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5 Famous Voice Actors Who Use Cannabis in 2025

A comprehensive look at voice actors who openly discuss cannabis use in the entertainment industry

The world of voice acting has evolved alongside cannabis normalization, with many performers openly discussing their relationship with marijuana. From animated films to adult comedy series, these talented professionals balance their craft with cannabis use for creativity, medical needs, and personal wellness. Whether you’re exploring cannabis products yourself or simply curious about celebrity culture, these voice actors represent a growing movement of entertainment professionals embracing cannabis.

Key Takeaways

  • Voice acting and cannabis have a complex relationship – While smoking can cause laryngitis and vocal swelling, many voice actors successfully navigate cannabis use through alternative consumption methods 
  • Medical benefits drive many voice actors to cannabis – From Pete Davidson’s Crohn’s disease management to Morgan Freeman’s fibromyalgia relief, legitimate medical needs motivate cannabis use among performers 
  • Creative enhancement remains a primary motivation – Voice actors report cannabis helps with creativity and performance anxiety, allowing them to deliver better performances
  • The industry increasingly accepts cannabis culture – With shows like “Stoner Cats” and “The Freak Brothers” featuring cannabis themes, voice actors work in cannabis-positive environments
  • Consumption methods matter for vocal professionals – Smart voice actors choose edibles, vaporizers, and other non-smoking methods to protect their instruments while enjoying cannabis benefits

The Voice Actors Making Cannabis Part of Their Story

1. Seth Rogen - The Cannabis Comedy King of Voice Acting

Seth Rogen has become synonymous with both cannabis culture and animated voice work, lending his distinctive laugh to characters in “Kung Fu Panda,” “Monsters vs. Aliens,” and “Sausage Party.” His openness about being high “all day every day” extends to his creative process in the recording booth.

Cannabis Philosophy: Rogen famously stated, “I don’t know if it helps me write. It makes me not mind that I’m writing. And I don’t know if it makes me work better, but it makes me not care that I’m working” – a sentiment that resonates with creative professionals everywhere.

Voice Acting Impact:

  • Works on cannabis-friendly animated content, including adult comedies
  • Co-founded cannabis brand Houseplant while maintaining an active voice career
  • Advocates for normalization in the entertainment industry
  • Demonstrates successful career longevity despite daily use

For those interested in exploring quality cannabis like Rogen, check out Herb’s strain guides to find varieties that support creativity without compromising professional performance.

2. Morgan Freeman - The Voice of Medical Cannabis Advocacy

Morgan Freeman’s iconic voice has narrated documentaries and portrayed God in multiple films; he also has voice roles such as Vitruvius in The Lego Movie. His advocacy for medical cannabis stems from personal experience with fibromyalgia pain following a 2008 car accident.

Medical Journey: Freeman declared in a 2015 interview: “I have fibromyalgia pain in this arm, and the only thing that offers any relief is marijuana.”

Professional Balance:

  • Maintains a legendary voice career while managing chronic pain
  • Advocates for medical access and legalization
  • Demonstrates that cannabis doesn’t impair professional excellence
  • Shows older professionals embracing cannabis medicine

His experience highlights how cannabis dispensaries serve patients seeking legitimate pain relief while maintaining demanding careers.

3. Pete Davidson - Breaking Mental Health Stigmas Through Voice Work

Pete Davidson has voiced characters in “The Angry Birds Movie 2” and “Marmaduke” while openly discussing his medical marijuana use for Crohn’s disease management. His candid approach helps normalize medical cannabis for younger audiences.

Health Management: Davidson revealed in an interview that, “I wouldn’t be able to perform on ‘SNL’ if I couldn’t smoke weed”, highlighting cannabis’s role in managing his autoimmune condition. He has discussed medical marijuana use for Crohn’s disease and has been candid about evolving use over time.

Career Integration:

  • Balances comedy performance with voice acting roles
  • Uses cannabis for both Crohn’s disease and mental health
  • Advocates for medical access and destigmatization
  • Shows young professionals succeeding with cannabis

4. Lady Gaga - Creative Cannabis Use in Musical Voice Acting

Lady Gaga has voiced characters in “The Simpsons” and performed voice work for various animated projects while being remarkably open about her cannabis use for creativity and pain management. In 2013, Gaga said she was smoking up to 15-20 joints a day during a period she later described as dependence; she has since reported cutting back.

