Cannabis history is rich in legendary personalities – from early activists to genetics pioneers and international dealers. Find out who has shaped this scene here. Names like Jack Herer, Mr. Nice or Dr. Raphael Mechoulam stand for movement, genetics and history, from medical activists to notorious smugglers to visionary breeders – the cannabis world has been shaped by true legends. Here are my legends!

Researchers and authors

The scientific side has also produced great names – they laid the foundation for everything we know about cannabinoids. The first medical applications were found early on in the history of cannabis.

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam

The Israeli researcher discovered THC and CBD. Without him, there would be no modern understanding of the effects of cannabinoids.

Cannabis Legende Dr. Raphael Mechoulam (KI)

Ed Rosenthal

Grow book author and pioneer of indoor cultivation. His books are standard works for growers worldwide.

Mel Frank

Co-author of early cult books on cultivation and an active photographer on the scene for decades. His works are legendary.

Breeders and genetics legends

These people developed strains that are known in every scene today. They revolutionized the market through targeted crossbreeding and variety development.

Nevil Schoenmakers

He founded the world’s first seed bank and was responsible for many legendary varieties.

Cannabis Legende Nevil Schoenmakers (KI)

Shantibaba (Scott Blakey)

Together with Nevil and Mr. Nice, he founded Mr. Nice Seeds and developed some of the most famous hybrids ever.

Sam the Skunkman

He collected seeds worldwide – from Asia to North Africa – and stabilized skunk genetics over several generations. In the 1980s, he fled from repressive laws to Amsterdam.

DJ Short

A silent artist who has created one of the most flavorful and consistent varieties in the world with Blueberry.

Arjan Roskam

Self-proclaimed “King of Cannabis” and mastermind behind Green House Seeds. His strains have won several cups.

Activists and legalization pioneers

Without these people, there would be no legalization movement, no medical clearance and no political debate. They have fought, written and inspired thousands.

Jack Herer

Probably the best-known activist, whose book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” became the bible of the legalization movement. A separate variety was named after him.

Dennis Peron

Activist from San Francisco whose commitment to AIDS patients got the ball rolling for medical clearance in California.

Brownie Mary

Mary Rathbun was a heroine for many patients and also traveled with Dennis Peron in her Cannabis Buyers Club (San Francisco). Her legendary THC-infused brownies became a lifesaver for the seriously ill.

Dealers, smugglers and entrepreneurs

Whether underground or legally in business – these names stand for massive quantities, global thinking and a piece of wild history.

Mr. Nice aka Howard Marks

Once an MI6 agent, later an international smuggler – Howard became a legend through his transformation into a cannabis guru.

Cannabis Legende Mr. Nice, Howard Marks (KI)

Steve DeAngelo

He made Harborside one of the largest and best-known cannabis dispensaries in the USA (comparable to a pharmacy but a little different, more in the post).

Rick Simpson

He became famous for the so-called Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), which is said to have helped many seriously ill patients.

Pop culture icons

And of course they should not be missing – the faces of pop culture that brought cannabis into the living rooms of the world. US stars in particular are in the cannabis business.

Tommy Chong

His role in Cheech & Chong made him an icon of stoner films and culture. Even convictions could not break his status.

Cannabis Legende Tommy Chong (KI)

Snoop Dogg

Hardly anyone embodies modern cannabis culture as much as Snoop Dogg. With his brand and attitude towards the plant, he has become a global figurehead of the green lifestyle.

Bob Marley

He was more than just a musician – Bob Marley became a spiritual figure in the global cannabis movement. His connection to Rastafari and his messages live on to this day.

Jim Belushi

The actor turned from entertainer to cannabis farmer. With his Belushi’s Farm, he is committed to medical and spiritual use.

Redman

With How High, he was in one of the stoner films and Hollywood weed blockbusters. How High was released in 2001 – the film that made Redman famous outside the rap world, also through the soundtrack to How High.

Wiz Khalifa

Last but not least, the rapper whose name is inextricably linked to cannabis. His brand Khalifa Kush is cult – just like his open attitude to daily consumption.

Did you already know? Now at CannaZen! Khalifa Kush from the USA.