Ex-Governor Jesse Ventura Steps into Cannabis Industry with New Hemp Line

Wrestler-Turned-Governor Jesse Ventura Debuts Cannabis Brand

Summary

Jesse Ventura, the ex-governor of Minnesota, is tapping into the cannabis industry by unveiling his very own brand of hemp products, thus realizing what he describes as a “lifelong dream.” The erstwhile governor and professional wrestler initially teased the public with his intentions to launch Jesse Ventura Farms last August, a bold move that followed closely on the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana use.

Ventura, in association with Retro Bakery, has now successfully launched his namesake hemp brand. His enthusiasm was palpable as he shared in a recent blog post, “It’s truly amazing to be able to legally present products from a plant that has been so impactful in my personal life.” He highlighted the momentous nature of his enterprise, referencing his distinction as the first former U.S. governor to have a cannabis brand named after him.

With every meticulous step, Ventura underscores his belief in the importance of moving towards an end to the long-standing and contentious war on drugs.

Besides his latest business venture, Ventura has been a vocal advocate for cannabis reform over the years. He was notably present at the official signing of the legalization bill by the current Governor Tim Walz (D), an event marking a significant leap forward in drug policy reform last May.

Celebrities Who Are Cashing In On the Cannabis Crush

The cannabis industry has seen an influx of celebrity-driven ventures, each bringing distinct brands and products to the market.

• Jim Belushi, the American actor, cultivates his own cannabis through Belushi’s Farm, highlighted by his brand Blues Brothers—an homage to his brother’s iconic film role.
• Snoop Dogg partnered with Grenco Science in 2013 to release his branded G-Pen, an electrical weed vaporizer.
• Creagen Dow, recognized for his roles in “The Big Bang Theory” and “Zoey 101,” owns Poke A Bowl, a company that sells ashtrays designed for efficient ash and resin cleaning.
• The Game has entered the cannabis market with Trees By Game, following his acquisition of The Reserve, a cannabis dispensary in Santa Ana, California.
• Rob Gronkowski, former NFL player, became the face of CBDMEDIC in 2019, promoting their line of CBD products.
• Woody Harrelson opened his dispensary, The Woods, providing a variety of cannabis selections in West Hollywood since 2022.
• Jay-Z partnered with the California cannabis firm Caliva in 2019, bringing strategic direction to the company.
• Kourtney Kardashian launched a CBD-based anti-aging face serum in collaboration with Hora x Poosh in 2019.
• John Legend backed Plus Products Inc., investing in their edible CBD product line, including gummies, in 2019.
• Shavo Odadjian, best known as a bassist, started his licensed marijuana operation, 22Red, in 2016, offering premium products.
• Gwyneth Paltrow’s company Goop became an investor in Cann, a maker of cannabis-infused beverages, in 2020.
• B-Real from Cypress Hill founded the cannabis retailer Dr. Green thumb’s with its first location opening in Sylmar, California, in 2018.
• Martha Stewart introduced a CBD product line in collaboration with Canopy Growth Corporation and Marquee Brands in 2020.
• Bella Thorne debuted her consumer cannabis and CBD brand Forbidden Flowers in 2019.
• Mike Tyson unveiled Tyson Ranch, a sprawling 400-acre cannabis resort in 2019.
• David Crosby announced his cannabis brand, Mighty Croz.
• Willie Nelson endorses his range of Cannabis-based products under Willie’s Reserve, available in Colorado and Arizona.
• Seth Rogen has entered the space, though details on his brand, Houseplant, are concise.
• Lil Wayne, also known as Carter, launched his cannabis brand, GKUA Ultra Premium, in December 2019.
• Ricky Williams presented his sports-themed weed brand, Highsman, to the market in late 2021.

These celebrities have tapped into the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis, leveraging their status to promote and innovate within the industry. With various products ranging from weed strains to CBD-infused topicals and ingestibles, they are quickly shaping a new frontier in lifestyle branding.