9 Most Popular Cannabis Advocates in the World

Update

The marijuana industry wouldn’t be the same without these activists’ efforts. Discover nine famous cannabis advocates who’ve contributed to weed legality.

9 of the World’s Most Influential Cannabis Activists You Should Know

Contents

1. Keith Stroup

2. Steve DeAngelo

3. Tommy Chong

4. Jodie Emery 

5. Snoop Dogg

6. Wanda James

7. Woody Harrelson

8. Jim Belushi

9. Willie Nelson

Are you aware the marijuana industry is booming in the US? Thanks to the efforts of cannabis advocates, the public is changing their perception of weed. 

Smoking or cultivating marijuana would’ve landed you in jail a few years back. Some states now allow herb enthusiasts to enjoy this plant or buy beginner weed seeds and grow them at home, as well as to enjoy kratom supplements.

Do you know the people who’ve helped contribute to these changes? Keep reading to discover the nine most influential ganja advocates impacting the cannabis community. 

1. Keith Stroup

Who better to start the list of famous weed people than Keith Stroup? This public interest attorney founded the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) in 1970. 

He worked as the organization’s executive director for nine years. During this period, 11 states embraced cannabis decriminalization laws. Stroup returned to his position at NORML in 1995 and served as marijuana spokesperson until 2005. 

The ganja activist now serves as legal counsel for the non-profit group. He’s also the author of It’s NORML to Smoke Pot: The 40-Year Fight for Marijuana Smokers’ Rights. 

Stroup continues to advocate for cannabis through lectures and interviews. He’s received numerous accolades for his work, like the High Times Lester Grinspoon Lifetime Achievement Award.

2. Steve DeAngelo

Reading Jack Herer’s book, The Emperor Wears No Clothes,inspired Steve DeAngelo to become an iconic marijuana activist and entrepreneur. 

He published The Cannabis Manifesto: A New Paradigm for Wellness in 2015. The pot lover also appears in the short series Weed Wars and the Radio Free Cannabis podcast.

DeAngelo founded The Last Prisoner Project in 2019, which seeks to free individuals unjustly incarcerated for marijuana. He partners with other ganja enthusiasts to co-establish weed businesses like the Arcview Group and Harborside.

Former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. named him “Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry” in 2015. The Peter Tosh Foundation recognized his efforts through the Equal Rights and Justice Award in 2019. 

3. Tommy Chong

Comedian Tommy Chong is among the famous weed smokers and activists. He appears in classical stoner movies like Up in Smoke and Nice Dreams.

Chong advocates for marijuana legalization through various media channels. He told The Coast News, “I firmly believe in the power of cannabis as far as the healing of the body goes.” 

The actor credits the herb for reportedly helping him fight cancer twice.

This ganja enthusiast reunited with Cheech Marin to create a marijuana company and continue advocating for weed. The two upload creative and educational stoner content on their TikTok page, Cheech & Chong. 

4. Jodie Emery

Female cannabis advocates also air their voices to support marijuana decriminalization. Jodie Emery actively campaigns and educates the public about this herb. 

She features in marijuana documentaries like Evergreen: The Road to Legalization and Prince of Pot: The US vs. Marc Emery

. The Canadian activist also gives interviews to local and international media outlets. 

Emery founded Pot TV and Cannabis Culture magazine, which airs marijuana-related content. She also testified in support of weed decriminalization in Washington state in 2011. 

The stout cannabis enthusiast regularly speaks at major events. She addressed the public at the Boston Freedom Rally, New Hampshire Liberty Forum, and the Canadian Investors Conference.

5. Snoop Dogg

It’s unheard of to discuss famous weed smokers in history without mentioning Snoop Dogg. He partners with Canopy Growth Corporation to provide cannabis products through his brand, Leafs by Snoop. 

The rapper once admitted that he used Bible papers to smoke marijuana. He owns the Merry Jane website, which publishes informative content about the herb. 

Snoop advocates for major sports leagues to allow athletes to use cannabidiol (CBD) products for pain relief. 

6. Wanda James

Wanda James founded Simply Pure Dispensary in Denver, making her the first African-American to own a weed brand. Such milestones might be why Ghana legalized marijuana. 

She advocates for cannabis while campaigning against the racial discrimination surrounding the plant. James appears on major media outlets like The Atlantic and BBC to voice her opinions about weed.

Her marijuana activism gains her recognition and awards. High Times Magazine named James one of the 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis. 

7. Woody Harrelson

Actor Woody Harrelson is among the popular weed smokers and a champion of the herb. He serves as an advisory board member for NORML. 

Harrelson has advocated for marijuana since 1996 after the authorities arrested him for planting cannabis seeds. 

He launched his weed company, The Woods, in California in May 2022. 

8. Jim Belushi 

Actor Jim Belushi became a strong marijuana advocate after his brother died of a drug overdose in 1982. He believes people should opt for cannabis as it’s safer than alcohol and pharmaceuticals.

The actor is also a marijuana cultivator and owns Belushi’s Farm in South Oregon. He grows numerous strains he sells through his weed brand, Blues Brothers.

This activist is an advisory board member for The Last Prisoner Project and appears in the Growing Belushi series. 

9. Willie Nelson

Country musician Willie Nelson has fought for weed decriminalization for decades. He’s among the most famous pot smokers who aren’t afraid to spread their love for the herb. 

Nelson co-chairs the NORML advisory board and uses his popularity to campaign for cannabis. His autobiography, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road, highlights his decades of marijuana experience. 

The singer is also a weed entrepreneur and has a line of cannabis products under his brand, Willie’s Reserve. Nelson appears in talks and interviews to share his views about marijuana. 

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