The landscape of celebrity cannabis use has undergone a dramatic transformation, particularly as state-level legalization sweeps across the United States and global attitudes soften.
What was once a secretive, career-risking habit is now often a public endorsement, a lifestyle brand, and a powerful tool for advocacy. Many celebrities who once smoked marijuana in private now openly smoke pot and support legalization.
Today the narrative has firmly shifted: prominent figures aren’t just smoking; they are founding companies, investing millions, and leveraging their influence to normalize and de-stigmatize the plant.
This guide explores the most famous cannabis consumers and advocates, providing updates for 2025, insightful quotes, historical context, and a look at the future of celebrity involvement in the “Green Rush.”
The most significant development in celebrity cannabis is the shift from mere consumption to entrepreneurial leadership. These individuals are not just users; they are industry founders who have turned their personal affinity into multi-million dollar business empires.
The term ‘pot’ has shifted from a taboo to a symbol of cultural influence and business opportunity.
The normalization of recreational marijuana has led many celebrity pot smokers to openly discuss their experiences and advocate for reform, making it more acceptable for people from all walks of life to discuss their own cannabis use.
Celebrity culture and cannabis have always shared a close connection, with many celebrities openly embracing marijuana as an integral part of their lives.
From legendary musicians like Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg to actors such as Seth Rogen, the act of smoking weed has become almost synonymous with the creative lifestyle. In recent years, the conversation around marijuana use has shifted dramatically, thanks in part to the influence of these high-profile figures.
With the rise of social media, celebrities now have a direct line to their fans, making it easier than ever to share their experiences with cannabis. Whether it’s posting a photo of a joint on Instagram or tweeting about their favorite strains, many celebrities are helping to normalize cannabis use and push for marijuana legalization.
This openness has played a significant role in reducing the stigma around smoking weed, making it more acceptable for people from all walks of life to discuss their own cannabis use.
For many celebrities, cannabis is more than just a recreational pastime—it’s a tool for creativity, relaxation, and even advocacy. As more stars speak out about their positive experiences, it’s clear that marijuana has become a huge part of celebrity culture, influencing not just their personal lives but also the broader conversation around legalization and acceptance.
A perennial icon, Snoop Dogg remains perhaps the most recognizable figure in cannabis culture. His dedication to the plant has been a constant throughout his career, and Snoop Dogg famously smokes weed both on and off stage, evolving alongside the legalization movement.
Wiz Khalifa’s brand is almost entirely intertwined with cannabis, making him a major figure in the industry’s younger generation.
The comedic duo behind “Pineapple Express” and “Superbad” have transitioned from joking about weed to creating an elegant, design-focused cannabis company.
Entering the industry with a focus on luxury, quality, and social justice, Jay-Z’s involvement marks the definitive acceptance of cannabis in elite business circles.
The inclusion of a culinary and lifestyle icon like Martha Stewart underscores the ultimate mainstreaming of cannabis-derived products.
Beyond the entrepreneurs, a core group of celebrities are defined by their long-standing, often political, advocacy for the plant, with many of these celebrities being actors who have used their platforms to promote the benefits of consuming cannabis.
The country music legend is one of the longest-standing and most earnest celebrity advocates.
Known for his vocal pro-cannabis stance, Harrelson has used his acting career and public visibility to champion the cause for decades.
The beloved actor’s advocacy is rooted in its medicinal benefits, particularly for pain management.
Legalization has prompted a host of mainstream celebrities, who were once quiet about their use, to speak openly, further cementing cannabis’s place in popular culture. Many now share candid stories about smoking pot, reflecting a different outlook on cannabis compared to previous generations.
The musician and Fenty entrepreneur is often seen and photographed with cannabis, integrating it seamlessly into her public lifestyle and brand image. As a singer, Rihanna’s embrace of cannabis has influenced both her music and her fans.
Both artists have been very open about their cannabis use for creative and coping purposes, particularly earlier in their careers. Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga both smoked weed during the making of their first album, which they credit with influencing their creative process.
The cannabis industry’s explosive growth has caught the attention of some of the world’s most influential business leaders. Figures like Bill Gates have recognized the potential of marijuana, with Gates reportedly investing in a cannabis company as the market continues to expand.
Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, was also known for his marijuana use, crediting it with helping to spark his creativity and innovative thinking.
Other prominent entrepreneurs, such as Richard Branson, have been vocal about their support for marijuana legalization and the benefits of cannabis use for relaxation and focus. As the global cannabis market is projected to reach over $146 billion by 2025, it’s no surprise that business leaders are eager to get involved, whether through investment, advocacy, or direct participation in the industry.
This growing acceptance among the business elite signals a major shift in how marijuana is perceived—not just as a recreational drug, but as a legitimate and lucrative sector within the world economy.
As more business leaders embrace marijuana use and invest in cannabis, the industry’s influence is set to grow even further, shaping the future of both business and cannabis culture.
A new wave of celebrity moms is helping to change the conversation around cannabis use, openly discussing how marijuana fits into their busy lives. Stars like Kate Hudson have shared how cannabis helps them unwind and get a good night’s sleep, while Kristen Bell has spoken about using marijuana to relax after a long day of parenting.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Martha Stewart, both known for their wellness brands, have also highlighted the benefits of cannabis use for pain relief and creativity. As the stigma around marijuana use continues to fade, more celebrity moms are feeling empowered to talk about their experiences, whether it’s for medicinal purposes or simply to manage the stresses of motherhood.
This openness is helping to normalize cannabis use among parents and women, showing that marijuana can be a safe and effective option for relaxation, pain management, and self-care. With high-profile figures like Kate Hudson and Martha Stewart leading the way, cannabis is quickly becoming a popular choice for celebrity moms seeking balance and well-being in their lives.
The relationship between famous figures and cannabis is not new, but its public acceptance is a modern phenomenon. While the thing pot represented in the past was often rebellion, today it is more about a love of weed and personal expression.
In the 1920s and 30s, marijuana (then often referred to as “reefer” or “gage”) was closely associated with jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong. The drug was seen as an artistic catalyst, though this period also coincided with its criminalization and was often linked to racist propaganda. Armstrong often smokes marijuana to relax after a long night of performing.
This period saw cannabis use explode among rock stars and counterculture icons like The Beatles (Paul McCartney famously acknowledged his use), Jimi Hendrix, and the Cheech & Chong comedy duo (Tommy Chong). Cannabis became a symbol of rebellion, peace, and anti-establishment sentiment. Many kids of the era would gather to smoke pot and listen to their favorite bands, making it a rite of passage for a generation. This era set the stage for decades of underground cannabis culture.
Hip-hop cemented cannabis’s place in modern popular culture, with figures like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Cypress Hill’s B-Real making it a ubiquitous theme in their music and imagery. Many of these artists openly smokes weed and have smoked on stage or in music videos, further normalizing cannabis use. This era directly challenged the “War on Drugs” narrative, highlighting the hypocrisy of criminalization while popularizing the lifestyle.
With the first states legalizing recreational use in the 2010s, the celebrity relationship shifted from rebellion to business. States like North Dakota have joined the legalization movement, reflecting growing national support that even reaches debates in the White House.
Celebrities no longer just risk arrest; they capitalize on the changing laws, leading directly to the rise of major brands like Khalifa Kush, Houseplant, and Monogram. This era is defined by entrepreneurial advocacy.
The medical benefits of cannabis have been championed by many celebrities, helping to bring greater awareness to the potential of medical marijuana. Morgan Freeman, for example, has spoken candidly about using marijuana to manage his fibromyalgia pain, crediting cannabis with providing the only real relief he’s found.
Whoopi Goldberg has also been a strong advocate, sharing her experiences using cannabis to alleviate symptoms of glaucoma and menstrual pain.
Other celebrities, such as Olivia Newton-John, have turned to medical marijuana as part of their cancer treatment, highlighting its role in pain management and overall well-being. As more states and countries legalize medical marijuana, the demand for cannabis-based treatments continues to rise, with many celebrities using their platforms to advocate for broader access and acceptance.
The growing chorus of celebrity voices supporting medical marijuana is helping to destigmatize its use and encourage further research into its benefits. Whether it’s for chronic pain, cancer, or other health conditions, cannabis is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in the world of medicine, thanks in part to the advocacy of many celebrities who have experienced its benefits firsthand.
The public statements of celebrities have been instrumental in shaping public opinion.
