The cannabis community has been shaped by individuals who have advanced legalization, cultural acceptance, and innovation in the industry. From activists to musicians to researchers, these figures have made significant contributions to cannabis culture, advocacy, and science. Below is a curated list of notable individuals, each with a lasting impact on the cannabis world. Click on their names to explore their full stories.
Jack Herer (1939–2010), known as the "Emperor of Hemp," was a foundational figure in cannabis activism. His book, The Emperor Wears No Clothes (1985), compiled historical and scientific evidence for cannabis legalization, highlighting its uses in medicine, industry, and recreation. Herer co-founded Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP), sparking a global movement and inspiring the popular "Jack Herer" cannabis strain. “Hemp can save the planet if we let it,” Herer wrote, emphasizing its environmental potential (Source: Herer, J. (1985). The Emperor Wears No Clothes. HEMP Publishing).
Herer’s advocacy during the War on Drugs challenged stigma through rallies and public speaking. His work on hemp’s potential for sustainable products, such as paper and textiles, influenced environmental discussions around cannabis legalization.
Snoop Dogg (born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., 1971) is a cultural icon whose embrace of cannabis is central to his music and public persona. Since the 1990s, his albums like Doggystyle have normalized cannabis use, while his ventures, including Leafs By Snoop, a premium cannabis line launched in 2015, and Casa Verde Capital, a cannabis-focused venture fund, have shaped the industry (Source: Forbes, 2015, “Snoop Dogg Launches Cannabis Brand”).
Snoop’s media projects, such as the Merry Jane website, blend cannabis culture with pop culture, from cooking shows to gaming content. His influence has helped mainstream cannabis, making him a pivotal figure in its cultural evolution.
Willie Nelson (born 1933) is a country music legend and a lifelong advocate for cannabis legalization. As a co-chair of NORML, he has campaigned since the 1970s, promoting the slogan, “Tax it, regulate it, and legalize it!” His brand, Willie’s Reserve, launched in 2015, offers cannabis products like flower and edibles, emphasizing quality and accessibility (Source: NORML, 2023, “Willie Nelson’s Advocacy”).
Nelson’s advocacy includes benefit concerts for cannabis reform and open discussions about its role in his creative process. His authentic connection to cannabis culture has made him a beloved figure across generations.
Tommy Chong (born 1938) is a comedian and actor whose work with Cheech & Chong popularized stoner culture through films like Up in Smoke (1978). His unapologetic cannabis use challenged prohibition-era stigma, earning him a lasting place in cannabis history. His brand, Chong’s Choice, includes a range of cannabis products (Source: Leafly, 2016, “Tommy Chong’s Cannabis Brand”).
Despite a 2003 prison sentence for selling paraphernalia, Chong continued advocating for medical cannabis and legalization. His humor and resilience have made him an enduring icon in cannabis culture.
Steve DeAngelo (born 1958) is often called the “father of the legal cannabis industry” for co-founding Harborside, a leading California dispensary, in 2006, and Steep Hill Labs, a pioneer in cannabis testing. His book, The Cannabis Manifesto (2015), promotes cannabis as a wellness tool, and his work with the Last Prisoner Project advocates for cannabis prisoners’ release (Source: Harborside, 2023, “Our History”).
DeAngelo’s emphasis on quality control and ethical business practices has set standards for the modern cannabis industry. His contributions span entrepreneurship, advocacy, and education.
Bob Marley (1945–1981) is a reggae icon whose association with cannabis is rooted in the Rastafari movement, where it is considered a spiritual sacrament. His music, including songs like “Kaya” and “One Love,” celebrated cannabis as a symbol of peace and creativity, influencing global cannabis culture. “Herb is the healing of a nation,” Marley famously said (Source: Marley, B. (1978). Kaya album notes).
Marley’s legacy continues through Marley Natural, a cannabis brand offering flower and accessories, launched in 2016, and his family’s advocacy for legalization. His cultural impact remains a cornerstone of cannabis history.
Wiz Khalifa (born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, 1987) is a rapper whose Khalifa Kush strain, launched in 2016, and mobile game, Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm, have solidified his influence in cannabis culture. His music, including hits like “Young, Wild & Free,” promotes cannabis as a lifestyle and creative tool (Source: TechCrunch, 2017, “Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm Game”).
Khalifa’s partnerships with brands like The Cookie Company and his presence in gaming culture have made him a modern cannabis icon, appealing to younger audiences through music and interactive media.
Brownie Mary (1921–1999), born Mary Jane Rathbun, was a nurse and activist who distributed cannabis-infused brownies to AIDS patients in the 1980s. Her work highlighted cannabis’s medical benefits during the AIDS crisis, earning her arrests but also widespread admiration as a compassionate advocate (Source: San Francisco Chronicle, 1999, “Mary Jane Rathbun Obituary”).
Her legacy as a pioneer of medical cannabis underscores the plant’s therapeutic potential. Brownie Mary’s story of defiance and care remains a powerful influence in cannabis advocacy.
Ed Rosenthal (born 1944), known as the “Guru of Ganja,” is a horticulturist and author whose books, like Marijuana Grower’s Handbook (1989), have educated generations of cannabis cultivators. His advocacy includes testifying in court to defend cannabis users and promoting sustainable growing practices (Source: EdRosenthal.com, 2023, “About Ed Rosenthal”).
Rosenthal’s legal battles, including a 2002 federal raid on his grow operation, cemented his status as a fearless advocate. His expertise in cultivation continues to shape the cannabis industry.
Ethan Russo (born 1955) is a neurologist and researcher whose studies on the endocannabinoid system have advanced medical cannabis science. His work on cannabis’s potential for treating migraines, chronic pain, and other conditions has influenced clinical practice and policy (Source: Russo, E. B. (2007). “History of Cannabis,” Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics).
Russo’s contributions include developing Sativex, a cannabis-derived drug approved in multiple countries, and publishing research that supports cannabis’s therapeutic benefits. His scientific approach has bolstered the credibility of medical cannabis.
Rick Steves (born 1955) is a travel writer and TV host who became a cannabis advocate after observing Europe’s progressive drug policies. As a NORML board member, he promotes legalization, emphasizing cannabis’s cultural and economic benefits through talks like “Cannabis and Travel” (Source: NORML, 2023, “Rick Steves Joins NORML Board”).
Steves’ mainstream platform and advocacy for sensible drug policies have broadened the conversation around cannabis legalization. His perspective connects cannabis with lifestyle and cultural exploration.
This page is a living document and will be updated as new figures emerge in the cannabis community. Have a suggestion? Click here to contribute.
Fiber use in Japan around 8000 BC, medicinal in China by 2700 BC.
William O'Shaughnessy in 1839.
California's Proposition 215 in 1996 legalized medical marijuana for the first time in the United States.
