The marijuana industry continues to expand and reach unprecedented heights. Would this progress have been possible without the help of cannabis advocates who paved the way for positive change?
Whether they invented female weed seeds or produced the best shows to watch while high, every weed warrior has made a significant impact.
Do you know who some of these remarkable people are? Keep reading to discover seven of the world’s most influential marijuana activists.
The 7 Most Influential Marijuana Activists
Many different types of 420 advocates have shaped the current cannabis industry. These trailblazers include doctors, cultivators, celebrities, and business owners.
Here are seven of the most influential marijuana activists:
Jack Herer
You’ve probably heard of the cannabis strain called Jack Herer. Jack Herer, the father of the weed legalization movement in the US, also authored The Emperor Wears No Clothes. His famous book kicked off the legalization movement through its detailed description of the history and uses of cannabis and hemp.
He was nicknamed ‘The Emperor of Hemp’ and spent most of his life lobbying for the legalization of cannabis. Jack Herer lived to see medical legalization in multiple states before his death in 2010.
Steve DeAngelo
Steve DeAngelo has been a cannabis advocate from an early age. After dropping out of school, he joined the Youth International Party and protested against the ban on weed with scheduled ‘smoke-ins.’
In fact, he read Jack Herer’s iconic book and arranged a meeting. Then they joined forces and started a tour to promote the benefits of marijuana and hemp. Steve DeAngelo received a High Times Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 to honor his work in campaigning for pot legalization.
Steve DeAngelo has been a cannabis advocate, entrepreneur, author, and educator for more than 40 years. He founded one of the world’s largest dispensaries, Harborside Health Center, and regularly attends events as a guest speaker.
Bob Marley
No list of cannabis activists is complete without the legendary Bob Marley. This famous weed smoker believed marijuana was a holy rite that opened the gates to his creativity and spirituality. Bob Marley promoted peace, cultural harmony, and 420 love.
He spent his career advocating for the powerful healing of pot, and his legacy carries on decades after his death. Bob Marley’s family started the cannabis brand Marley Natural in 2014, dedicated to his memory.
Bob Marley’s youngest son, Damian Marley, continues to be a major marijuana advocate. He owns 420 brand Stony Hill, recently launched a CBD product line and joined investors in purchasing High Times magazine.
Willie Nelson
This famous pot smoker has been a country music writer and performer since the 1950s. Although Willie Nelson used his platform to campaign for numerous issues, he was most vocal about cannabis legalization.
Willie Nelson is a co-chair at NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). With decades of advocacy for marijuana legalization, he introduced his own brand called Willie’s Reserve in 2016, dedicated to 420 enthusiasts.
His long-term efforts have made a significant impact on the cannabis industry. Willie Nelson is undoubtedly one of the most influential cannabis advocates in the world.
Cheech Marin & Tommy Chong
Richard ‘Cheech’ Marin and Tommy Chong make up the comedic duo Cheech & Chong. Before they hit mainstream media, recreational cannabis use was mostly viewed negatively.
After they released their movie Up In Smoke in 1978, it started to change how society responded to marijuana consumption. 420 films continue to be highly successful, with titles like Pineapple Express becoming stoner staples.
Although Cheech & Chong are considered popular weed smokers, they never actually used cannabis on set. However, they claimed getting stoned prevented them from getting the job done, as they’d spend most of their time joking around.
Snoop Dogg
This rapper, actor, songwriter, entrepreneur, influencer, and heavy cannabis activist is one of the most famous weed smokers in history. Since the beginning of his career, Snoop Dogg has been a loud and proud cannabis consumer. He even made it a trademark of his image.
Snoop Dogg has been an avid weed advocate for years and strongly believes in the need for cannabis legalization. He’s regularly at the forefront of educational conversations and boasts a massive following, with his influence reaching millions of people.
This famous pot smoker is forward-thinking and dabbles in various cannabis industries, including technology, health, financial services, compliance, media, and laboratory work. He also owns a 420 brand and created his own line of bongs.
Raphael MechoulamThis chemist, researcher, and professor played an instrumental role in our understanding of cannabis. Moreover, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam discovered the endocannabinoid system. He also famously isolated and identified tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and contributed to the study of cannabinoids.
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam has various nicknames, like ‘The Godfather of THC’ and ‘The Father of Cannabis Research.’ This marijuana advocate received several prestigious awards for his groundbreaking research, including the Harvey Prize, Rothschild Prize, and Israel Prize.
Spread the 420 Love
Weed activists walked so that today’s recreational and medical users could run. Additionally, these remarkable humans heavily supported cannabis legalization, use, and acceptance throughout their lives.
If these famous marijuana advocates have inspired you, why not honor their contribution to cannabis by spreading some 420 love? In fact, support the marijuana movement by educating others and yourself, registering to vote, and joining cannabis rights events or organizations.
About Jennifer Gallagher
Meet Jennifer Gallagher, a seasoned cannabis grower at SeedSupreme Seedbank. With seven years of experience in the marijuana industry, Jennifer possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in the field. Her deep understanding of weed cultivation, various cannabis strains, and their effects makes her an expert. Jennifer is also well-versed in the legal aspects of the industry.