Creative Process: Gaga stated in an interview, “I smoke a lot of pot when I write music” and “I have to be high to be creative”, showing how cannabis fuels her artistic expression across mediums.

Vocal Considerations:

  • Manages chronic pain from hip surgery with cannabis
  • Balances singing career with voice acting opportunities
  • Uses cannabis for both creative and medical purposes
  • Demonstrates a successful multi-faceted career with cannabis

For those seeking creative enhancement like Gaga, explore cannabis education to understand how different strains affect artistic expression.

5. Willie Nelson - The Elder Statesman of Cannabis Voice Acting

Willie Nelson, at age 92, continues performing and has lent his distinctive voice to animated features while continuing to use cannabis (primarily non-smoking methods) and maintaining his Willie’s Reserve brand. His voice work includes “The Simpsons” and various animated specials.

Cannabis Advocacy: Nelson philosophically notes, “It fell together like evolution wants it to,” “It’s just a matter of time in this country before it’s legal. I feel like I bought so much, it’s time to start selling it back!”

Longevity Secret:

  • Credits cannabis for career longevity and health
  • Maintains an active touring and voice work schedule
  • Founded Willie’s Reserve cannabis brand
  • Proves cannabis compatibility with long-term success

The Reality of Cannabis and Voice Acting

Vocal Health Considerations

Research shows cannabis smoking causes laryngitis and vocal fold swelling, affecting voice quality with symptoms including:

  • Rough, raspy, or hoarse voice
  • Inhaled cannabis (especially smoked) can cause laryngitis and vocal fold irritation; edibles and tinctures avoid direct airway irritation.
  • Greater damage from unfiltered joints versus vaporizers

Smart Consumption Strategies:

  • Choose edibles for overnight relief without vocal impact
  • Use vaporizers to minimize throat irritation
  • Consider CBD products for inflammation without psychoactive effects
  • Time consumption around recording schedules

Browse Herb’s product catalog for voice-friendly consumption methods, including edibles and tinctures.

Industry Acceptance and Growth

The voice acting industry shows increasing cannabis acceptance:

  • Multiple voice actors work on cannabis-themed animated series
  • Adult animation frequently features cannabis-positive content
  • Growing partnerships between cannabis companies and entertainers
  • Convention panels increasingly discuss cannabis openly

Animation Magazine reports on how cannabis-positive themes are becoming more visible in animated projects.

Professional Considerations

Voice actors navigate unique challenges:

Studio Policies:

  • Policies vary by studio and project
  • Recording from home studios offers privacy
  • Union regulations vary by region
  • Creative industries show higher tolerance

Performance Balance:

  • Studies show cannabis provides pain reduction, helping performers work comfortably.
  • NORML reports anxiety relief improves booth performance
  • Timing consumption prevents impairment during sessions
  • Microdosing maintains functionality

Cannabis Products Popular Among Voice Professionals

Throat-Friendly Options

Voice actors prioritize products that protect their instruments:

Edibles and Beverages:

  • Edible cannabis effects may last up to 12 hours, with residual effects up to 24 hours in some users
  • No throat irritation or vocal impact
  • Precise dosing for consistency
  • Ideal for overnight pain management

Health Canada notes these advantages for edible formats.

Tinctures and Oils:

  • Sublingual absorption bypasses the throat
  • Fast onset without smoking
  • Easy dose adjustment
  • Minimal vocal cord impact

Vaporizers:

  • Less harsh than smoking
  • Temperature control protects the throat
  • Cleaner than combustion
  • Portable for travel

Discover throat-friendly options in Herb’s guides for maintaining vocal health while enjoying cannabis benefits.

