The roadblocks to marijuana legalization being put up by some states aren’t deterring investors who see eventual across-the-board legalization as a foregone conclusion.
Moneyed folks are hopping aboard the legalize-cannabis freight train by making or endorsing products related to the industry. Here are some of the celebrities – most whose involvement is no surprise — who are getting a piece of the action:
Bob Marley
The family of the late Jamaican king of reggae, an early believer in the healing ability of marijuana, is developing a line of cannabis, topical and accessories called Marley Natural.
The company’s mission statement reads, in part: “Marley Natural is the world’s first global cannabis brand. Our mission is to champion Bob’s voice and his insight to help people realize the positive potential of cannabis for the mind, body, and spirit. Along the way, we want to help undo the suffering and injustice of cannabis prohibition around the world.”
It is being developed by Privateer Holdings.
Tommy Chong
The shorter and Canadian half of stoner buddies, Cheech and Chong, has a product to help remove the odor of marijuana from clothes. His reusable Smoke Wipes, which sell online in a two-pack (20 uses) for $7.99, are touted this way on the website:
“There is nothing more embarrassing than walking into that important business meeting, lunch with family, or hot date while reeking of smoke. Our patent-pending formulation allows you to instantly rid your clothes and hair of smoky smells from cigars, cigarettes and cannabis.”
The 77-year-old comedian was recently diagnosed with rectal cancer, his second cancer diagnosis. He successfully battled prostate cancer in 2012.
“I’m using cannabis like crazy now, more so than ever before,” he told US Weekly. “I’m in treatment now. Either I get healed or I don’t. But either way, I’m going to make sure I get a little edge off.”
Smoke Swipes are being developed in partnership with Reviver Swipes.
Willie Nelson
The country music legend, 81, who has admitted smoking pot on the roof of the White House, announced at the 2015 SXSW music festival that he is starting his own brand of cannabis and products, called “Willie’s Reserve.” He said he plans to open stores in 2016 (in states where marijuana is legal) that will sell his brand and others, focusing on independent growers and sustainable practices.
“This is a culmination of Willie’s vision, and his whole life,” Michael Bowman, the brand’s spokesperson told The Daily Beast. “I’m not sure any of us could have predicted how fast the dominoes would start falling once they started falling (as far as legalization).”
Snoop Dog
Another celeb who claims to have smoked pot in the White House (this time, in the bathroom), rapper Snoop partnered with Grenco Science to develop the G-Pen Herbal Vaporizer, a pen designed to vaporize dry herb instead of the standard liquids or oils.
The special edition pen, designed with a roadmap of Snoop’s hometown of Long Beach on the pen and box, which comes with assorted accoutrements, including a USB charger, is available online for about $100.
Other celebrity proponents of legalization:
- Zach Galifianakis. The actor lit what appeared to be a joint live on Bill Maher’s “Real Time.”
- The singer wrote an article for the Huffington Post in favor of legalization.
- Susan Sarandon. Recorded a mass phone message sent to Californians urging them to get out and vote for failed Proposition 19, a measure to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2010.
- Bill Maher. The comedian once said those who don’t get behind the issue of legalization, haven’t done their homework.
- Danny Glover. Supported Proposition 19.
- Melissa Ethridge. The rock singer said medical marijuana helped in her successful battle with breast cancer.
- George Zimmer. The Men’s Wearhouse founder donated $70,500 in support of Proposition 19.
- Danny DeVito. Said he used to smoke marijuana with Michael Douglas when they bonded over the mutual enjoyment of the drug while trying to make their big breaks.
And even more fans of marijuana:
- Miley Cyrus
- Kristen Stewart
- Johnny Depp
- Megan Fox
- Madonna
- Jennifer Aniston
- Rihanna
- Justin Timberlake
- Cameron Diaz
- Matt Damon
- Lady Gaga
- John Mayer
- Ryan Phillppe
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Matthew McConaughey
- Kirsten Dunst
- Woody Harrelson
- Paris Hilton
- Frances McDormand
- Drew Barrymore
- Melanie Griffith
- Charlize Theron
- Seth Rogan
- Sarah Silverman
- Louis Tomlinson
- Zayn Malik
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Morgan Freeman
