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Exploring how reality television personalities have influenced public perception of cannabis through advocacy, entrepreneurship, and open discussion
Reality television has become a powerful platform for normalizing cannabis conversations, turning private confessions into cultural touchpoints. When cast members talk openly about cannabis, it signals to millions that the plant has a place in mainstream life. Below are reality TV personalities who — through products, public advocacy, or on-camera candor — helped make cannabis talk less taboo.
Eddie turned a viral RHOP moment into an off-screen push, launching the Happy Eddie lifestyle brand and using his platform to talk about adult, regulated use and equity in the marketplace. By transforming reality fame into a consumer brand and advocacy platform, Eddie illustrates how a Bravo storyline can evolve into a conversation about fair access and entrepreneurship in cannabis.
Eva leveraged her Bravo platform to launch cEVAd CBD, a wellness and beauty line that integrates cannabis-derived products into daily routines. Her interviews about CBD wellness positioned cannabis as part of a modern self-care lifestyle, shifting consumer perception from fringe to mainstream.
The MTV alum has been candid about her cannabis use for stress relief and has openly discussed plans to launch a cannabis product line. By talking about cannabis in a confessional reality TV setting, she helped bring parental and everyday cannabis use into more normalized conversations.
Actor and reality personality Jim Belushi turned his cultivation journey into a docuseries, Growing Belushi, spotlighting his licensed farm and entrepreneurial work. By showing cannabis cultivation on mainstream television, Belushi helped demystify regulation, small-scale agriculture, and veteran entry into the legal cannabis market.
The Survivor champion has openly discussed using cannabis edibles to aid with recovery, sleep, and easing aches, as he shared in an interview with TheWrap. His candor about cannabis use connects competition-show fame with everyday wellness routines, helping normalize cannabis as a practical tool rather than a taboo subject.
Known for creating the Skinnygirl empire, Bethenny was the subject of credible reporting in The Spirits Business about rumors that she might launch a “Skinnygirl Marijuana” strain — a specially engineered product intended to “not give you the munchies.” The Spirits Business” While the project remained speculative and no such product materialized, the story itself shows how reality stars’ names can move cannabis-adjacent markets into mainstream conversations.
Before her passing, Big Ang’s family publicly mentioned cannabis oil as a potential treatment during her battle with cancer, according to ABC News. Her visibility in that conversation put a recognizable face to compassionate care and helped humanize cannabis for symptom relief in serious illness.
The Season 15 winner collaborated with FLAMER to release limited-edition cannabis pre-rolls, as covered by Them.us. Sasha’s partnership highlights inclusivity in cannabis and how LGBTQ+ reality champions use their platform to push for representation in emerging industries.
Social equity & access — many celebrity cannabis ventures now include social equity pledges, ensuring that historically excluded communities (especially people of color) benefit from legalization. Reality stars like Eddie Osefo spotlight this issue directly, but broader adoption of equity frameworks could reshape cannabis entrepreneurship nationwide.
Shows across MTV, Bravo, VH1, Discovery, and streaming platforms have normalized cannabis talk — from docuseries like Growing Belushi to confessionals on Teen Mom and competition shows like Survivor.
Yes — programs such as Growing Belushi and other cultivation-focused docuseries highlight cannabis businesses directly, mixing entertainment with education.
Most focus on CBD products, topicals, or low-dose beverages. Consumers should prioritize independent lab testing and licensed dispensaries over celebrity branding. See Herb’s strain guide for more.
Practical shopping tip — when buying a celebrity-linked product, confirm it’s available at a licensed dispensary. Counterfeit items are common in unregulated markets, so purchasing only from verified retailers protects both health and wallet.
Herb’s dispensary directory helps you find licensed retailers by city or state, making it easier to shop safely in regulated markets.
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