Contents
1. Jack Herer
2. Snoop Dogg
3. Willie Nelson
4. Keith Stroup
5. Seth Rogen
6. Steve DeAngelo
7. Lester Grinspoon
Other Notable Activists
Join the Wave
The marijuana industry continues to flourish as more states legalize the plant for recreational and medicinal use. Are you aware of the cannabis advocates who’ve helped change the world’s perception of weed?
Thanks to them, you may hit a few joints after work or plant high THC seeds at home without any legal problems.
Keep reading to discover seven of the most influential weed advocates. These people spent (and some still do) a good chunk of their lives educating about weed and pushing for its decriminalization.
1. Jack Herer
The “Emperor of Hemp” tops the list of the most famous weed people in the world. Jack Herer advocated for the legalization of cannabis in his speeches and books.
He authored The Emperor Wears No Clothes, which explained the benefits of marijuana. Herer argued that people could use weed for fuel, paper, textiles, and medicine.
His namesake strain Jack Herer won multiple awards, including the 7th High Times Cannabis Cup. The advocate also founded the Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP), an organization geared towards making the plant legal.
Before his death in 2010, Herer witnessed the decriminalization of marijuana in numerous states. His contributions to the cannabis industry are honored annually in the Jack Herer Cup. The competitions occur in Thailand, Las Vegas, Amsterdam, Colombia, and Oklahoma City.
2. Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (a.k.a. Snoop Dogg) is among the most famous weed smokers in history. He launched the Merry Jane website and a YouTube channel to advocate for cannabis.
The rapper’s media outlets air information about marijuana and interviews with famous weed enthusiasts like Mike Tyson.
Snoop Dogg supports athletes using CBD for fitness. The star argues that sports leagues should revise their regulations towards the herb. The rapper also has a cannabis brand called Leafs By Snoop.
3. Willie Nelson
The country musician and songwriter has been a stout marijuana activist for many years. Willie Nelson co-chairs the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).
Nelson uses his platform to educate people and share his experiences with cannabis. He established his marijuana brand, Willie’s Reserve, to celebrate his decades of weed advocacy.
4. Keith Stroup
Keith Stroup is one of the most popular weed smokers and advocates who’ve made tremendous contributions toward legalizing marijuana. He founded NORML in 1970 to push for responsible weed consumption and served as the executive director for nine years.
During this period, 11 states adopted cannabis decriminalization laws. He took a break and resumed his position at NORML from 1995 to 2005.
Stroup used his decades of experience as a cannabis activist to write It’s NORML to Smoke Weed: The 40-Year Fight for Marijuana Smokers’ Rights in 2013.
The attorney travels countrywide and appears on television shows such as Buchanan and Press and Crossfire. He’s received numerous awards, like the Freedom Fighter of the Year 2000 at the 13th High Times Cannabis Cup.
5. Seth Rogen
The actor and filmmaker doesn’t shy away from advocating for marijuana. Seth Rogen is among the famous weed smokers featured in stoner-themed movies like Knocked Up and Pineapple Express.
Rogen is a member of NORML and the High Times magazine honored him as the Stoner of the Year in 2007. He appears on various platforms and media shows where he shares his love for the herb.
The weed activist partnered with Evan Goldberg to establish the Houseplant cannabis brand that operates in Canada and California.
6. Steve DeAngelo
Steve DeAngelo is arguably the best marijuana advocate, entrepreneur, and author.
He co-founded several cannabis businesses and organizations, including the National Cannabis Industry Association. He was instrumental in creating Steep Hill Laboratory, the first cannabis testing facility, and Harborside, one of the earliest licensed dispensaries in the U.S.
DeAngelo co-founded the Last Prisoner Project organization in 2019, which advocates freeing people incarcerated for marijuana-related crimes. He airs his ideologies on TV, podcasts, radio shows, and events.
Due to his accomplishments, former California Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown Jr. named DeAngelo the “Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry.” The Cannabis World Journals also awarded him Person of the Year in 2022.
7. Lester Grinspoon
Dr. Lester Grinspoon is among the cannabis advocates who’ve educated people on marijuana benefits. He started his research in the 1960s to prove the herb was harmful. To his surprise, he found that CBD was beneficial for health.
His findings led him to write Marihuana Reconsidered and Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine. Dr. Grinspoon also ran two cannabis-themed websites and appeared in various series and documentaries.
The scientist’s accomplishments in the marijuana industry led NORML to name the Lester Grinspoon Lifetime Achievement Award after him. He died in 2020 at 92, and herb enthusiasts remember him for his move to reform cannabis laws.
Other notable activists
As weed popularity grows, the industry is witnessing more activists pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana. These include celebrities and professionals who use their influence and expertise to ignite reforms.
Other famous pot smokers and advocates include:
- Wiz Khalifa
- Morgan Freeman
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta
- Kyle Kushman
- Tommy Chong
Join the wave
The marijuana industry wouldn’t be where it is today without the efforts of these activists. The freedom you enjoy when consuming weed and its derivatives results from their devotion to reforming cannabis laws.
Why not join the green wave and play a part in propelling the future of cannabis ahead?
Jennifer Gallagher
Jennifer Gallagher, an experienced cannabis grower at SeedSupreme Seedbank. During a 7-year career in the marijuana growing business, Jennifer has gained a high competence in this field. As far as weed is concerned, she knows it all inside out. Jennifer is an expert in pot-growing, as well as cannabis types and their effects. She’s also familiar with all legislation nuances.
