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8 Reality TV Stars Who Helped Normalize Cannabis Culture

Exploring how reality television personalities have influenced public perception of cannabis through advocacy, entrepreneurship, and open discussion

Key Takeaways

  • You’re witnessing a cultural shift — Reality TV stars have played a significant role in normalizing cannabis use through public advocacy and business ventures.
  • Cannabis use among celebrities is diverse — Spanning medical treatment for chronic conditions, recreational use, and business entrepreneurship with documented therapeutic benefits.
  • Your perception matters — Celebrity normalization helps shape public opinion and, over time, can influence policy.
  • Medical evidence guides usage — Cannabinoids show moderate evidence for some short-term pain relief; long-term effects still require more research and medical supervision.
  • Quality matters more than celebrity — Look for third-party testing and licensed suppliers rather than relying solely on endorsements.
  • How to evaluate celebrity cannabis products — check for third-party lab results, cannabinoid content (THC/CBD ratios), and pesticide or heavy metal screenings. Celebrity branding may drive demand, but independent testing protects consumers.
  • Legal frameworks vary — Always check local rules before following celebrity recommendations; state and territory laws are changing rapidly.
  • Herb offers resources — Use Herb’s strain guide and dispensary directory to research products and vendors responsibly.

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.

Cultural Impact of Reality TV Stars

1. Eddie Osefo (Real Housewives of Potomac)

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.

2. Eva Marcille (Real Housewives of Atlanta)

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.

3. Jenelle Evans (Teen Mom)

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.

4. Jim Belushi (Growing Belushi)

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.

5. Tyson Apostol (Survivor)

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.

Celebrity Business Ventures

6. Bethenny Frankel (Real Housewives of New York City)

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.

7. Angela “Big Ang” Raiola (Mob Wives)

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.

Wellness and Medical Applications

8. Sasha Colby (RuPaul’s Drag Race)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which reality TV shows have featured cannabis-positive personalities?

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.

Are there reality shows specifically about cannabis culture?

Yes — programs such as Growing Belushi and other cultivation-focused docuseries highlight cannabis businesses directly, mixing entertainment with education.

What cannabis products do reality stars typically recommend?

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.

How can I find dispensaries in states where reality TV stars live?

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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