From reggae legends to pop icons, these musicians openly embrace cannabis culture and advocacy
The relationship between musicians and cannabis spans generations and genres, with artists increasingly open about their consumption as legalization spreads globally. Whether you’re exploring cannabis strains for creative inspiration or simply curious about celebrity culture, understanding how famous singers incorporate cannabis into their lives reveals broader shifts in social acceptance and medical understanding.
Calvin Broadus Jr. has become synonymous with cannabis culture, posting on social media that he had 81 blunts in a day. His commitment extends beyond personal use into business ventures and advocacy, making him perhaps the most recognizable cannabis celebrity globally. The Long Beach rapper has transformed his image from controversial gangsta rapper to beloved cannabis connoisseur, appearing in mainstream media and even cooking shows with Martha Stewart while openly discussing marijuana. His cannabis consumption has become so legendary that he employs a full-time blunt roller, paying them $40,000-$50,000 annually.
Cameron Thomaz shared in interviews that he’s spending $10,000 monthly on cannabis products while maintaining daily consumption habits. His strain “Khalifa Kush” has become a successful brand, and he’s been instrumental in normalizing cannabis use among younger hip-hop fans. The Pittsburgh native has built an empire around cannabis culture, from his music to merchandise, proving that open cannabis advocacy doesn’t limit commercial success.
Shawn Carter launched Monogram, a luxury cannabis brand featuring products with 23-34% THC content, positioning himself as a serious cannabis entrepreneur rather than just a celebrity endorser. His involvement brings unprecedented business credibility to the industry, with his focus on social equity and criminal justice reform within cannabis commerce. The billionaire rapper’s entry into cannabis represents a shift from consumption to creation, using his platform to address the disproportionate incarceration of Black Americans for cannabis offenses.
The Red Headed Stranger has been a longtime cannabis advocate, though he announced in 2019 that he stopped smoking but continues to support and reportedly use cannabis products through other methods. His brand “Willie’s Reserve” honors his decades-long relationship with cannabis, offering products in multiple states. Nelson famously smoked on the White House roof during Jimmy Carter’s presidency and continues advocating for cannabis reform, proving that responsible use can coincide with longevity and continued creativity.
The legendary guitarist views cannabis as “a gift from heaven to human consciousness” for healing and awakening, distinguishing his spiritual use from purely recreational consumption. His perspective aligns with many musicians who see cannabis as enhancing their connection to music and creativity. Santana’s approach emphasizes meditation and mindfulness, using cannabis as a tool for artistic and spiritual exploration rather than escapism.
Stefani Germanotta admitted to smoking up to 15 joints daily during her 2012 hip injury recovery, and stated that “I have to be high to be creative”. Her openness about using cannabis for both physical pain and creative enhancement has helped destigmatize use among mainstream pop audiences. The Grammy winner’s candid discussions about cannabis helping with fibromyalgia pain have contributed to broader conversations about medical marijuana. Check out strain guides to find options that might provide similar creative inspiration.
The former Disney star has had a public and evolving relationship with cannabis, from openly smoking on stage to periods of sobriety, demonstrating that cannabis use doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Her journey reflects many users’ experiences of finding balance and adjusting consumption based on life circumstances. Cyrus has been refreshingly honest about both the benefits and drawbacks of heavy cannabis use, providing a nuanced perspective often missing from celebrity discussions.
Robyn Fenty has been frequently photographed with joints globally, with her unapologetic approach making her a cannabis style icon, normalizing use among international pop audiences. The Barbadian singer’s casual relationship with cannabis, often documented on social media, has helped shift perceptions particularly among young women.
Robert Nesta Marley reportedly consumed cannabis daily from his 1966 conversion to Rastafarianism until his death in 1981, viewing it as a religious sacrament rather than recreational drug. He explained: “When you smoke herb, herb reveal yourself to you”, emphasizing cannabis’s role in meditation and spiritual practice. His granddaughter Donisha Pendergast clarifies the Rastafarian perspective: “Ganja is not a drug. Ganja is a plant”. Marley’s legacy continues through the Marley Natural brand, honoring his spiritual connection to cannabis.
