Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Some celebrities have never shied away from expressing their love for weed. With talent, fame, and fortune comes the good things in life, which included top-shelf cannabis for many celebrities, according to MarijuanaDoctors.com.
In 2021 with the possibility of federal legalization on the horizon, the stigma about cannabis has figuratively “gone up in smoke.” What is left of the opposition to cannabis falls short in terms of proof that long-term use of cannabis is hazardous when many global clinical studies continue to share the healing and wellness potential of pot.
Celebrities live with the same stressors and challenges that we all face. They just have a little more money to cope with those stressors. But humans have been using medicinal cannabis for more than 5,000 years. And the success of medical cannabis programs in thirty-six (36) states in America validates marijuana as a wellness option.
Breaking through the stigma of cannabis as “the devil’s lettuce” or a dangerous drug has been difficult. Celebrities were an essential part in the shift in social opinion. And the advocacy of musicians, actors, and even business leaders helped pot move from sketchy headshops to licensed dispensaries.
Since the legalization of medical cannabis and adult-use (in some states), celebrities have felt more comfortable talking about marijuana. And discussing why they use it. From anxiety to depression or struggles with physical impairments or chronic pain. Here are seven celebrities that helped normalize cannabis culture in America.
- Willie Nelson
How could you start any list of 420-friendly celebrities and leave Willie Nelson off the list? If there were a veritable poster child for cannabis (aside from Bob Marley and Tommy Chong), it would be Nelson. The crooner has never tried to hide that he loves weed. And it has got him into trouble a few times.
“I’m kind of the canary in the mine if people are wondering what happens if you smoke that shit a long time,” he says. “You know, if I start jerking or shaking or something, don’t give me no more weed. But as long as I’m all right …”
Source Web 2021: Rolling Stone
In a 2019 interview with Patrick Doyle for Rolling Stone, Willie Nelson shares that cannabis may have “saved his life.” Nelson is now 87 years old and has emphysema from years of smoking cigarettes. And while he avoids hitting a bong or vape when he can now, he is a fan of tinctures. Willie Nelson quit smoking after chronic pneumonia by substituting pre-rolls for cigarettes.
Since Willie Nelson is a veritable expert in all things cannabis, he started his own grow and company. Willie Nelson grows hemp and produces everything from tinctures to infused teas and coffees. The “Willie’s Remedy” brand is 100% hemp-derived. Nelson also started “Willie’s Reserve,” which sells top-shelf flower, vape carts, and edibles.
- Seth Rogen
How many movies can you think of where Seth Rogen plays a loveable pothead? There’s “Knocked Up” and “Neighbors,” and who could forget his role in “The Interview?” with James Franco. Interestingly, Franco shares that he hasn’t smoked weed in years because he gets anxiety from it.
During an interview on e-online confirms that Rogen never has smoked-up with Franco. He recited a long list of celebrities, however, that he had smoked with. And Seth Rogen thought it was sad that Franco abstained:
“I’ve never smoked weed with James Franco because he doesn’t smoke weed. That’s why he’s such a good actor! It’s really sad, actually.”
Seth Rogen admits that he doesn’t just smoke cannabis; it is part of his daily life. And he has also shared in multiple interviews that some of his best scenes were filmed after he hit his bong. Not like we didn’t already know that, Seth.
- Bob Marley
The King of sweet Caribbean beats and Rastafarian relaxation. Bob Marley smoked marijuana because it was part of his culture. As Marley was Rasta, using “ganja” is considered to be a religious sacrament. In Rastafarianism, marijuana isn’t consumed for recreation. It is always used medicinally, for symptom relief, or during meditation to reach the ‘higher self”.
“Herb is the healing of a nation. Alcohol is the destruction.” —Bob Marley
Sadly, it was because of his religious convictions that Bob Marley died. The legendary singer developed skin cancer on one of his toes but would not allow an amputation. The procedure could have saved his life but was against his natural world and Rastafarian beliefs.
- Steve Jobs
One of the most innovative technology brains to ever walk the planet. Entrepreneur and global business phenom Steve Jobs had a side many people didn’t know about. Jobs was hardcore into meditation and yoga.
“The best way I would describe the effect of marijuana and the hashish is that it would make me relaxed and creative.” —Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs spent a lot of time in his youth, living in India. At his funeral in 2011, a free copy of a book was provided to guests. It was the “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yoganada. Not to imply that everyone who meditates or does yoga smokes weed. A lot of them do, like Steve Jobs did, to relax, release and create. Cannabis could be the reason why Apple products are so awesome.
- Charlize Theron
There’s something about Mary indeed. She’s baked! And unabashed about it. The South African actress, producer, and celebrity has won an Academy Award. Theron has also chalked up a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe Award. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
“I was a wake-and-baker for most of my life. I really appreciate marijuana way more than alcohol or anything else.” —Charlize Theron
Talk about busting stigmas about people who smoke weed! But Charlize Theron said she gave up smoking cannabis in her thirties because: “I just became boring on it, and I would just stand in front of my fridge.” Does anyone care whether they are entertaining or not when they are stoned? Apparently, some people do.
- Kevin Smith
When the first movie “Clerks” hit theaters in 1994, a star was born. No one had really heard about Kevin Smith until he owned the character “Silent Bob.” Jay and Silent Bob became a pop culture sensation. In total, the franchise spawned eight movies, including “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”
“I made a deal with myself that whenever I smoke weed, I have to be doing something productive: writing, recording, cutting a podcast, editing, etc.” — Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith and his co-star, Jason Mewes, started “Caviar Gold,” which is his entry into the celebrity cannabis market. How top shelf is the bud at Caviar Gold? They are selling new Super Sativa and Super Indica strains. And the names of the hybrid strains are fan-favorite words from the Jay and Silent Bob dictionary. Examples like ‘Snoogans’ and ‘Snoochie Boochies.’
- Hugh Hefner
Surprised that cannabis was a favorite of the late Hugh Hefner. Playboy Mansion, after all, was an adult playground. Although few guests have gone on record, we’re sure there was more than cigars and champagne flowing at each pajama party because the mogul loved marijuana.
“Smoking helped put me in touch with the realm of the senses.” —Hugh Hefner
Not many people know that Hefner was a cannabis advocate. In fact, he was a supporter of NORML when it first launched in 1970. He contributed funds to help get it off the ground. Some have suggested that Hefner may have donated up to $100,000 per year to support NORML.
During the era of “Reefer Madness” anti-cannabis propaganda, Hugh Hefner remained an outspoken advocate of weed. All the way back to the early seventies! That makes Hefner (and all the celebrities on this list) true OG.