Rohan Marley, Founder and CEO of Lion Order, was surrounded by the herb from a young age. 

“Every time I would go to my granny’s house, she was smoking a big spliff. I’d say, Grandma, give me just one pull,” explained Rohan at this year’s Advertising Week New York. He could never get herb out of his life, so it became a part of him.

During the event, Rohan was joined by fellow movers and shakers at Lion Order, including CLO John Zidzunas, CMO Nico Marley, CFO Kenneth Martin, and Founder and CEO of Trailblaze Lisa Weser. They took the stage to enlighten listeners on the story of Lion Order, how Rastafari principles translate into business ethics, and the value of a mission-driven business.

Years ago, singer-songwriter and recording artist Lauryn Hill urged Rohan to find his calling. So, he decided to approach business philosophically. “Business should be like me, not me like the business,” he expressed.

Although Rohan smokes herb, his son, Nico Marley, does not. Still, he’s had to maneuver through school and the media with the preconceived notion that he smokes herb because he’s a Marley. On the panel, he touched on the underlying stigma around cannabis and how Lion Order challenges it.

A football player like his dad, Nico embraced the essence of Lion Order long before it was a brand. Before games, Rohan would share inspiring words of wisdom: “Get out there and devour these people…eat them alive, be a lion. Before you step on that field, remember LION ORDER.”

Rohan added that “Lion Order started with a principle, a philosophy, a way of being, and how one should be.” 

Today, Lion Order encompasses a team of like-minded lions whose souls vibrate with love and integrity. They’re constantly looking for ways to give back to the community, with one being a Social Utility Fund.

Lion Order requires licensing partners to pay 1% of their revenue to the Social Utility Fund, which grows and is later applied to social and cannabis-related causes the team is passionate about. Giving back to the community is part of Lion Order’s business plan. The team firmly believes that in doing so, they’re not only inspiring young entrepreneurs nationwide but creating a deeper relationship and resonance with consumers.

With his dad passing when he was nine years old, Rohan and his siblings had to navigate life without a father. Naturally, Bob’s eldest son, Ziggy, stepped in. Rohan describes him as “the dad figure we had as Bob’s children.” His big brother Ziggy spent five years building the Bob Marley Movie, and Rohan says it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t how Bob would want it. And the only way to do that was through the eyes of Ziggy.

Following their panel at Advertising Week New York, the Lion Order crew headed to the first-ever immersive destination for cannabis, THC NYC: The House Of Cannabis. Located at 427 Broadway, THC NYC invites guests to explore cannabis through sights, smells, sounds, and stories.

With three floors and ten multi-sensory experiences spanning fashion, music, art, cultivation, and reform, THC NYC encourages fellow herb lovers to gather and relax in a safe space that celebrates our special community.

The team also stopped by Ketchy Shuby, a new restaurant in the Soho district that opened in early September. At 406 Broome St., Ketchy Shuby embraces the significance of the original “New York night.” It’s a Rastafari-influenced nightclub that shares its name with a Peter Tosh song, who was one of the original members of Bob Marley’s group The Wailers. With a delicious and diverse menu along with a vibrant nightlife experience, Ketchy Shuby brings you the best of New York City in one place.

Today, Bob’s ethos moves throughout Lion Order, representing a movement of unity, love, and peace. Everything they do is for their family, their loved ones, and you. Lion Order isn’t just any business. It’s the uniting of mankind, the honoring of shared principles, and a celebration of life. 

Free the herb.