Celebrity | Quote | Context |
|---|---|---|
Carl Sagan | *“The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.”*2 | The renowned scientist wrote this in an essay under a pseudonym, “Mr. X,” in 1971, highlighting the intellectual and philosophical benefits. |
Barack Obama | “When I was a kid I inhaled frequently. That was the point.” | A simple but highly impactful admission from a former U.S. President, contrasting with the political hedging of his predecessors. |
Whoopi Goldberg | “When I was younger, I realized it helped my cramps, and I’ve had a good relationship with it since. It continues to help me feel better as I get older.” | Highlighting the medical benefits for women, particularly regarding menstrual pain. |
Bill Murray | “I find it quite ironic that the most dangerous thing about weed is getting caught with it.” | A comedic take that succinctly critiques the legal absurdity of prohibition. |
Bill Hicks | “Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit unnatural?” | A core argument of legalization advocates: challenging the man-made laws against a natural plant. |
Susan Sarandon | “Cannabis helps me stay present and enjoy my downtime. I think it should be legal everywhere.” | Susan Sarandon has been open about her advocacy for marijuana and its lifestyle benefits. |
Pete Davidson | “Medical marijuana is the only thing that helps me manage Crohn’s disease and still perform on SNL.” | Pete Davidson discusses using medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease. |
Oprah Winfrey | “I think marijuana, when used responsibly, can be a force for good. It’s time we have honest conversations about it.” | Oprah Winfrey shares her views on marijuana and the need for open dialogue. |
Madonna | “My debut album was all about breaking boundaries, and cannabis was part of the creative process.” | Madonna references her debut album and its connection to cannabis. |
Olivia Newton-John | “After my breast cancer diagnosis, medical marijuana became an important part of my treatment and recovery.” | A celebrity discussing breast cancer and the use of medical marijuana. |
Snoop Dogg | “I was on Andy Cohen’s show and we ended up talking about the best strains to smoke after a long day.” | Snoop Dogg mentions Andy Cohen in a cannabis-related context. |
Seth Rogen | “Jimmy Kimmel once asked me to roll a joint on his show. That was a first for late night TV!” | Seth Rogen referencing Jimmy Kimmel in a cannabis-related anecdote. |
Anne Hathaway | “There’s a Getty Images photo of me at a party, and yes, I was holding a joint. No shame!” | Anne Hathaway referencing Getty Images in relation to a cannabis-related photo. |
Willie Nelson | “There’s nothing like sitting on my front porch, strumming my guitar, and enjoying a little cannabis.” | Willie Nelson describing relaxing on his front porch with cannabis. |
Stephen Colbert | “At one point in high school in San Francisco, I thought I’d never try cannabis. Things change.” | Stephen Colbert referencing San Francisco and a change in his cannabis use. |
Miley Cyrus | “She’s always the life of the party, especially when she brings out her stash.” | Miley Cyrus using the phrase ‘she’s’ in a cannabis-related anecdote. |
Tom Petty | “At one point, I didn’t touch the stuff, but now I see the benefits.” | Tom Petty using ‘one point’ to describe a change in his cannabis use. |
The shift from simple disclosure to entrepreneurship. Celebrities now often launch their own brands (e.g., Khalifa Kush, Houseplant, Monogram), becoming industry leaders and investors rather than just passive consumers. Their focus has increasingly included a social justice component, demanding equity and expungement for past cannabis offenses.
There are several reasons: Profit, as the legal market is a multi-billion dollar industry; Brand Extension, as cannabis fits seamlessly with the lifestyle brands of many musicians and actors; and Advocacy, allowing them to participate directly in the normalization and political process of legalization.
For the most part, no, especially in legal jurisdictions. While it may still affect endorsements in federally regulated industries (like professional sports leagues, though even this is softening), for most figures in music, film, and comedy, a pro-cannabis stance is often seen as authentic, relatable, and even good for their brand.
Jay-Z (Monogram), Snoop Dogg (Merry Jane), and activists like Steve DeAngelo (co-founder of The Last Prisoner Project) are among the most vocal, emphasizing that legalization must include restorative justice for the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs.
Yes, some have publicly quit or significantly cut back for personal or professional reasons. Woody Harrelson stepped away from daily use for a period to feel more “emotionally available,” and Lady Gaga has discussed cutting back from heavy use to maintain clarity. This reflects a broader trend of mature, responsible consumption.
Looking ahead from 2026 and beyond, the trend is clear:
The age of famous figures hiding their cannabis use is over. The celebrity stoner has become the celebrity CEO, driving a multi-billion dollar industry and, simultaneously, a cultural and social justice movement.
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