List of CEOs Who Smoke Weed

The stigma is shifting – From Peter Lewis donating $40-60 million to legalization causes to Elon Musks viral Joe Rogan appearance, cannabis use among executives is increasingly normalized Success and cannabis arent mutually exclusive – These 12 CEOs built companies worth billions while openly connected to cannabis through use or advocacy, proving that cannabis doesnt hinder business acumen Two distinct categories emerge – Traditional business leaders who experiment with cannabis versus modern cannabis industry executives whove built careers around the plant Advocacy often accompanies admission – Many CEOs on this list actively support legalization efforts, using their platforms and resources to drive policy change Founder privilege plays a role – Company founders generally have more latitude to discuss cannabis use compared to hired executives Silicon Valley leads corporate acceptance – Tech industry leaders like Mark Johnson describe cannabis use as extremely common among tech workers The cannabis industry creates new leadership opportunities – Modern executives like Kim Rivers represent a new generation building legitimate businesses in the legal cannabis space

When Elon Musk took a hit from a marijuana joint on Joe Rogans podcast in 2018, it sparked a national conversation about cannabis use among business leaders. But Musk was far from the first CEO to publicly acknowledge smoking weed. From insurance magnates to tech moguls, some of Americas most successful business executives have been open about their cannabis use—without it derailing their careers or business success. For cannabis enthusiasts looking to explore quality products, Herbs Products Catalog offers a comprehensive marketplace featuring accessories, edibles, flower, and vape pens from trusted brands. Whether youre curious about the same strains these executives might enjoy or seeking reliable consumption methods, Herb connects you with the cannabis communitys collective wisdom.

Our marijuana laws are outdated, ineffective and stupid. Peter Lewis stands as perhaps the most committed cannabis advocate among business leaders. After losing his leg to a rare infection, he turned to marijuana for pain management and became one of the largest donors to legalization causes in history. Best Known For: Building Progressive Insurance into a multi-billion-dollar insurer Cannabis Admission: Used cannabis regularly for chronic pain after leg amputation Company Impact: Served as CEO and Chairman until his death in 2013 Major Advocacy: Forbes estimated that Lewis donated $40-60 million to marijuana reform efforts over decades California Support: Donated over $1.7 million to California decriminalization efforts between 1996-2010 Key Quote: It didnt exactly eliminate the pain, but it made the pain tolerable

Millions of otherwise productive lives are wasted in jail for marijuana possession. Richard Branson represents the global entrepreneur who views cannabis prohibition as both ineffective and harmful to society. The Virgin Group founder has been vocal about his cannabis use, even admitting to smoking with his son and learning joint-rolling techniques from Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Best Known For: Founding Virgin Groups dozens of companies worldwide Cannabis Admission: Admitted recreational use and learning to roll joints from Keith Richards Company Impact: Built a multi-billion-dollar business empire spanning multiple industries Advocacy Position: Called for ending the War on Drugs and suggested investing in the cannabis industry Key Quote: Millions of otherwise productive lives are wasted in jail for marijuana possession and other nonviolent drug violations

Famous for his Joe Rogan podcast appearance where he smoked marijuana live on air Elon Musks 2018 appearance on Joe Rogans podcast became the most high-profile CEO cannabis moment in recent history. When offered marijuana during the interview, Musk took a hit from a joint, creating a viral moment that sparked intense debate about executive accountability and cannabis use. Best Known For: Leading Tesla, SpaceX, and X (Twitter) Cannabis Admission: Smoked marijuana during 2018 Joe Rogan podcast Company Impact: Built multiple billion-dollar companies revolutionizing transportation and space exploration Cultural Reference: Scheduled SpaceX launch for 4/20 Founder Advantage: Demonstrated how founder-CEOs have more latitude to engage with cannabis culture Key Impact: Sparked national conversation about CEO cannabis use

Been smoking marijuana on a regular basis for about 50 years. George Zimmer holds the record for longest admitted duration of cannabis use among CEOs. The Mens Wearhouse founder told Fortune hes been smoking marijuana regularly for about 50 years, even thriving after being fired from his own company in 2013 by founding new successful businesses like Generation Tux and zTailors. Best Known For: Youre gonna like the way you look – I guarantee it Cannabis Admission: 50 years of regular cannabis use Company Impact: Built Mens Wearhouse and later founded Generation Tux and zTailors Key Quote: Been smoking marijuana on a regular basis for about 50 years Advocacy: Supports California legalization initiatives

