The legal landscape of cannabis has been shifting in recent years, becoming more accepted among Americans as a medicinal and recreational activity. Today’s cannabis market has moved beyond smoking, with the rise of edibles and other marijuana-induced food products becoming increasingly popular among consumers and chefs. Long-time cannabis advocate and American musician Willie Nelson brings cannabis cooking to your home with his new recipe and storybook.
While rooted in Texas, where cannabis is still illegal, Nelson has been a vocal advocate for the national legalization of the plant. Writing in the introduction of his new cookbook, Willie and Annie Nelson’s Cannabis Cookbook:
Mouthwatering Recipes and the High-Flying Stories Behind Them, the American singer wrote, “Over a lifetime of study, I learned that pot is more than pleasure. Its positive properties are limitless… It’s a blessing and a blast. It’s good fuel.”
The story of where Nelson’s cannabis journey began may be a bit hazy, but today, over 65 years since his first joint, Nelson genuinely reflects on how the plant has saved his life. The cannabis advocate remarked that he “always felt this debt to the discovery of the herb, you know, and it changed his life.” The once unpleasant drunk turned away from his heavy days of whiskey drinking. It redirected his path to the medical and therapeutic potential of the plant, stating he “wouldn’t be alive” if he “kept drinking and smoking” like he did during his younger years.
With years of reaping the benefits and supporting the legalization of cannabis, it makes perfect sense that Willie and his wife, Annie Nelson, are writing a cookbook together about using cannabis in cooking. Bringing his intimate and undoubtable experiences with the munchies, Nelson is providing the cure for other cannabis users who seek tasty treats after marijuana usage.
The legendary country musician and his wife are teaming up with noted cannabis chef Andrea Drummer to develop recipes that are delicious and easy enough to make at home. Drummer was part of what is arguably the country’s first licensed cannabis restaurant in Los Angeles, Lowell Farms: A Cannabis Cafe. The book’s description states, “Buffalo wings, chocolate cake, fried chicken. Only the good stuff… And it includes an additional chapter providing a full suite of cannabis-infused base ingredients—cannabutter, finishing oil, simply syrups, sugars, salts, and tinctures.”
In the Nelson’s first-ever family cookbook, the country artist brings “good vibes only,” with recipes curated from the couple’s favorite meals from nationwide tours, at their ranch, and from many of their favorite cities. Each recipe in Willie and Annie Nelson’s Cannabis Cookbook provides a cannabis kick to help you relax and ease your mind and body.
Rounding out the writing team are Mia Tangredi and David Ritz. Ritz co-authors many musical biographies, including Nelson’s own biography, It’s a Long Story: My Life. This cookbook is more than just recipes. The Nelsons’ new cookbook will include tales from their years of touring on the road and their days at their ranch.
Gallery Books is publishing this cookbook under Simon & Schuster. It will be available in print on November 12.
