Willie Nelson’s Super Bowl commercial for Sketchers is actually about legal weed

In case you didn’t know, Willie Nelson wants to legalize marijuana. That’s the message of his Super Bowl ad, only he can’t say it outright, so instead he’s promoting the legalization of convenience with Sketchers.

Even though the word cannabis is never mentioned, the Sketchers commercial is still a significant marijuana moment. Using a grass icon to spread a legalization message during the Super Bowl amidst this current wave of legalization doesn’t take much from viewers to put two and two together while still allowing them to bypass NFL rules for their ads.

The commercial is called “Sketchers Legalized Comfort” and shows an exchange between Nelson and the director of the commercial.

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Wearing a black T-shirt that read Legalize, Willie introduces himself and says, “I fought to legalize the one thing that can bring comfort to millions. Draftsman.” At this point, the commercial switches to the director, who looks down at the script in confusion. “Look, Skechers should be legal,” says Nelson. The director interrupts him. “Willie, I don’t think Skechers is illegal anywhere.” Willie shrugs. “But they feel so good that I just assumed the man made them illegal.”

In a statement, Nelson declared that everyone has the right to be comfortable and sent another pro-legalization message in disguise. “I can’t resist performing at the Super Bowl. And I’m doing this because of a message we can all agree on – everyone deserves the right to feel good. From the bus to the stage to jogging around the ranch, staying healthy and comfortable so I can keep doing what I love.”

Sketchers also released a statement. “We know that portraying Willie’s real personality and known passions in two commercials will resonate with millions of viewers.”

Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images

RELATED: Willie Nelson urges President Biden to recognize 420 as a national holiday

Marijuana ads and the Super Bowl have a bit of history. While a variety of cannabis companies have attempted to run cannabis advertisements at the nation’s premier televised event, the NFL has imposed restrictions on cannabis use, meaning cannabis advertising is taboo.

One thing is for sure. As more states legalize marijuana, cannabis legislation continues to advance at a snail’s pace.