How Celebrities Influence Public Perception of Cannabis
Cannabis has traveled quite the road, from being a prohibited substance to something increasingly embraced by society, thanks in part to its celebrity champions. Whether it’s Snoop Dogg lighting up in his music videos or Martha Stewart selling CBD gummies, celebrities have played a huge role in shifting how the public views cannabis. Let’s explore how these famous faces have shaped cannabis culture, from normalizing its use to launching businesses that promote its benefits.
The Power of Celebrity Influence
There’s no denying it: celebrities hold sway over public opinion. We follow what they wear, eat, drive—and smoke. Celebrities have been instrumental in changing the perception of cannabis, pushing it from the fringes of society into the mainstream. When public figures openly embrace cannabis, it becomes more accepted by the general public. From casual users to business moguls, stars have used their platforms to influence not just consumer trends but the very legality and normalization of cannabis use.
When Snoop Dogg or Seth Rogen talks about weed, it’s not just about getting high—it’s about lifestyle, culture, and sometimes even wellness. These influential personalities have helped remove the stigma around cannabis, portraying it not as a rebellious act but as a legitimate, everyday activity.
Snoop Dogg: The OG of Weed Culture
You can’t talk about cannabis culture without mentioning Snoop Dogg. For decades, Snoop has been synonymous with cannabis. His public image, music, and interviews are intertwined with weed culture. But Snoop didn’t stop at just being a vocal user; he made cannabis a core part of his business empire.
In 2015, Snoop launched Leafs By Snoop, a line of cannabis products that includes flower, concentrates, and edibles. He also co-founded Merry Jane, a media platform dedicated to cannabis news, education, and culture. This entrepreneurial leap helped cement his place not only as an advocate but as a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. Snoop’s normalization of cannabis has made it cooler and more acceptable in the public eye, especially among younger generations.
Willie Nelson: A Lifetime of Cannabis Advocacy
Willie Nelson has been an outspoken cannabis user for decades, even before it was socially acceptable. Unlike Snoop, who leans into the recreational side, Willie has always advocated for the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of cannabis. His company, Willie’s Reserve, focuses on sustainably grown, high-quality cannabis that reflects his values of supporting small farmers and natural cultivation.
Nelson’s advocacy has been crucial in breaking down cannabis stigmas among older generations. For many, he represents the calming, health-focused side of cannabis, rather than the “party drug” image. His efforts have made cannabis more approachable for people who might have been on the fence, especially older adults looking for pain relief or relaxation.
Rihanna: Empowering Women in Cannabis
When you think of cannabis and women, Rihanna is a name that stands out. The global pop star has been candid about her cannabis use, often sharing photos of herself enjoying a joint on social media. Rihanna has helped dismantle the stereotype that cannabis is a “guy thing.” She’s shown that women can be just as involved in cannabis culture—without the judgment.
Though she hasn’t launched her own cannabis brand (yet), Rihanna’s influence is undeniable. She’s turned cannabis into a glamorous, fashionable lifestyle choice for women, helping to erase the stigma around female cannabis users. Her unapologetic approach to cannabis encourages women to embrace the plant as part of their everyday lives, whether for relaxation, creativity, or wellness.
Seth Rogen: Cannabis for Creativity and Everyday Use
If anyone’s making cannabis part of everyday life, it’s Seth Rogen. Known for his roles in stoner comedies like Pineapple Express, Rogen’s public persona is deeply tied to cannabis culture. But it’s not all for laughs—Rogen has always been open about how cannabis enhances his creativity and helps with anxiety.
In 2019, Rogen co-founded Houseplant, a cannabis lifestyle brand that sells high-end cannabis products as well as home accessories like stylish ashtrays and lighters. What sets Rogen apart is his focus on normalizing cannabis use in everyday settings. Houseplant promotes weed as something that can be part of a refined, design-conscious lifestyle, whether you’re unwinding after work or entertaining guests.
Martha Stewart: The Unexpected Cannabis Queen
Perhaps the most surprising celebrity cannabis advocate is Martha Stewart. Known for her domestic empire of cooking, decorating, and home organization, Stewart has embraced CBD in a big way. In partnership with Canopy Growth, she launched a line of CBD wellness products, including gummies, oils, and pet treats.
Martha Stewart’s entry into the cannabis space has been a game-changer, particularly for older, more conservative audiences. If Martha, the queen of homemaking, can endorse CBD for wellness, then it’s clearly not just for “stoners.” Her influence has been crucial in breaking down barriers for older adults and more traditional consumers who might have been hesitant about cannabis.
Elon Musk: When Cannabis Meets Controversy
In one of the most talked-about moments in recent cannabis history, Elon Musk smoked a joint during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience. While Musk isn’t exactly a cannabis advocate, this high-profile moment helped bring cannabis into the corporate and professional world. The act was shocking to some, given Musk’s status as a billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, but it also opened up a conversation about cannabis use among professionals and executives.
Musk’s casual approach to cannabis on such a public platform helped to break down the stereotype that successful, high-achieving people don’t use cannabis. While his companies might have felt the heat, Musk’s public interaction with cannabis pushed the conversation about its role in everyday life—including in the workplace.
Whoopi Goldberg: Cannabis for Women’s Health
Another strong advocate for cannabis is Whoopi Goldberg, who has used her platform to highlight the medicinal benefits of cannabis, particularly for women. Goldberg co-founded Whoopi & Maya, a cannabis brand aimed at providing relief for menstrual discomfort. While the brand has since closed, Whoopi continues to advocate for cannabis as a legitimate option for pain relief and wellness.
Her focus on women’s health has been a crucial element in changing how cannabis is viewed, especially for medicinal purposes. By promoting cannabis for specific health needs, Goldberg has helped open up discussions around how cannabis can be used as a wellness tool, not just a recreational substance.
The Future of Cannabis Perception: What’s Next?
Celebrities have played an undeniable role in changing the way the world sees cannabis. Through their openness, advocacy, and business ventures, they’ve helped break down decades-old stigmas and brought cannabis into the mainstream. Whether it’s through launching brands, like Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, or using their influence to advocate for medicinal use, like Willie Nelson and Whoopi Goldberg, these stars have shifted the conversation around cannabis.
As more states and countries move toward legalization, we can expect to see even more celebrities entering the cannabis space. And as the stigma continues to fade, cannabis will likely become just another part of the wellness, social, and business landscape—thanks, in large part, to these famous advocates.
So, the next time you roll up or sip on a cannabis-infused drink, you might just have Snoop, Rihanna, or Martha Stewart to thank for making it that much more normal.
