When it comes to celebrity endorsements, the Venn diagram between recreational and medical marijuana generally appears as a singular circle. Although there are many A-listers whose love of green goes under the radar, as the conversation regarding legalization grows every year, so, too, does the number of celebs who supply ringing endorsements for marijuana use.
For a number of famous faces, using marijuana to assist with medical conditions is a way of life, one that over time has trickled down into recreation. One of the strongest advocates for marijuana legalization is the actress and The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg has dealt with glaucoma for many years and uses medical marijuana for pain relief for her eyes and head.
Another one of Mary Jane’s most familiar acquaintances is 79-year-old actor Morgan Freeman. Having spent years suffering from fibromyalgia, Freeman experiences pain in his arm that can often be “excruciating,” with medical marijuana being “the only thing that offers any relief.” He has gone on record as saying marijuana legalization across the board is a long time coming, and he will take it however it comes.
Although numerous celebs known to support the legalization of medical marijuana do not suffer from a medical condition, they often have direct experience witnessing the positive effects it has on friends, family and fellow members of the industry. Alternatively, some are more apt to indulge in marijuana use for recreational reasons, often citing its ability to help them unwind or stir the creative juices.
With more than half the states in the country now offering open access to medical marijuana — and eight of those also permitting recreational use — let’s look at some of the famed supporters of marijuana and a few those whose herbal enthusiasm may just surprise you.
Bill Gates
That’s right: Bill Gates supports medical marijuana.Image by Efes Kitap from Pixabay
That’s right: The richest man in the world supports the use of both medicinal and recreational marijuana. A biographical account of Gates and the uprising of Microsoft, by authors Stephen Maines and Paul Andrews, noted that the business magnate is no stranger to the herb. Gates also voted to pass Initiative 502 in Washington, which led to the legalization of marijuana.
Danny DeVito
Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-winning actor Danny DeVito has been quoted as saying he is “very excited about the legalization [of marijuana].” When asked about his personal use of cannabis, he was very open about the fact that both he and his wife often partake in a touch of the green stuff. He has also stated that, back in the day, he and fellow actor Michael Douglas bonded by smoking marijuana together.
Rihanna
As one of the highest-selling music artists of the 21st century, Rihanna has a rather large following. Known to care little about the opinion of the general public, Rihanna hasn’t shied away from letting her fans know about her relationship with marijuana. The Barbadian singer even launched her own line of marijuana products at the beginning of 2016 titled “MaRihanna.”
Sir Richard Branson
The second billionaire on the list is Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, which now controls more than 400 companies. Branson, knighted at Buckingham Palace thanks to his contributions to entrepreneurship, is a huge advocate for marijuana legalization. Not only does he often speak out against the prohibition of the drug, but he also is even looking to potentially invest in the cannabis industry.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has admitted to smoking medical marijuana on a regular basis.
Eccentric singer and songwriter Lady Gaga put on what is arguably one of greatest halftime shows in Super Bowl history earlier this year. With a peak viewership of more than 116 million people, it’s no surprise Gaga deals with a fair amount of anxiety. The “Poker Face” singer has admitted to smoking marijuana on a regular basis to help her deal with the stresses of her career.
Zach Galifianakis
Actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis, known for his role in The Hangover trilogy and his award-winning comedy talk show Between Two Ferns, is an avid supporter of marijuana legalization. Not only is he consistently outspoken regarding his love for the green, but also, in a segment on Real Time with Bill Maher (who is also a marijuana supporter), Galifianakis proceeded to light up a joint and pass it to others on the panel.
David Duchovny
Best known for his roles as Fox Mulder on The X-Files and Hank Moody on Californication, David Duchovny has publicly spoken about his use of marijuana several times. “I’m all for legalization,” he said. “I think people are going to smoke pot anyway, and the idea that people are in jail for smoking pot and dealing pot is reprehensible to me personally.”
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg is arguably more famous for his love of cannabis than rapping.
How could anyone write an article about celebrities and marijuana and not include Snoop Dogg? Arguably more famous for his love of cannabis than rapping at this point, Snoop is seldom seen without a joint hanging from his mouth. The rapper, previously known as Snoop Lion, changed his name due to his Rastafarian beliefs and has even developed his own marijuana product line titled Leafs By Snoop.
With more of the United States embracing the use of medical and recreational marijuana each year, celebrities and the general public alike are striving for a more relaxed outlook from those in power. Here’s hoping they continue to listen.