Unexpected Celebrities Who Are Cannabis Advocates

The negative stigma surrounding marijuana has been evolving over the years as more and more people come forward in support of the many ways this plant has helped them. One reason for the ongoing change in social perceptions of the plant is thanks to celebrity cannabis advocates, such as famous movie stars, musicians, and athletes.

When it comes to cannabis, we typically think of celebrity advocates like Snoop Dogg, Bob Marley, or Willie Nelson. However, there are a number of unexpected celebrities who have also come forward and spoken publicly about their love for enjoying cannabis for medical or recreational purposes.

Here are a few of these unexpected weed-loving celebrities and what they’ve had to say about cannabis!

Sha’Carri Richardson

You wouldn’t necessarily think of an Olympic athlete and weed going together, but Sha’Carri Richardson’s use of marijuana, despite her impressive running times on the 100-meter track during the Olympic trials, was a big deal in the public eye. She was even disqualified from the event because of a positive THC test.

As a result, she became the center of debate regarding the use of marijuana and the fairness of these rules in Olympic sports. Richardson has spoken about how she was using cannabis to help her deal with the pressures of competing at such a high level and the death of her birth mother.

Three years later, the sprinter finally secured an Olympic team spot, and her story continues to spark debate and discussion about cannabis use among world-class athletes.  

Gwyneth Paltrow

Famous actor Gwyneth Paltrow doesn’t necessarily fit the stereotype of cannabis users. However, Paltrow has not only been outspoken about her use of marijuana but has also invested in a company based on its use.

The company, called Cann, sells THC-infused “social tonics” that offer a similar “little high” as alcoholic beverages do.

She explains that while consuming alcohol leaves you feeling hungover, cannabis can give you a similar buzz without the same detrimental hangover.

Seth Rogen

Actor Seth Rogen is well-known for several hit movies, many of which include marijuana themes, like the iconic Pineapple Express.

But while some actors only play the part on screen involving the use of marijuana, off-screen, Rogen is very open about his real-life use of marijuana. Rogen has even said that he smokes “all day every day” and has done so since he was twenty years old.

He has openly talked about how cannabis makes life’s journey more comfortable and easier to process. He also said that despite smoking so frequently, he’s still very productive. In fact, he even smokes while he’s writing, and his hit movie track record has only proven that point.

He is now a co-owner of a cannabis business that sells products like CBD, pre-rolled joints, rolling trays, and other accessories.

Barack Obama

As a former president of the United States, Barack Obama has defied expectations by speaking openly about his significant marijuana use in the past.

While in secondary school, he not only smoked marijuana but also practiced something called total absorption. Total absorption (TA) is when you take the cannabis smoke in your lungs until the maximum THC is absorbed into the body. While we now know that you can’t get higher the longer you hold the smoke in your lungs, Obama was clearly a weed-smoking champ for trying.

Obama likely does not consume cannabis today, but his position on its use was pro-cannabis throughout his presidency.  

Morgan Freeman

Another legendary and well-respected actor, Morgan Freeman, has not been shy about his support of cannabis. If you have heard the quotes “Never give up the ganja” or “I’ll eat it, drink it, smoke it, snort it!” you likely wouldn’t have immediately attributed them to Freeman — but it’s true! 

Freeman has used cannabis to help his fibromyalgia side effects and first tried using marijuana because of his wife’s influence. After that, he became a full-on advocate and cannabis user.

He has also openly discussed how cannabis legislation should change due to weed’s numerous medical benefits.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner is no stranger to telling everything about her since her first appearance on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she became a self-proclaimed stoner.

During an interview with Kate Hudson on her podcast Sibling Revelry, Kendall’s sister Kourtney, who was also on the podcast, was asked a point-blank question. When Hudson prodded Kourtney on who the family stoner is, she confessed it was Kendall. Kendall didn’t deny it and even admitted she was, in fact, a weed smoker.

Madonna

Iconic American singer Madonna has kept her weed-consuming habits fairly quiet for the most part until an interview a few years ago, where she admitted she smoked a joint before her appearance on The Tonight Show with David Letterman.

She went on to say cannabis use has been a way to help her mentally block out paparazzi and other naysayers, and marijuana has been something she turned to many times for these issues during her long career.

Bella Thorne

Once upon a time, Bella Thorne was anti-weed smoking. She would even get angry at her high school boyfriend for smoking marijuana. But then, after struggling with a particularly emotional role that kept her from being able to sleep, all of that changed. Thorne asked her brother to let her borrow some weed to help her sleep.

Now, Thorne has an entire section of her kitchen dedicated to her marijuana stash.

These days, if someone accuses her of “taking serious drugs,” she gets offended and says she’s “only smoking weed.”

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson is another actor who doesn’t instantly fit the stereotype of someone who smokes marijuana, which changed during a game of “Truth or Shot” on The Ellen Degeneres Show. While on the show, she admitted to smoking marijuana with her equally famous parents, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.

This isn’t the first time Kate Hudson has admitted to smoking weed, especially with other famous actors. She also hinted at smoking weed with costar Mathew McConaughey on the movie set of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Whoopi Goldberg

Actor legend Whoopi Goldberg is no stranger to the benefits of marijuana when it comes to pain. In fact, she loves her weed vape pen so much that she gave it the name “Sippy.”

Weed has changed her life, according to what she told Black Cannabis magazine.

Goldberg suffers from glaucoma, and cannabis has given her relief from the pressure, pain, and discomfort of her condition, along with stress relief. She has since launched a line of medical marijuana geared towards women.

Ricky Williams

Former running back football player for the Baltimore Ravens, Ricky Williams, believes so strongly in the power of cannabis that he quit football to use it.

He openly speaks about how cannabis can help football players with pain, mental health issues, and sleeping after getting all revved up after a big game. Williams is now a huge proponent of legalizing marijuana and changing the rules about using cannabis within the NFL.

Since quitting pro football, he now has his own line of medical marijuana and is a partner in Power Plant Fitness, a gym that pairs weed with working out. 

Darren McCarty

Another professional athlete, Darren McCarty, played hockey for the Detroit Red Wings.

But despite the previous stigma he felt towards cannabis, he tried medical marijuana thanks to the urging of some friends — it changed everything for him. It was even the biggest reason why he stopped his addiction to taking hard drugs and over-consuming alcohol.

Now, McCarty uses CBD and cannabis daily. He is also a passionate advocate for cannabis and its wide range of benefits. 

Who’s Next? 

Celebrity cannabis advocates can go a long way toward helping society improve its perceptions of marijuana by pushing for reform and telling their stories. From athletes to actors, these powerful people have shared how cannabis has positively impacted their lives, whether for medical, recreational, or therapeutic purposes.

As more voices join the conversation, cannabis will continue to gain recognition as a legitimate tool for wellness and enjoyment. Change is already here as sports leagues alter their drug testing rules and more movies come out showing the plant in a positive light.

Who’s your favorite celebrity cannabis advocate? Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments!