April 14, 2025

10 Famous Figures Who Enjoy Cannabis

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According to recent survey results published by Pew Research, half of all American adults have tried cannabis at some point in their lives. With this staggering fact in mind, it may not be surprising to find just how many famous, self-professed cannabis enthusiasts there are.

Of course, we all are familiar with icons like Snoop Dogg and Bob Marley, whose music and style boldly proclaim their enthusiasm, but some white-collar businessmen and notable professors also find their place in this diverse community. Here are just a few of the biggest so-called stoners (and fierce cannabis advocates) from pop culture, and some quotes on their personal experiences with this beloved plant. We bet a few of these names will surprise you.

Disclaimer: The quotes featured here, as well as the habits of the celebrities mentioned, do not constitute a recommendation for use. Any beliefs or claims expressed by these figures should not be taken as fact.

Cannabis-Smoking Pioneers and Activists

1. Carl Sagan

Carl Sagan photograph by Kenneth C. Zirkel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Award-winning astronomer Carl Sagan, the grandfather of cosmic and scientific pop culture, was also a secret cannabis smoker. Of course, during the 1970s, this wasn't a topic of casual everyday conversation like it is today, so his love affair with the plant only came out much later.

In the 1971 book Marihuana Reconsidered by Dr. Lester Grinspoon, there was an essay written by an anonymous "Mr. X," someone who described the benefits of cannabis for enhancing perception, creativity, and appreciation of art and music. Decades later, it was revealed that Mr. X was actually Carl Sagan. He found cannabis was able to help him think in new ways about complex scientific concepts and deepen his philosophical insights.

One of his most famous quotes from the essay reads:

"The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a [plant] which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity, and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world."

2. Bob Marley

Viersen, Germany - November 9. 2022: Closeup of isolated vinyl Live record album of Bob Marley and the wailers released 1975

Since he died in 1981, Bob Marley has become more than just a famous pot smoker; he has become a symbol of cannabis culture itself. Yet crucially, his cannabis consumption wasn't merely for fun; it was a sacred activity. This is because Marley was a devoted Rastafarian.

In Rastafari, cannabis (or "ganja") is a holy plant used in religious rituals, meditation, and reasoning sessions. Rastafarians believe cannabis brings them closer to Jah (God) to help deepen their spiritual understanding.

And while we've all heard the long-disproven statement that cannabis is a "gateway drug," Marley spoke about how cannabis was a gateway to higher consciousness.

In the wise words of the man who brought reggae and rastafari culture to the world, "When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself."

3. Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson photograph by Bob Jagendorf from Manalapan, NJ, USA, CC BY 2.0

Willie Nelson is a country music icon and a fierce advocate for the powers of cannabis. Long before we saw any legalization attempts, Nelson was getting arrested for possession. He's been one of the most consistent and non-apologetic enthusiasts of the last century.

Yet, despite his run-ins with the law, Nelson has always spoken the truth about his views on marijuana. He recently told Rolling Stone Magazine, "It's nice to watch it being accepted — knowing you were right all the time about it: that it was not a killer drug. It's medicine."

These days, of course, Nelson has turned this lifelong passion into an award-winning brand: Willie's Reserve. From pre-rolls to edibles to flower, aka Willie's infamous stash, this nonagenarian has applied knowledge learned from his life of smoking into the 21st century.

Entertainers and Artists Who Love Cannabis

4. Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen photo By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America - Seth Rogen, CC BY-SA 2.0

It shouldn't be surprising that the person who wrote and starred in the stoner cult classic Pineapple Express is also a cannabis connoisseur in real life. But Seth Rogen partakes, both on and off the screen.

Since the release of Pineapple Express, Seth has grown up a bit, but his hobbies haven't changed much. He is still a major advocate for cannabis legalization and now runs his own company, Houseplant, which designs high-end smoking accessories and even infused beverages.

His acting and entrepreneurial career, now spanning several decades, helps put to bed the idea that stoners are lazy. As he explained to The Canadian Press:

"I smoke weed all day and every day and have for 20 years. For me, it's like glasses or shoes. It's something I need to navigate my life, People have tried to make me feel shame about it over the years or have tried to make me seem like I'm weak or stupid for integrating it so completely into my life, but I'm almost 40 now, I'm married, I have a good job and I've just found that none of the stigmas I was told to be true are true."

5. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga photo By Carlos M. Vazquez II - 210120-D-WD757-1720, CC BY 2.0

Lady Gaga is someone who needs absolutely no introduction. Throughout her musical career, she has shared openly about her relationship with cannabis on numerous occasions. In fact, she once famously described herself as "a little bit of a pothead."

Over the years, Lady Gaga has leaned into the plant to help tap into her artistic expression, especially when working on ART POP. She explained in an interview, "As an artist, there's a sweet jump-starting quality for me. So if ever I need some clarity, I smoke a joint."

She's also discussed relying on cannabis during the hard times after she broke her hip and then navigated the daily pain of fibromyalgia. Her journey through chronic pain, as well as her reliance on cannabis to help manage those symptoms, was one of the core themes in her 2013 documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two.

6. Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman photo By DoD News Features - 160508-D-DB155-012, Public Domain

Morgan Freeman is one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood. Sure, he's an award-winning actor and film producer, but what many people may not realize is that he is also a fierce advocate for, and fond consumer of, cannabis.

Like Lady Gaga, Freeman has also suffered from the daily pain caused by fibromyalgia and relied on cannabis to help manage the symptoms. He's said the only thing he's discovered that provides long-lasting relief is cannabis.

But, when it comes to his stance on greater legalization, Freeman isn't just advocating based on his own experiences. As he has explained it, "They're talking about kids who have grand mal seizures, and they've discovered that marijuana eases that down to where these children can have a life. That right there, to me, says, 'Legalize it across the board!'"

7. Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg photo By Bruce Baker - CC BY 2.0

Snoop Dogg is the reigning king of cannabis and, perhaps, one of the most famous stoners in history. On stage and off, he is inseparable from that telltale cloud of smoke from the endless supply of blunts in his hand.

Snoop's cannabis habit is so integral to his daily life that he has his very own blunt roller (a real-live person, not an accessory!). He's said he smokes somewhere between 75 to 150 joints a day (which, we should add, we don’t recommend).

But, for Snoop Dogg, his love affair with cannabis isn't just a fun activity; it's become part of his brand appeal. His business interests are so expansive that they’re almost impossible to track, but when he's not rapping and record producing, he's launched everything from Leafs and 2Pac Cannabis to a new California dispensary called S.W.E.D. (Cure the music for "Smoke Weed Every Day.”)

Athletes and Business Leaders Who Advocate for Cannabis

8. Nate Diaz

If there's one professional fighter who has never shied away from cannabis, it's Nate Diaz. The former UFC star and MMA icon has smoked, vaped, and advocated for the plant on live TV, in press conferences, and even inside the octagon.

After all, he famously stated, "People say that marijuana is going to hurt my career. On the contrary, my fight career is getting in the way of my marijuana smoking." For Diaz, cannabis isn't just a component of his downtime; it's a pre-workout, recovery tool, and, post-octagon, a lifestyle.

Both Nate and his brother Nick Diaz, fierce critics of anti-cannabis policies, argued that the UFC and USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) were unfairly targeting fighters for cannabis use. Their advocacy eventually led to the UFC putting an end to punishments for fighters who enjoyed the plant and advanced the overall conversation about cannabis for athletes.

9. Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, isn't just known for his entrepreneurial empire—he's also a longtime cannabis advocate. Unlike many billionaire business moguls, Branson has openly discussed his support for legalization as well as his personal casual journey with cannabis.

As billionaires go, Branson has been one of the most outspoken against drug prohibition, arguing that the War on Drugs has failed at the global level. He's spoken out on the international stage, as high up as with the United Nations, to explain how the War on Drugs cannot be won. He's even published a book on the subject and continues to fight anti-drug policies that are poorly designed to tackle the real underlying issues of society.

10. Whoopi Goldberg

whoopi goldberg By Library of Congress Life - 20240510SM614, CC0

Whoopi Goldberg is an internationally renowned comedian, talk show host, and also a highly successful cannabis enthusiast. She once joked that without cannabis, she would have never survived hosting "The View."

Over the last decade, she has come out in fierce support of cannabis for health, openly discussing its potential to help with her glaucoma-related headaches, problems sleeping, and menstrual cramps.

She even ended up launching a niche cannabis brand, Whoopi & Maya, focusing on women and women's health concerns. Although her business is now closed down, Goldberg hasn't stopped pushing to change the lingering stigma around cannabis and health.

Celebrity Stoners Have Changed the Culture Around Cannabis

Throughout the 20th century, cannabis was stigmatized, criminalized, and misunderstood. But thanks partly to outspoken celebrity enthusiasts, the conversation has shifted—what was once taboo is now a booming industry, a wellness tool, and a cultural movement.

We wouldn't be where we are in the pro-cannabis culture today if Willie Nelson hadn't continued to speak out despite his arrests or if Carl Sagan hadn't opened people's minds under his pseudonym Mr. X. Celebrities who are passionate about this plant have stuck their necks out to put cannabis in a positive light and helped demonstrate that you can be a very successful individual even when enjoying a THC gummy now and then. If we look at the successes of people like Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogan, each with their own empire of brands, you could even argue that it was cannabis that helped them succeed.

Like all of these famous figures, Hometown Hero is fighting for cannabis, too. In Texas and beyond, our team is at the forefront of this movement, committed to advocating for the legality and benefits of hemp-derived THC products. Whether you're seeking relief, inspiration, or simply a new experience, there's a place for everyone in this growing community.

Until next time, happy exploring, and Mind Your Mind.

Disclaimer

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

Image Credits

1. By Kenneth C. Zirkel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51536860 3. By Bob Jagendorf from Manalapan, NJ, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 4. By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America - Seth Rogen, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61414931 5. By Carlos M. Vazquez II - 210120-D-WD757-1720, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121269563 6. By DoD News Features - 160508-D-DB155-012, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48677217 7. By Bruce Baker - https://www.flickr.com/photos/theholygrail/53775518109/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156333716 9. By D@LY3D - https://www.flickr.com/photos/daly3d/4603962728/sizes/o/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23949944 10. By Library of Congress Life - 20240510SM614, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148937528