Cannabis advocacy has always been powered by a diverse community of folks from all walks of life. Lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and students — cannabis advocates come from nearly every background, field, and demographic.
But one group of people has always been especially vocal on the subject of legal weed: celebrities. Famous cannabis advocates go back to the very beginning of the movement — celebrity Beat poet Allen Ginsberg helped form LeMar, one of the earliest cannabis advocacy groups in the United States, in 1965 — and even earlier. Here are three of the most notable celebrity hemp heads in the history of cannabis advocacy.
#1. Louis Armstrong
You probably know Louis Armstrong for his distinctive voice and incredible skill with a trumpet. But did you know he was a lifelong pot smoker?
Armstrong started smoking weed in the 1920s, just when his legendary career as a jazz artist was beginning to take off. Throughout his career, he was known to get high before shows, and he spoke openly about his status as a viper (the nickname given to cannabis users of the day). There are even reports that it was Satchmo himself who introduced marijuana to Ginsberg and the rest of the Beat Generation, who then introduced it to the hippie crowd in the ’60s.
Armstrong’s openness came at a cost, however. He was frequently targeted by law enforcement, especially when on tour, and he and his wife were arrested many times on marijuana charges. He even spent nine days in an LA jail cell in 1930.
#2. Sarah Silverman
Comedian Sarah Silverman has always been upfront about her cannabis use and outspoken about her support of legalization. Weed jokes have been a part of her standup sets since early in her career, and who could forget her hilarious vape pen reveal to E! Entertainment’s Giuliana Rancic on the Emmy’s red carpet back in 2014?
All joking aside, Silverman is a cannabis advocate off-stage as well as on. She’s appeared in entertaining and educational short videos for “The Daily Show” and GQ magazine and regularly uses her appearances on late-night talk shows to bring attention to cannabis. In 2021, she joined the non-partisan organization HeadCount to help with their “Cannabis in Common” initiative to lobby Congress for federal legalization.
#3. Snoop Dogg
If there’s any celebrity who gives Willie Nelson a run for his money when it comes to publicly embracing the high life, it’s Snoop Dogg. The legendary West Coast rapper has always been a vocal proponent of pot. As a cannabis advocate, he’s worked with the Cannabis Freedom Alliance and raised millions of dollars for cannabis startups. As an entrepreneur, he’s launched a cannabis-centric media company, a capital venture fund, and a namesake line of weed products.
As for his music, the Doggfather of rap has never shied away from going on the record about reefer: According to one report, 46% of his songs are about marijuana.
Campfire Cannabis
When it comes to cannabis legalization, famous advocates like Armstrong, Silverman, and Snoop Dogg walked so you could run. But the fight isn’t over. Although recreational pot is now legal in several states, the battle for federal legalization rages on. If you’ve been inspired by these and other famous smokers, why not lend your voice to the cause? Contact advocacy groups like NORML, The Marijuana Justice Coalition, and others to get involved.
In the meantime, exercise your right to imbibe by visiting us at Campfire Cannabis. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable budtenders can answer all your cannabis questions and connect you with quality weed products. Check us out today.
