The cannabis industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, moving from a largely prohibited substance to a booming legal market in numerous regions across the globe. As this once-underground sector goes mainstream, many entrepreneurs have risen to fame and fortune, making their mark as industry leaders, innovators, and advocates. But who are the 25 most famous cannabis entrepreneurs shaping the future of the industry?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the lives and achievements of these trailblazers and explore how they’ve influenced both the market and the ongoing conversation around cannabis legalization.
The cannabis business is no longer a fringe sector, but a billion-dollar industry that touches a wide range of sectors, from cultivation to retail, wellness, and even technology. Thanks to the tireless efforts of pioneers in the space, it has become an attractive option for both investors and consumers alike.
From celebrity entrepreneurs to passionate activists-turned-business moguls, the cannabis industry is filled with dynamic figures who are not just profiting but changing the narrative surrounding the plant.
The Rise of Cannabis Entrepreneurship
The cannabis market is rapidly expanding, and its growth shows no sign of slowing down. According to recent statistics, the global cannabis market size was valued at approximately $20 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.7% from 2023 to 2030. With this rapid growth, cannabis entrepreneurs have quickly gained prominence, and many have become household names due to their influential work.
Entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry are breaking stereotypes, launching successful businesses, and contributing to vital social causes. Some have built empires by producing high-quality cannabis products, while others have capitalized on the growing demand for cannabis-related technology, media, and services.
But who are these individuals leading the charge? Let’s look at the 25 most famous cannabis entrepreneurs who are influencing the industry and driving its evolution.
1. Dr. Dina (Dina Browner)
Dr. Dina is one of the most recognized figures in the cannabis industry. Often referred to as the “Queen of Cannabis,” she has made significant contributions to cannabis education and activism. Based in California, Dr. Dina’s expertise and involvement in the cannabis space helped shape the medical cannabis industry. She has also played an important role in advocating for social justice reform related to cannabis.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of the dispensary “The Cannabis Career Institute” and consultant for many cannabis companies.
- Impact: Focuses on education, cannabis legalization, and de-stigmatization of the plant.
2. Snoop Dogg
Famed rapper Snoop Dogg has become one of the most visible faces in the cannabis industry. His involvement in cannabis began with personal use, but soon he transitioned into a full-fledged entrepreneur with his own line of cannabis products called “Leafs By Snoop.” As an investor, Snoop has also backed a number of cannabis startups, playing a pivotal role in normalizing cannabis culture in the mainstream.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of “Leafs by Snoop” and co-owner of cannabis brand “Canopy Growth.”
- Impact: Uses his platform to promote cannabis and its medicinal benefits.
3. Jay-Z (Shawn Carter)
Music mogul Jay-Z entered the cannabis industry with his brand “Monogram,” focusing on luxury cannabis products. His involvement brings credibility to cannabis as a mainstream product, and his business ventures aim to break stereotypes while focusing on high-end cannabis experiences.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of “Monogram,” co-owner of “Caliva,” and active investor in several cannabis companies.
- Impact: Advocates for social equity and criminal justice reform in the cannabis industry.
4. Steve DeAngelo
A long-time cannabis activist, Steve DeAngelo co-founded “Harborside Health Center,” one of the largest and most respected dispensaries in California. His mission is to advance social justice and create equitable opportunities for communities impacted by the War on Drugs.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Harborside Health Center,” author of “The Cannabis Manifesto,” and advocate for cannabis reform.
- Impact: Focuses on cannabis policy reform and education.
5. Kara and Jesse Spencer (Kara’s Botanicals)
A family-run business, Kara and Jesse Spencer’s venture “Kara’s Botanicals” focuses on creating high-quality cannabis products with an emphasis on wellness. The couple’s focus on sustainability and organic farming has led them to become leaders in the field of cannabis cultivation.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founders of “Kara’s Botanicals,” award-winning cannabis brand.
- Impact: Focus on organic cannabis and wellness-related products.
6. Peter Barton Huber
Peter Barton Huber is a successful cannabis entrepreneur who co-founded “Bona Fide,” a cannabis company focused on high-quality, sustainable cannabis cultivation. His business is known for its commitment to social equity, environmental sustainability, and innovative farming techniques.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Bona Fide.”
- Impact: Promotes environmental sustainability and responsible farming practices.
7. Chuck Rifici
As the founder of “Canopy Growth,” Chuck Rifici has helped shape the global cannabis industry. His company, Canopy Growth, is one of the largest publicly traded cannabis companies worldwide.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder and former CEO of “Canopy Growth.”
- Impact: Pioneered the global expansion of cannabis production and distribution.
8. Elizabeth Becker
Elizabeth Becker is the founder of “Befit,” a cannabis wellness brand that offers a variety of products aimed at helping individuals manage stress and pain. She’s known for advocating for safe and effective use of cannabis for wellness purposes.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of “Befit” cannabis wellness brand.
- Impact: Advocates for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
9. Berner (Gilbert Milam Jr.)
Berner is a rapper and entrepreneur who co-founded “Cookies,” a cannabis brand that’s become synonymous with high-quality marijuana products. His cannabis empire has expanded to retail, cultivation, and licensing, making him a major figure in the industry.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Cookies,” a leading cannabis lifestyle brand.
- Impact: Promoted cannabis culture through music and high-end products.
10. Rachael Rapinoe
Rachael Rapinoe, a former professional athlete, co-founded “Mendi,” a cannabis brand dedicated to creating products for athletes. Mendi aims to provide safe and effective options for recovery and pain management, helping to dispel the myth that cannabis is only for recreational use.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Mendi.”