You bet I did. And I enjoyed it. Michael Bloombergs cannabis admission stands out for its refreshing honesty. When asked about past marijuana use, the Bloomberg L.P. founder and former New York City mayor responded with his now-famous quote that became so iconic it was featured in a high-profile NORML ad campaign without his permission. Best Known For: Building Bloomberg L.P. and serving as NYC Mayor Cannabis Admission: Blunt admission of past enjoyment Company Impact: Created a multi-billion dollar financial information empire Key Quote: You bet I did. And I enjoyed it Cultural Impact: Quote used in NORML legalization campaign on NYC buses and New York Times ads

Marijuana was the pharmaceutical of choice during Microsofts early days Bill Gates represents the tech pioneer whose cannabis use during Microsofts formative years didnt prevent him from building one of the worlds most valuable companies. According to his biography Gates: How Microsofts Mogul Reinvented an Industry, marijuana was common among early Microsoft employees. Best Known For: Co-founding Microsoft Cannabis Admission: Early career use documented in biography Company Impact: Built Microsoft into a trillion-dollar company, became worlds richest person Key Context: Cannabis use common in early Microsoft culture Advocacy: Supported Washington State legalization initiative

Known for experimentation during Apples formative years Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apples revolutionary products, experimented with cannabis during his early career. His countercultural approach to business and life included exploration of consciousness-altering substances, contributing to his ability to think different and create groundbreaking products. Best Known For: Co-founding Apple and revolutionizing multiple industries Cannabis Admission: Early career use documented Company Impact: Built Apple from garage startup to trillion-dollar company Cultural Impact: Embodied countercultural entrepreneur archetype Legacy: Demonstrated that cannabis experimentation during formative years doesnt prevent building world-changing companies

Uh … 1982. I hear its gotten better. Oprah Winfreys cannabis admission is notable for its transparency and timing. The media mogul admitted to past cannabis use during interviews with both David Letterman (2015) and on Watch What Happens: Live (2013), responding with characteristic honesty when asked about her last use. Best Known For: Building a media empire and trusted brand Cannabis Admission: Last use in 1982, admitted on national television twice Company Impact: Created Harpo Productions and OWN network with $3 billion net worth Key Quote: Uh … 1982. I hear its gotten better Significance: Showed how cannabis use doesnt conflict with maintaining a trusted public image

Marijuana should be legalized because to not legalize it, were paying the same price we paid for prohibition. Hugh Hefner was more than just a cannabis user—he was a pioneer advocate who helped launch the modern legalization movement. In 1970, the Playboy founder donated $5,000 to help establish NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), effectively founding the leading cannabis reform organization. Best Known For: Founding Playboy magazine Cannabis Admission: Regular use that enhanced his sex life Company Impact: Built Playboy into a cultural institution Key Contribution: $5,000 donation helped fund NORML in the early 1970s Advocacy: Decades of consistent legalization support Philosophy: Believed marijuana enhanced sexual experiences, fitting Playboys philosophy of sexual liberation

Pot is an extremely functional drug. Coders can code on it, writers can write on it. Mark Johnson represents the modern Silicon Valley executive who views cannabis as compatible with high-performance work. The tech CEO told Bloomberg he smokes marijuana day in and day out and described cannabis use as extremely common among tech workers. Best Known For: Leading tech companies in Silicon Valley Cannabis Admission: Daily use, describes cannabis as extremely common in tech Company Impact: Served as CEO of Zite and Descartes Labs Key Quote: Pot is an extremely functional drug. Coders can code on it, writers can write on it Cultural Perspective: People just dont care. If you do, you dont need to hide it Industry Insight: Reflects cannabis-friendly culture in innovation-driven industries

Known for advocacy aligned with natural foods philosophy John Mackey represents the retail executive whose cannabis advocacy aligns with his companys natural and organic philosophy. The Whole Foods co-founder has supported marijuana legalization, viewing it as consistent with the companys mission of conscious consumption and natural lifestyle choices. Best Known For: Co-founding Whole Foods Market Cannabis Admission: Publicly supports legalization and potential retail sales Company Impact: Built natural foods empire promoting conscious consumption Brand Alignment: Cannabis advocacy consistent with natural foods mission Advocacy: Vocal supporter of marijuana legalization

Leading the legal cannabis industry through policy advocacy Kim Rivers represents the new generation of cannabis industry executives who have built legitimate businesses in the legal cannabis space. As CEO of Trulieve, one of the largest cannabis companies in the United States with 200+ dispensaries across multiple states, Rivers has been actively involved in policy advocacy. Best Known For: CEO of Trulieve Cannabis Corp. Cannabis Admission: Industry leadership implies professional cannabis engagement Company Impact: Built Trulieve into a multi-state operator with 200+ dispensaries across multiple states Political Engagement: Met with Donald Trump before his cannabis legalization endorsement Industry Significance: Demonstrates growing political influence of cannabis industry leaders

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