Strain Preferences for Creativity

Voice actors often choose specific strains for work:

Creative Enhancement:

  • Sativa strains for energy and focus
  • Hybrid varieties for balanced effects
  • High-CBD options for anxiety without impairment
  • Terpene profiles for mood enhancement

Recovery Support:

  • Indica strains for post-session relaxation
  • CBD-dominant varieties for inflammation
  • Some patients report benefit from balanced CBD:THC products, but optimal ratios vary by individual and indication.
  • Sleep-supporting strains for rest

The Changing Landscape

Industry Evolution

The entertainment industry’s relationship with cannabis continues evolving:

  • Growing physician support for medical cannabis access
  • As of 2024, approximately 4 million registered patients in the U.S.
  • $37 billion global medical cannabis market demonstrates mainstream acceptance
  • Celebrity cannabis brands normalize industry participation

Stacker reports on the mainstreaming of cannabis across industries.

Future Implications

Voice actors benefit from expanding acceptance:

Professional Advantages:

  • Reduced stigma in entertainment circles
  • More cannabis-positive content opportunities
  • Open discussion at industry events
  • Medical coverage varies by jurisdiction and plan

Creative Benefits:

  • Enhanced collaboration in cannabis-friendly environments
  • Authentic portrayal of cannabis-using characters
  • Participation in cannabis-themed projects
  • Brand partnership opportunities

Stay informed about cannabis news and industry developments that impact entertainment professionals.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors

Managing Cannabis Use Professionally

Success strategies from established voice actors:

Timing and Scheduling:

  • Never record while impaired
  • Use cannabis for preparation, not performance
  • Schedule sessions during peak clarity
  • Maintain professional boundaries

Health Optimization:

  • Prioritize vocal health over the consumption method
  • Stay hydrated to counter dry mouth
  • Use throat-soothing products post-consumption
  • Monitor voice quality changes

Career Protection:

  • Research studio policies beforehand
  • Maintain discretion when appropriate
  • Build a reputation before disclosure
  • Focus on performance excellence

Legal Considerations

Voice actors must navigate varying regulations:

  • State laws differ significantly
  • International work may have restrictions
  • Union rules vary by region
  • Contract implications exist

Consult NORML’s state law summaries to understand local regulations and access options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do voice actors get drug tested for animation jobs?

Requirements vary by studio, project, and contract. The voice acting industry generally focuses on performance quality rather than personal choices. Independent contractors and union voice actors typically face fewer restrictions than employees. However, specific projects, especially those involving children’s content or corporate clients, may have different requirements.

Which famous voice actors have their own cannabis brands?

Seth Rogen co-founded Houseplant, a cannabis lifestyle brand offering flower and home goods. Willie Nelson launched Willie’s Reserve, a line of products grown by independent farmers. The $37 billion market attracts increasing celebrity participation. Many voice actors partner with existing brands rather than launching their own.

How does cannabis affect vocal performance?

Cannabis smoking causes laryngitis and vocal swelling, creating a rough or hoarse voice quality. However, many performers report that anxiety relief improves their booth performance. Edibles and tinctures avoid throat irritation while providing creative and medical benefits—professional voice actors often consume carefully around recording sessions.

Are anime voice actors more open about cannabis use?

Cannabis discussion varies by individual comfort level regardless of genre. Western anime voice actors may discuss cannabis at conventions depending on personal preference. The adult animation industry, including anime dubbing, shows varying levels of cannabis acceptance. Cultural differences affect openness levels across different markets.

What's the difference between smoking cannabis vs cigarettes for voice actors?

While 16,500 annual deaths result from NSAID complications and cigarettes cause numerous health issues, zero deaths from cannabis overdose have been recorded. Both smoking methods can irritate vocal cords, but cannabis offers medical benefits that cigarettes don’t provide. Voice actors increasingly choose cannabis over tobacco for both health and performance reasons. Alternative consumption methods make cannabis more voice-friendly than cigarettes.

Which animated shows feature cannabis-friendly voice actors?

Adult animation series like those on Adult Swim and Comedy Central frequently feature voice actors open about cannabis use. Shows like “The Freak Brothers” explicitly embrace cannabis themes with appropriate voice talent. “Sausage Party” and similar R-rated animated films often cast cannabis-positive actors. The growing acceptance means more mainstream animated content includes performers who use cannabis.

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