As one of the foremost advocates for the legalization of marijuana and marijuana-related products, Willie Nelson isn't backing down over new potential federal regulations.
The country music singer, 93, issued a new statement in support of his company Willie's Remedy+, a brand of hemp-derived THC-infused drinks that he co-founded as a joint venture with JuneShine's Forrest Dein.
© Getty ImagesNow, the brand, which is valued at an estimated $240 million run rate, per Inc., is at risk due to a new federal legislation outlawing all hemp-derived THC products in the United States, currently slated to go into effect on December 11.
Willie Nelson's response to the hemp-derived THC ban
Speaking with Inc., Forrest Dein explained that the brand already had a 12-month plan in place to roll out new products, but with the ban looming, they'd prepared a "rainy day" cash reserve just in case.
"We were lucky to raise money with our partner Left Lane earlier this year, so we're in a position where we could weather a 30- or 60-day storm if we needed to," he stated, although remained optimistic that Congress would come to an agreement to nullify the ban.
Willie himself issued a statement to the publication, asking Congress to "to stop the foolishness and pass sensible law," and likened it to the Prohibition era of 1920 to 1933, ending the year he was born.
"Prohibition won't stop people from wanting it," Willie continued. "It just hands the market to the black market. I was born the year prohibition ended in 1933, and we know that approach does not work."
© Getty Images"This ban punishes the wrong people. It hurts the family farmers growing a legal crop, and it hurts the millions of seniors, veterans, and patients who rely on hemp products for pain relief, sleep, and wellness."
Willie's personal connection to Willie's Remedy
And Willie's Remedy is a very personal venture for the "On the Road Again" hitmaker, who uses his own products now to supplement for not being able to smoke marijuana in his 90s.
© Getty Images"Well, I can't smoke anything anymore," he told Forbes in 2025. "My lungs have already said, 'Don't do that.' So, I don't really do anything now much except a few edibles." As for the THC drink? "I think it's good, the people like it from what I've seen and heard. It's getting to be pretty popular out there."
Willie also explained that Willie's Remedy is a way for him to give back to the farming community as well with its hemp use, in addition to his annual charitable concert series Farm Aid.
© Getty Images"I think we all have a reason to be here," he continued. "We're all missionaries of one kind or another. We were all sent here to do something, and we know what it is, what it was. And we try to do it, we try to show people the way that we think it should be done and I'm a big believer in treating others the way you want to be treated."
