Once considered taboo, cannabis use has become mainstream, as more states legalize marijuana, and hemp-derived cannabis products rise in popularity.
Contributing to cannabis’s acceptance, celebrities have become increasingly vocal in their support of cannabis in recent years. From actors to rappers to athletes, celebrities are opening up about their personal consumption of cannabis and speaking out about cannabis legalization.
Why Are Celebs Supporting Weed Legalization?
There are several reasons why celebrities are supporting cannabis legalization. Some see it as a matter of personal freedom and responsibility. Others extol the health benefits of cannabis products. Many see it as an opportunity for economic growth; legal cannabis businesses could bring in much-needed jobs and tax revenue.
According to analytics company BDSA, global cannabis sales in 2020 increased by 48 percent from the previous year, with sales expected to reach $55.9 billion by 2026. Legal cannabis sales in the United States surpassed $17.5 billion in 2020 and are expected to reach $41.3 billion in 2026.
The market has been buoyed by the introduction of innovative products like hemp-derived THC drinks and high-potency edibles. Many of these new products capitalize on wellness trends, emphasizing the health benefits of cannabinoids.
Which Celebs Are Pro-Cannabis?
Snoop Dog
Snoop Dogg, is a rapper, businessman, and actor. He is one of the most well-known celebrity stoners, and his decades-long love of marijuana has influenced the majority of his music. Additionally, he even has his own cannabis lifestyle brand.
Jim Belushi
Former “Saturday Night Live” cast member, Jim Belushi amused stoners in 2020 with his Discovery docuseries “Growing Belushi.” Prior to this, Belushi acquired a farm in Southern Oregon where his crew grows marijuana for sale.
Tommy Chong
This stoner comedian owns Chong’s Cannabis Company. He is best known for his work with Cheech Marin in the comedy duo Cheech & Chong and for the pair’s roles in several films, including 1978’s “Up in Smoke.”
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda is a frequent cannabis user and the brand ambassador for a popular hemp company. The two-time Oscar winner for “Klute” and “Coming Home” has starred alongside Lily Tomlin in the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie”, where she stars as an affable stoner.
Lady Gaga
An outspoken medical marijuana user, Lady Gaga has been a long-time supporter of nationwide legalization. She said she uses cannabis to help with a variety of ailments including stress and pain issues.
Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen is a member of NORML and is very passionate about decriminalizing marijuana. He has portrayed stoners in a number of movies including the hit stoner film “Pineapple Express”. He even founded his own cannabis company in 2019.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson isn’t just a legendary country music singer-songwriter; he’s also an actor and an activist. For years, he’s been a loud and proud advocate for marijuana legalization. He founded his own cannabis brand and talks about the positive effects of marijuana and its potential medicinal benefits.
Rihanna
Rihanna, the Barbadian powerhouse known for her singing, songwriting, and business acumen, has also shown her support for cannabis. She’s been candid about her marijuana use, sharing photos of herself smoking on social media.
Celebrities have become an increasingly important part of the cannabis legalization movement. With their platform and influence, stars have been able to spark conversations around this issue and help break down stigmas that surround cannabis use.
