In honor of the cannabis industry’s biggest day on “420,” HuffPost asked weed experts to name celebrities for a “Mount Rushmore of Marijuana.” Snoop Dogg was the most popular choice, credited for normalizing cannabis use for decades. Willie Nelson, known for his outspoken support for legalization, and Bob Marley, a cannabis advocate and artist, were also mentioned by many in the industry. Cheech and Chong were highlighted for popularizing cannabis culture through comedy, and Martha Stewart and Rihanna were suggested as well by some.
Not every person in the industry is on board with the idea of putting celebrities on the marijuana Mount Rushmore. Olivia Alexander believes that celebrities exploit and pillage the industry for profit, stating that consumers prefer buying from those who truly understand the plant. Robert Holland suggests honoring early cannabis advocate Mary Jane Rathbun, known for distributing pot brownies to AIDS patients in San Francisco. Anna Walters jokes about selecting the same figures as on the regular Mount Rushmore, while Derek Chase prefers nature elements like the sun, moon, and Earth.
Among the celebrities mentioned, Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, and Bob Marley were popular choices due to their roles as advocates and icons in the cannabis community. Cheech and Chong were also highlighted for their contribution to popularizing cannabis culture through comedy. Martha Stewart and Rihanna were mentioned for their influence and status in popular culture. However, some industry experts believe that the focus should be on individuals with a genuine connection to the plant and the community, rather than celebrities who may profit from it without true knowledge or understanding.
Overall, the discussion around the Mount Rushmore of Marijuana reflects the diverse perspectives within the cannabis industry. While some value celebrities for their advocacy and influence, others prioritize honoring individuals with a genuine connection to cannabis and its history. Whether it’s Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, Bob Marley, Cheech and Chong, Martha Stewart, Rihanna, or activists like Mary Jane Rathbun, the debate highlights the various ways in which cannabis culture and advocacy are represented and celebrated within the industry.
