Rapper Jelly Roll Credits Marijuana for Sobriety and Anxiety Relief

Jelly Roll Says Weed Has Helped Him Stay Away From Xanax and Cocaine Marijuana Has Kept Me Sober

Jelly Roll SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images

Jelly Roll revealed that he believes using marijuana has helped him avoid using harder drugs.

"I know some people may not agree with me, but I will always stand by my belief in the benefits of marijuana," the 39-year-old country singer shared in an interview with Taste of Country on Friday, May 24. "For me, marijuana has been a source of relief for my anxiety and has played a significant role in helping me stay sober."

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has openly shared his battles with addiction and substance abuse throughout his life. He has admitted that without weed, he fears he may resort to drinking codeine, taking Xanax, and using cocaine again.

According to the musician, "If weed wasn't available, Jelly Roll would be back to drinking codeine, popping Xanax, and snorting cocaine. But as long as weed is in the picture, I can manage and stay on the right path."

Jelly Roll acknowledged that everyone has their own unique journey towards sobriety. He mentioned that he has friends who choose to abstain from all substances as part of their recovery process, and he respects their decision. However, he clarified that this approach did not align with his own path to sobriety.

"I have friends in the program who are completely against any form of mind-altering substances, and I admire their commitment," he said. "But for me, that wasn't the route to my sobriety. It just didn't work out that way."

Jelly Roll, now a prominent figure in country music, was once in prison for selling drugs. During his time behind bars, he discovered that he had a daughter named Bailee Ann, who is now 16 years old. Upon learning about his child, Jelly Roll made a conscious effort to turn his life around. He obtained his GED and was released from prison before Bailee turned 2.

Reflecting on the impact his daughter had on him, Jelly Roll shared with Billboard in June 2023, "I never had a moment in life that made me realize I needed to make a change until I found out about Bailee. It was a wake-up call for me to take action and make things right."

Jelly Roll has been actively working to prevent the use of dangerous drugs. In January, he addressed the U.S. Senate to express his support for the bipartisan Fend Off Fentanyl Act.

During his heartfelt speech, Jelly Roll acknowledged his past mistakes and emphasized his desire to be part of the solution. He admitted to contributing to the problem by unknowingly harming his community. He highlighted the dangers of drug dealers mixing fentanyl with other drugs, resulting in the loss of loved ones.

Editor's P/S:

Jelly Roll's candid account of his struggles with addiction and his use of marijuana as a coping mechanism is a refreshing departure from the stigma often associated with substance use. His journey highlights the multifaceted nature of addiction and underscores the importance of finding an individualized path to recovery. While not advocating for marijuana as a cure-all, Jelly Roll's experience suggests that it can be a valuable tool for harm reduction, allowing him to avoid potentially more dangerous substances.

Furthermore, Jelly Roll's story demonstrates the transformative power of responsibility and fatherhood. Upon discovering the existence of his daughter, he was inspired to break free from his destructive cycle and become a positive role model. His involvement in advocating against fentanyl use further illustrates his commitment to making amends for his past actions and contributing to the well-being of his community. Jelly Roll's journey serves as a testament to the potential for redemption and the importance of supporting those who are struggling with addiction.