7 Accomplished Entrepreneurs Who Advocate for Marijuana Legalization
Notable figures from the business world, including Sir Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, and Michael Bloomberg, have publicly acknowledged their marijuana use. While some might have anticipated this from certain individuals, their admissions reflect an increasing acceptance within the business realm to openly discuss cannabis consumption and advocate for its legalization.
Prominent CEOs such as Bill Gates of Microsoft and John Mackey of Whole Foods have expressed their support for decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana. Some have even indicated their willingness to invest in the cannabis industry given the opportunity. Furthermore, several influential individuals have made significant donations to initiatives aiming to legalize cannabis across the country. This growing trend suggests that a considerable number of successful, intelligent, and influential people recognize the potential of marijuana and are actively working to advance its acceptance while challenging prevailing stigmas.
To provide you with some insights, here are a few favorite quotes from top business figures across various industries who advocate for marijuana legalization and discuss the reasons why it should be embraced.
Richard Branson
“When we start doing things with our parents that we also do with our friends, like smoking weed, it means that the existing parent/child dynamic changes. For better or worse, it means inviting our parents into our lives, and taking all the responsibility that comes with it.” ~ Richard Branson
Mark Zuckerberg
"US jails hold around 2.4 million people — about 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Blacks and Hispanics are significantly more likely than whites to be arrested for possession and sale of marijuana and to receive a conviction and criminal record, even though the majority of marijuana users are non-Hispanic whites. Almost 40 percent of prisoners are black. More than half the people entering prison live below the poverty line. Our entire society pays the price for an unfair, broken system." ~ Mark Zuckerberg
Hugh Hefner
“Smoking helped put me in touch with the realm of the senses.” ~ Hugh Hefner
Henry Ford
“Why use up the forests which were centuries in the making and the mines which required ages to lay down, if we can get the equivalent of forest and mineral products in the annual growth of the hemp fields?” ~ Henry Ford
Michael Bloomberg
"You bet I did and I enjoyed it." ~ Michael Bloomberg
Kevin O'Leary
"You either make it illegal, in which case you support a huge underground economy or you tax it within the limits people can afford." ~ Kevin O'Leary
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom calls on cannabis community to campaign for legalization in November 2016.
Ayad Maher is a Cannabis Industry Entrepreneur, Blogger & Activist. eCommerce Specialist and Owner of a 420 Life Style Company; Monroe Blvd and 421Store.
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