Publication date: March 12, 2025
Categories: Lifestyle
Cannabis culture has been shaped and influenced by a variety of individuals who have embraced the plant in their own unique ways. From celebrities to activists, musicians to comedians, these icons have played pivotal roles in changing the perception of cannabis, pushing for legalization, and normalizing its use. In this list, we celebrate 10 iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on the cannabis movement, each in their own way. Whether through advocacy, creativity, or sheer love for the herb, these individuals have become symbols of the plant’s cultural significance.
Willie Nelson
Ol’ Willie recently said that younger people “need to start thinking about what kind of world they want to leave for me and Keith Richards.” And you know what? He’s right. The man’s tour bus has been pulled over with pounds of weed and mushrooms onboard. Sure, his celebrity helped him avoid serious legal trouble, but he’s done a lot to normalize cannabis. So, my fellow Americans, I say to you: Ask not what Willie can do for you, ask what you can do for Willie.
Bill Maher
The comedian and late-night host has been on the green train since practically the day he was born. His monologues and show closings over the years have often reflected Maher’s views on legalization and cannabis culture.
Sarah Silverman
The irreverent writer, actress, and comedian has long been an advocate for cannabis. One of her HBO specials even closes with Silverman hitting a bong after a performance, ushering everyone out of her dressing room like a faux diva. It’s just entertainment, but rest assured, the bong and its contents were the real stars of the show.
John Sinclair
A poet, activist, and manager of the MC5, John Sinclair became a symbol of cannabis resistance when he was sentenced to ten years in prison for possessing two joints in 1969. His case sparked national outrage, culminating in the "John Sinclair Freedom Rally," where John Lennon and Yoko Ono performed in his defense. Three days later, the Michigan Supreme Court overturned his sentence. Sinclair’s unwavering advocacy for cannabis legalization left a lasting cultural impact.
Woody Harrelson
A longtime cannabis advocate, Woody Harrelson has used his Hollywood fame to push for legalization and environmental sustainability. The Cheers and True Detective star has openly discussed his cannabis use and even faced arrest in 1996 for planting hemp seeds as an act of civil disobedience. More recently, he’s entered the industry as a dispensary owner, proving that his love for the plant extends beyond words.
Cypress Hill
As one of the most outspoken groups in hip-hop history when it comes to cannabis, Cypress Hill helped normalize weed culture in rap. Hits like "Insane in the Brain" and "Dr. Greenthumb" became anthems for stoners everywhere. B-Real, the group’s frontman, has turned his passion into business, running dispensaries and cannabis brands while continuing to advocate for legalization. Their influence on cannabis culture in music is undeniable.
Snoop Dogg
No list of cannabis icons would be complete without Snoop. From his early days with Dr. Dre to his empire of cannabis ventures, he’s become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. With his own brand, Leafs by Snoop, and a lifestyle that fully embraces the herb, he’s proof that cannabis and success can go hand in hand. Whether he’s lighting up with Martha Stewart or passing knowledge to the next generation, Snoop remains the ultimate ambassador of weed culture.
Cheech & Chong
The original stoner comedy duo, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, brought cannabis into mainstream pop culture with their 1978 classic Up in Smoke. Their films and stand-up routines celebrated the humor and absurdity of cannabis prohibition, making them counterculture heroes. Decades later, their influence continues, with Chong running a cannabis business and Cheech championing Latino art and culture. If laughter is medicine, Cheech & Chong were some of the first cannabis pharmacists.
Mike Tyson
Known for his dominant boxing career and colorful personality, Mike Tyson has reinvented himself as a major figure in the cannabis industry. After facing personal struggles, Tyson turned to cannabis for therapeutic purposes and eventually launched his own line, Tyson Ranch. The ranch not only grows premium cannabis but also promotes wellness, offering products aimed at both recreational and medicinal users. Tyson’s candidness about his cannabis use and his transition into the industry has made him a trailblazer, showing that even the fiercest athletes can embrace the power of the plant.
Bob Marley
Arguably the most iconic figure in cannabis culture, Bob Marley’s legacy is intertwined with the plant as much as with his music. As a global ambassador for both reggae and Rastafarianism, Marley’s advocacy for cannabis was rooted in spirituality and personal freedom. Songs like “Kaya” and “Easy Skankin’”became anthems for the cannabis movement, and his public stance on the herb—both in interviews and in his lyrics—helped normalize its use around the world. Marley’s commitment to cannabis as a tool for healing and self-expression has made him a symbol of resistance against prohibition and a lasting figure in both music and cannabis culture.