Austin Post launched his cannabis brand Shaboink, a hemp (CBD) pre-roll brand, in 2019, transitioning from consumer to industry participant. His approach to cannabis reflects a younger generation’s casual acceptance, treating it as a normal part of creative life rather than rebellious behavior. The “Circles” singer has been open about using cannabis for anxiety and creative inspiration, helping normalize use among mainstream pop and hip-hop audiences.
The pop superstar explained his relationship with cannabis: “The only thing pot does for me is it gets me to stop thinking“, highlighting its role in managing an overactive mind. His 2011 Playboy interview admission that “Some people are just better high” resonated with many who use cannabis for anxiety and stress management. Timberlake’s measured approach and professional success while being a known cannabis user challenges stereotypes about motivation and achievement.
The Grammy winner has been a medicinal marijuana smoker for nine years, using it throughout breast cancer treatment starting in 2004. She reports: “I find relief from the gastrointestinal effects of the chemo even now. I find it helps with regulating my sleep.” Her advocacy has been instrumental in advancing medical cannabis acceptance, particularly among cancer patients seeking alternatives to opioids. Learn about cannabis education to understand the medical applications Etheridge champions.
Abel Tesfaye frequently references cannabis in his music and lifestyle, representing a generation of R&B artists who openly incorporate marijuana into their creative process. His moody, atmospheric sound has become associated with cannabis culture, particularly among younger listeners. The Canadian singer’s approach treats cannabis as part of the artistic lifestyle rather than a defining characteristic.
The Grammy-winning country artist has been open about her cannabis use, recently clarifying that she only stopped her “wake and bake” but continues to smoke weed after the release of her song “Deeper Well”. Musgraves represents a new generation of country artists who refuse to hide their cannabis use despite potential backlash from traditional audiences.
Celebrity involvement extends beyond personal use into serious business ventures. Artists are launching brands, partnering with existing companies, and using their platforms to advance legalization efforts.
These ventures include:
Many musicians cite specific medical benefits:
Understanding these medical applications helps contextualize celebrity use beyond recreation. Browse the dispensary directory to find medical cannabis options in your area.
Celebrity cannabis advocacy has measurably impacted public perception and policy. With 11.8 million young adults reporting marijuana use in 2018, celebrity normalization plays a significant role in cultural acceptance. Artists speaking openly about cannabis helps reduce stigma and advances conversations about legalization, medical access, and criminal justice reform.
The evolution from hidden use to open advocacy represents broader societal changes. Where previous generations of musicians faced career consequences for cannabis admission, today’s artists build brands around their consumption. This shift reflects and influences changing laws, with celebrity voices carrying weight in legalization debates.
Numerous singers across all genres openly discuss cannabis use, including Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, Lady Gaga, Bob Marley, Wiz Khalifa, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Post Malone, Justin Timberlake, and Melissa Etheridge. These artists range from daily consumers to occasional users, with some like Snoop Dogg reportedly smoking 81 blunts in a day while others use cannabis strictly for medical purposes.
Many musicians report using cannabis for creative enhancement. Lady Gaga stated “I have to be high to be creative” and frequently smoked during writing sessions. Carlos Santana describes it as “a gift from heaven” for artistic awakening. However, the relationship between cannabis and creativity varies greatly among individuals, with some finding it helpful and others preferring sobriety for their creative work.
Several musicians have launched cannabis brands including Jay-Z’s Monogram (featuring 23-34% THC products), Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Reserve, Bob Marley’s Marley Natural, Wiz Khalifa’s Khalifa Kush, and Post Malone’s Shaboink hemp (CBD) pre-roll brand. These ventures range from premium flower to edibles and accessories, often emphasizing quality and social equity.
Cannabis use appears widespread across the music industry, with a 2017 study revealing country music contains more cannabis references than rap or rock. Many artists view it as part of touring culture, creative process, or stress management. However, some musicians like Eminem have quit entirely, showing that sobriety is equally valid in the industry.
Cannabis has profoundly influenced multiple genres: reggae’s spiritual connection through Rastafarianism, jazz’s 1920s Harlem Renaissance associations, hip-hop’s cultural identity, and rock’s counterculture roots. Modern country music increasingly embraces cannabis themes, while electronic music’s festival culture often includes cannabis consumption. Each genre has developed unique relationships with cannabis that reflect broader cultural contexts.
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