaks to the heart of any long-time fan.