For decades, cannabis and business leadership were like oil and water—publicly incompatible, quietly overlapping. While many professionals may have privately explored cannabis, few dared to talk about it, let alone endorse it. That tide has turned. Today, some of the world’s most recognized entrepreneurs are not just open about their cannabis use—they’re using their platforms to challenge outdated narratives, invest in cannabis ventures, and normalize the idea that ambition and weed aren’t mutually exclusive.
Their stories are helping reshape how society views cannabis and success, encouraging others to be more open about their choices, and even influencing where consumers turn for trusted products, like those available through Same Day Cannabis.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the business icons who are unapologetically pro-cannabis—and how they’re blazing a trail for future founders and forward-thinkers alike.
Elon Musk: Tweets, Tech, and That Joe Rogan Moment
You can’t really talk about high-profile cannabis moments without bringing up that podcast. In 2018, Elon Musk famously puffed on a joint during a live episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. It wasn’t just a meme-worthy moment—it was a corporate tremor. Tesla’s stock took a temporary dip, critics pounced, and media outlets exploded.
But Musk remained unfazed. While he’s not a vocal advocate for cannabis, his casual attitude sent a strong message: success doesn’t crumble with a puff of smoke. Since then, public sentiment has softened, and even major shareholders seemed to shrug off the event in hindsight. In a world where billionaires are expected to stick to tightly scripted images, Musk’s laid-back dabble gave permission for the conversation to evolve.
Richard Branson: High-Flying Cannabis Supporter
Richard Branson is the kind of guy who once drove a tank down Fifth Avenue in a publicity stunt—so his cannabis advocacy isn’t exactly surprising. But what sets him apart is how deeply he believes in drug policy reform. As a member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, Branson has pushed for the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis for years.
He’s been candid about trying cannabis and has said that criminalizing users is “a waste of time and money.” More than just a celebrity soundbite, Branson’s views are backed by consistent support for organizations fighting for cannabis justice.
For entrepreneurs, he’s proof that ethical leadership can include challenging policies that harm communities—and that being a cannabis supporter doesn’t mean sacrificing credibility.
Martha Stewart: From Domestic Diva to CBD Maven
If there’s one name that completely upends stereotypes around cannabis, it’s Martha Stewart. Known for her pristine table settings and lifestyle empire, Stewart shocked some followers when she stepped into the cannabis space. But her partnership with Canopy Growth, a major cannabis company, has been nothing short of genius.
Focusing on CBD products for pets and humans alike, Stewart has brought a touch of sophistication—and normalization—to cannabis adjacent products. She doesn’t shy away from sharing that her friend Snoop Dogg had something to do with her curiosity about the plant. The two have become a cultural duo, blending wellness with wit in a way that speaks to new markets.
Her pivot into the cannabis space underscores a growing truth: cannabis consumers aren’t just festival-goers or college students—they’re pet lovers, wellness seekers, and, yes, Martha Stewart fans.
Jay-Z: Beyond the Brand, a Message
Jay-Z’s move into the cannabis industry wasn’t just about business. It was about making a statement. Through his brand Monogram, launched in partnership with Caliva, he’s made it clear that his investment is also a form of activism. His branding is sleek, upscale, and unapologetically aimed at shifting how cannabis is perceived—particularly in communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis-related arrests.
Jay-Z has also launched a fund to invest in Black- and minority-owned cannabis businesses, giving marginalized entrepreneurs a foothold in a growing industry that hasn’t always been equitable.
He’s more than a celebrity with a side hustle. He’s a business mogul using cannabis as a platform for economic justice, cultural rebranding, and high-end product design.
Whoopi Goldberg: Relief with a Side of Advocacy
Comedian, actress, and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg has been refreshingly open about her cannabis use—especially when it comes to pain relief. Inspired by her own experience with menstrual cramps and glaucoma, Goldberg co-founded Whoopi & Maya, a company dedicated to cannabis products designed specifically for women’s health.
While the company eventually dissolved, her message stuck. Goldberg helped elevate the conversation around cannabis as a wellness tool—not just for recreation, but for real relief.
She also brought visibility to demographic groups that had long been ignored in cannabis marketing: older women, those dealing with chronic pain, and people seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
Steve DeAngelo: The Godfather of Legal Weed
While not as globally famous as the others on this list, Steve DeAngelo is one of the most respected figures in the cannabis business world. Co-founder of Harborside, one of the first licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in the U.S., DeAngelo is a longtime activist who’s turned his passion into purpose—and profit.
His approach blends deep knowledge of cannabis culture with smart business acumen. He’s not just breaking stigma—he’s building a blueprint for the industry. DeAngelo’s advocacy for “cannabis freedom” includes fighting for prisoner releases, fair access to capital, and clearer federal laws.
For any entrepreneur thinking about entering the space, he’s living proof that values and vision can grow side by side.
Why It Matters: Breaking the Stigma Opens Doors
When high-profile entrepreneurs go public about cannabis—whether through use, advocacy, or investment—they do more than just create headlines. They spark dialogue. They make it easier for others to explore cannabis without shame. And in many cases, they open up whole new markets, audiences, and business opportunities.
This shift is especially powerful in the startup world, where stigma can still create barriers to funding, hiring, and visibility. But when someone like Martha Stewart or Jay-Z gives cannabis the stamp of legitimacy, it challenges old narratives. Suddenly, cannabis isn’t a risk—it’s a smart, timely business move.
Startups inspired by these trailblazers are launching with more confidence, better branding, and a clear sense that there is a future in cannabis, whether you’re selling tinctures or building the next big delivery app.
What the Future Looks Like
Cannabis isn’t just becoming more accepted—it’s becoming aspirational. The days of hushed whispers and nervous jokes are giving way to a new kind of consumer culture, one that values transparency, wellness, and equity.
And the more business leaders who embrace this shift, the faster it spreads. As legalization continues to expand and more research becomes available, we’ll likely see even more high-profile figures joining the conversation—not just for clout, but because they genuinely believe in the power of cannabis.
Whether you’re a founder, a freelancer, or just someone curious about incorporating cannabis into your lifestyle, the message is clear: you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not behind the curve.
