Jelly Roll Reveals That Marijuana Use Has Kept Him Off Harder Drugs

Jelly Roll has opened up about the positive impact marijuana has had on his life, admitting that without the use of cannabis, he would be hooked on harder drugs.

According to the Need A Favor singer, a world without marijuana would lead to him “drinking codeine and popping Xanax and snorting cocaine again”, but in “a world with weed, I’ll be alright,” Jelly Roll remarked in a new Taste Of Country interview.

He continued, “I get in trouble for this all the time, but my stance on marijuana will always be the same: I believe marijuana has helped me, in so many regards, with my anxiety.

“This is a hot-button topic, but, truly, marijuana has kept me sober.”

Jelly Roll isn’t the only current country music star showing advocacy for marijuana use, with Kacey Musgraves referencing her controversial past habit in her recent song (and title track of her new album), Deeper Well.

Musgraves isn’t currently using marijuana in “this chapter” of her life, she stated in an interview with CMT.

On Deeper Well, she sings: “I used to wake and bake/ Roll out of bed, hit the gravity bong that I made, and start the day/ For a while, it got me by/ Everything I did seemed better when I was high, I don't know why/ So I'm gettin' rid of the habits that I feel are real good at wastin' my time.”

Earlier this year, Jelly Roll made his stance on hard drugs abundantly clear when he testified before the US Senate on the country’s fentanyl epidemic.

Beginning his speech by noting that during the time he spoke, someone would overdose – with a 72% chance of said overdose being fentanyl-related, he stated: “I am not here to defend the use of illegal drugs,” acknowledging the “unique paradox of his history as a drug dealer” who was previously “part of the problem”, Jelly Roll revealed that he now aims “to be a part of the solution.”

He added (per Stereogum), “I stand here as a regular member of society. I am a stupid songwriter, y’all, but I have firsthand witnessed this in a way most people have not. I encourage you all to not only pass this bill, but I encourage you to bring it up where it matters, at the kitchen table.”

During his moving testimony, Jelly Roll made mention of the “heartbreaking” impact of fentanyl that he sees at his concerts.

He continued (via USA Today), “I see fans grappling with this tragedy in the form of music that they seek solace in and hope that their experiences won't befall others. They crave reassurance. These are the people I'm here to speak for, y'all.”

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, other mental-related illnesses or drug use, we implore you to get in contact with Beyondblue or Lifeline:

Beyondblue: 1300 224 636

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Call-Back Service: 1300 659 467

Beyondblue and Lifeline both also offer online chat/counsel. Check their respective websites for operational hours and details.