The cannabis and vape industry has evolved from underground culture to mainstream business empire, and some of entertainment’s biggest names have been there from the start. These celebrity entrepreneurs didn’t just lend their names to products: they built legitimate businesses that transformed their net worth and reshaped an entire industry.

“What we’re seeing now is celebrities who genuinely understand the cannabis and vaping markets,” says James Smith, Head of Vaping Community at Discount Vape Pen, an online vape store. “They’re not just slapping their name on products. What they’re building are vertically integrated businesses with real staying power, backed by their personal brand.”

1. Berner: The $600 Million Cannabis King

When Bay Area rapper Berner launched Cookies in 2010 with breeder Jai Chang, he created what would become the most recognizable cannabis brand in the world. Today, with over 70 retail locations across six countries, Cookies has achieved what seemed impossible just over a decade ago: a cannabis brand valued at $1 billion.

Berner’s estimated net worth now sits between $410 million and $600 million, with the bulk coming from his Cookies empire. The company generated nearly $500 million in annual revenue at its peak, with a clothing line alone pulling in over $50 million per year. His success earned him a historic achievement in 2022: becoming the first cannabis executive to grace the cover of Forbes magazine since its founding in 1917.

What sets Cookies apart is the culture Berner built around the brand. From strategic partnerships with celebrities like Wiz Khalifa and Rick Ross to 49 dispensaries across the United States, Cookies has become synonymous with premium cannabis culture. The company was named by AdAge as one of 2021’s hottest brands in any industry, the first cannabis brand to make the list.

Beyond cannabis, Berner’s business portfolio includes Hemp2o Water, Lemonnade, Social Club, and Vibes rolling papers. He’s received both RIAA Gold and Platinum awards for his albums and is currently developing a television series with FX based on his life and career. Starting from a studio apartment above a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco’s Fillmore district, Berner has created a blueprint for celebrity cannabis entrepreneurship.

2. Mike Tyson: From “Iron Mike” to Cannabis Mogul

Mike Tyson’s transformation from boxing’s most feared fighter to cannabis entrepreneur represents one of sport’s most remarkable financial comebacks. After declaring bankruptcy in 2003, Tyson has rebuilt his fortune to an estimated $25-50 million, with his cannabis ventures playing a starring role.

Tyson launched Tyson Ranch in 2016, anticipating California’s recreational cannabis legalization. At its peak, the business generated $500,000 per month in revenue. By 2021, Tyson rebranded and expanded with TYSON 2.0, a premium cannabis company offering flower, edibles, vape products, and accessories. The brand now operates across 24 states and continues expanding internationally.

The company’s most talked-about product remains Mike Bites, ear-shaped edible gummies that cheekily reference the 1997 incident where Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear. These $30 bags of 20 gummies became instant bestsellers, proving that Tyson can embrace his controversial past while building a legitimate business.

Tyson’s 420-acre cannabis resort in Palm Springs, California, dubbed “the wonderland of weed,” offers luxury accommodations where guests can smoke marijuana throughout the property. The resort features the “world’s longest lazy river” and promotes health and wellness rather than party culture. With annual revenues exceeding $20 million from his cannabis operations, Tyson has successfully pivoted from fighter to entrepreneur.

“Mike Tyson’s success shows how celebrity authenticity matters in this industry,” notes Smith. “His genuine relationship with cannabis gives the brand credibility that pure marketing can’t buy. Tyson has openly discussed spending $40,000 monthly on his own products for research purposes.”

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3. Wiz Khalifa: Turning $10,000 Monthly Habit into $30 Million Business

Rapper Wiz Khalifa transformed his well-documented love for cannabis into Khalifa Kush (KK), a premium cannabis brand that contributes $25-30 million annually to his $70-80 million net worth. What started as his personal strain in the early 2010s has evolved into a full lifestyle brand operating in ten states.

Khalifa’s cannabis journey reached a turning point in 2014 when he stopped paying for marijuana entirely, instead securing sponsorship from The Cookie Company to sell his “Khalifa Kush” strain. The rapper, who previously claimed to spend $10,000 monthly on cannabis, partnered with RiverRock Cannabis to bring KK to market in 2015.

The KK product line now includes flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, edibles, and concentrates. The brand launched its first “Store in Store” experience at Planet 13 in Las Vegas and recently expanded to Europe through Germany’s Sanity Group. In 2019, Supreme Cannabis paid Khalifa $7 million for rights to distribute Khalifa Kush in Canada, giving the brand international reach.

Beyond cannabis, Khalifa’s business portfolio includes Taylor Gang Entertainment, which he co-founded with longtime manager Will Dzombak. The label has signed successful artists including Ty Dolla $ign. Khalifa has also launched “Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm,” a mobile game that allows players to cultivate their own virtual cannabis with the rapper’s guidance.

In 2023, Khalifa sold portions of his music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners, adding millions in upfront cash to his wealth. His diverse revenue streams — combining $10-15 million annually from music royalties, $20-25 million from touring (charging up to $2 million per performance), and his cannabis empire — demonstrate how celebrity entrepreneurs can build sustainable businesses beyond their primary craft.

4. Snoop Dogg: The Cannabis Pioneer

No list of celebrity cannabis entrepreneurs would be complete without Snoop Dogg. The hip-hop legend’s cannabis advocacy dates back decades, and he’s built multiple successful ventures in the space. His Death Row vapes offer budget-friendly disposables priced at $10, targeting the casual vaping market with 5,000 and 7,000 puff editions.

Snoop’s broader cannabis business includes Leafs by Snoop, offering flower, concentrates, and edibles. His early-adopter status in the industry and genuine passion for cannabis culture have given him unmatched credibility. With an extensive business portfolio across lifestyle sectors, Snoop has leveraged his name recognition to build a cannabis empire that extends far beyond simple product endorsements.

5. Dan Bilzerian: IGNITE’s Lifestyle Branding

Social media sensation Dan Bilzerian founded IGNITE, which quickly became a major player in the American vaping market. Bilzerian’s massive social media presence provided instant visibility for the brand. IGNITE offers a range of vaping products from sleek disposables to advanced vape mods.

By aligning IGNITE with his signature bad-boy image and aspirational lifestyle, Bilzerian created a brand that resonates with his audience’s desire to emulate his extravagant life. The company capitalizes on Bilzerian’s personal brand to differentiate itself in the crowded vaping market.