10 Black Celebrities Investing in Cannabis

As cannabis legalization continues to sweep across the United States, a new wave of entrepreneurs is emerging, and many of them are household names. Black celebrities are not only embracing the culture but are actively investing and building premium brands within this burgeoning multi-billion dollar industry. They’re leveraging their influence and capital to reshape the market, often with a focus on social equity and rectifying the historical injustices of cannabis prohibition.

Pioneers in the Cannabis Space

These influential figures are moving beyond simple endorsements, diving deep into venture capital, brand development, and supply chain strategies. Their involvement is crucial, especially considering how disproportionately communities of color were affected by past cannabis laws. Here are 10 Black celebrities who are driving the cannabis industry forward:

1. Jay-Z – Monogram and Casa Verde Capital

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has made significant strides with both his luxury cannabis brand, Monogram, launched in 2020, and his role at Casa Verde Capital. Casa Verde manages substantial investment funds for cannabis startups, allowing Jay-Z to strategically invest in both California and national markets. His commitment extends to advocating for racial equality and creating generational wealth through business ownership.

2. Wiz Khalifa – Khalifa Kush

Since 2015, Wiz Khalifa’s Khalifa Kush has become a multi-state cannabis brand, known for its authentic connection to the artist’s lifestyle. Operating in states like California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, Khalifa Kush has pioneered celebrity cannabis brands with top sales. Wiz focuses on genuine products and expanding the brand nationally.

3. Snoop Dogg – Death Row Cannabis and Investments

A true cannabis connoisseur, Snoop Dogg launched his first fully branded cannabis line in 2016. Following his acquisition of Death Row Records in 2022, he introduced Death Row Cannabis, linking the brand to the iconic label’s legacy. Snoop Dogg actively invests through Casa Verde Capital and other ventures, primarily operating out of Colorado and other legal markets.

4. Method Man – TICAL

Method Man, a member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, founded the cannabis brand TICAL (Taking Into Consideration All Lives) in 2020. TICAL prioritizes premium products and social equity, operating in states like California and New York. The brand is committed to community reinvestment and fostering minority partnerships.

5. Isiah Thomas – One World Pharma Investment

NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has made significant inroads into the global cannabis market through his investment in One World Pharma. Shifting his focus from retail branding to supply chain strategy, Thomas is leveraging a scalability-driven approach to capitalize on international hemp and cannabis production opportunities.

6. Ice Cube – Fryday Kush

Creator of the iconic ‘Friday’ film franchise, Ice Cube entered the cannabis business with Fryday Kush. This California-based brand taps into nostalgic cultural references to market its high-quality cannabis products. Cube effectively uses his intellectual property to expand into this rapidly growing market.

7. Whoopi Goldberg – Emma & Clyde

Whoopi Goldberg is a notable cannabis investor and innovator. Her brand, Emma & Clyde (under the WhoopFam umbrella), named after her mother and brother, focuses on premium flower and wellness products. Goldberg aims to normalize cannabis use, particularly among women and wellness consumers, by integrating it into health and lifestyle applications.

8. Al Harrington – Viola Brands

Former NBA player Al Harrington founded Viola Brands in 2011, inspired by his grandmother. Harrington has become a leading advocate for social equity in the industry, championing vertical integration from cultivation to retail. His Viola Cares initiative actively works to increase minority participation, with a pledge to help create 100 Black millionaires through cannabis entrepreneurship.

9. Lil Wayne – GKUA Ultra Premium

In 2019, Lil Wayne launched GKUA Ultra Premium, a brand focused on delivering high natural THC levels. Wayne curates a “connoisseur” experience with high-potency, consistent quality products. Partnering with expert growers, he has expanded GKUA from California to several other legal states.

10. Calvin Johnson Jr. and Rob Sims – Primitiv

NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson Jr. and former teammate Rob Sims co-founded Primitiv in Michigan. This wellness-focused company advocates for the medicinal benefits of cannabis, particularly for athletes managing chronic pain and recovery. Primitiv operates cultivation facilities and retail locations, and the duo is involved in research studying cannabis’s effects on CTE and traumatic brain injuries.

Reshaping the Industry Landscape

These celebrities are not just investing; they are actively shaping the future of the cannabis industry. By launching their own brands, investing in startups, and championing social equity, they are paving the way for greater diversity and opportunity in a sector that has historically excluded many. Their involvement is a powerful statement about the potential for growth, innovation, and justice within the cannabis market.