- Impact: Focus on cannabis for athletes’ recovery and wellness.
11. Jodie Emery
Jodie Emery is a prominent Canadian cannabis activist and businesswoman who co-founded “Cannabis Culture,” a company focused on cannabis retail and media. She is also known for her advocacy of cannabis legalization and social justice initiatives.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Cannabis Culture.”
- Impact: Advocate for cannabis rights and legalization.
12. Ben Kovler
Ben Kovler is the CEO of “Green Thumb Industries,” one of the largest cannabis companies in the U.S. He has helped the company expand its footprint, making it a key player in the cannabis space.
- Notable Accomplishments: CEO of “Green Thumb Industries.”
- Impact: Focuses on creating sustainable and legal cannabis operations.
13. Wanda James
Wanda James is the co-founder of “Simply Pure,” the first African-American-owned cannabis dispensary in Colorado. She is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Simply Pure,” cannabis advocacy leader.
- Impact: Advocate for social justice and equity in cannabis.
14. Al Harrington
Former NBA player Al Harrington founded “Viola,” a cannabis brand focused on producing high-quality products and promoting social justice initiatives. His company is dedicated to providing jobs and economic empowerment for marginalized communities.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of “Viola.”
- Impact: Focus on social justice and community empowerment.
15. Kimberly Dillon
Kimberly Dillon is an influential entrepreneur and cannabis advocate who is known for her work with “Sana Botanicals,” a wellness-focused cannabis brand. She focuses on health, healing, and empowering communities through cannabis education and access.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of “Sana Botanicals.”
- Impact: Promotes wellness and health benefits through cannabis.
16. Matt Hawkins
Matt Hawkins is the founder of “Entourage Effect Capital,” a venture capital firm that specializes in funding cannabis startups. His firm has been instrumental in growing the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurs.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of “Entourage Effect Capital.”
- Impact: Invests in cannabis innovation and startup growth.
17. Nancy Whiteman
Nancy Whiteman is the co-founder of “Wana Brands,” one of the leading cannabis edibles companies in the U.S. Her focus on high-quality cannabis-infused edibles has led her brand to be recognized as a pioneer in the edibles market.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Wana Brands.”
- Impact: Led the edibles revolution in cannabis.
18. Jay Smoker
Jay Smoker is the founder of “The Green Solution,” a popular cannabis retail chain in Colorado. He is known for his emphasis on customer education and premium cannabis products.
- Notable Accomplishments: Founder of “The Green Solution.”
- Impact: Focus on high-quality cannabis retail and customer experience.
19. Adam Bierman
Adam Bierman is the co-founder of “MedMen,” one of the most well-known cannabis retailers in the U.S. His innovative approach to cannabis retail has helped MedMen become a recognizable brand in the industry.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “MedMen.”
- Impact: Created a premium cannabis retail experience.
20. Kara Chomistek
Kara Chomistek is a cannabis consultant and entrepreneur who has built her reputation on helping other businesses in the cannabis industry navigate regulatory challenges and build successful brands.
- Notable Accomplishments: Cannabis consultant and entrepreneur.
- Impact: Focus on compliance and business strategy for cannabis startups.
21. Joel Schneider
Joel Schneider co-founded “Grover” and is known for his work in cannabis cultivation. His company produces high-quality cannabis in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Grover.”
- Impact: Focus on sustainable cultivation practices.
22. Ted Chung
Ted Chung is the co-founder of “Nabis,” a cannabis distribution company focused on providing logistics and supply chain solutions for cannabis businesses.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Nabis.”
- Impact: Revolutionized cannabis distribution and logistics.
23. Tim Leslie
Tim Leslie is an investor and entrepreneur who has supported numerous cannabis startups, particularly in the field of cannabis technology and delivery services.
- Notable Accomplishments: Investor in cannabis tech and delivery services.
- Impact: Focus on technology-driven cannabis solutions.
24. Emily Paxhia
Emily Paxhia is the co-founder of “Poseidon Asset Management,” an investment firm focused on cannabis businesses. She has been instrumental in securing funding for some of the biggest cannabis startups in the world.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founder of “Poseidon Asset Management.”
- Impact: Advocate for cannabis investment and financial growth.
25. Shane and Sara Dimmick
Shane and Sara Dimmick co-founded “Lifted Cannabis Co.,” a company known for its innovative cultivation methods and high-quality cannabis products.
- Notable Accomplishments: Co-founders of “Lifted Cannabis Co.”
- Impact: Focus on premium cannabis cultivation and product quality.
Conclusion:
As we can see, the cannabis industry is brimming with influential entrepreneurs who have leveraged their expertise, passion, and vision to create thriving businesses and make a lasting impact. These 25 individuals not only represent the most successful figures in the cannabis space but also exemplify the diversity and innovation driving this burgeoning market forward.
The future of cannabis looks bright, thanks to the dedication and leadership of these trailblazers who are paving the way for a more inclusive and socially responsible industry. As the industry continues to grow, it’s clear that these entrepreneurs will continue to shape the trajectory of cannabis in both the business and cultural spheres.
References:
- Global Cannabis Market Analysis – Fortune Business Insights, 2023.
- Cannabis Industry Trends – Statista, 2023.
- The Role of Celebrities in Cannabis Entrepreneurship – Forbes, 2024.
- How Cannabis Entrepreneurs Are Changing the Game – Entrepreneur, 2023.
- The Top Cannabis Brands and Leaders to Watch – High Times, 2024.
