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New Orleans–born Curren$y is one of rap’s biggest cannabis aficionados.
Famous for lively music, mouth-watering food, and a laissez-faire attitude, New Orleans lets the good time roll. As cannabis becomes more popular in the city, it’s clear that New Orleans residents are rolling more than good times.
There’s nothing quite like consuming an edible while strolling down one of New Orleans’s oak-lined streets or enjoying a jazz performance while drinking a THC beverage. New Orleans is the perfect destination for cannabis lovers.
Many of the city’s inhabitants regularly enjoy cannabis products, an affinity that extends to some of the city’s most famous residents — including the five we talk about below.
Cannabis in the Birthplace of Jazz
Jazz was born in New Orleans, and the history of jazz and the history of cannabis are interwoven. Cannabis has fueled and influenced jazz music for over a century.
Although New Orleans was one of the first cities in the United States to see widespread use of cannabis, it is taking its time to legalize it fully. A few years ago, New Orleans legalized medical marijuana but has not yet done the same for recreational marijuana.
It has, however, embraced hemp-derived THC products. Now bars, music, festivals, and even grocery stores carry hemp edibles and drinks.
5 New Orleans Icons Who Love Cannabis
These New Orleans icons have been open about their appreciation of cannabis and its ability to inspire creativity and enhance wellness.
Louis Armstrong
One of America’s most iconic musicians, Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as Pops, had a legendary jazz career, changing the genre forever. In the smoky ambiance of New Orleans jazz clubs, cannabis found its rhythm, and pioneers like Louis Armstrong led the charge.
Armstrong not only revolutionized jazz. He also became a vocal advocate for cannabis. In 1931, he even spent nine days in jail for possessing cannabis after smoking a joint outside a club. His love of cannabis earned him the moniker “father of marijuana.”
Curren$y
Rising to fame in the heart of the New Orleans hip-hop scene, Curren$y is one of rap’s most prolific cannabis aficionados, with a vast discography and a cult-like following. He champions legalization and often promotes the many benefits of cannabis.
As a rap entrepreneur, Curren$y has launched two cannabis brands: Andretti Cannabis and Jet Life THC, the latter in collaboration with Crescent Canna. Jet Life offers cannabis edibles and drinks to jet setters across the country.
Jet Life THC Soda is nostalgically sweet and tart.
Tyler Perry
One of the best-known filmmakers of our time, Tyler Perry has created such iconic characters as Madea and has been involved in over 100 film projects, including two set in New Orleans: “The Passion” and “Boo 2! A Madea Halloween.”
In recent years, Perry has opened up about his love of cannabis, even saying in a recent interview that relaxing on a beach smoking weed would make for an ideal retirement.
Big Freedia
The Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia is known for her larger-than-life persona, infectiously energetic music, and high-profile collaborations with artists like Beyonce and Drake. She has also starred in two reality TV shows: “Big Freedia Bounces Back and “Big Freedia Means Business,” which feature her hometown of New Orleans.
Big Freedia has been an outspoken cannabis user for most of her life. In 2022 she released her own cannabis line in California.
Alon Shaya
Alon Shaya is one of the most talented chefs in the culinary mecca of New Orleans. Winner of several James Beard Awards, he runs a few incredibly popular restaurants.
His new cookbook includes a recipe for “green butter.” When asked about the recipe, he commented that food culture and fine dining are finally normalizing cannabis-infused food.
The New Orleans Cannabis Scene
Cannabis is one of the many pleasures that define the cultural tapestry of the Crescent City. By embracing cannabis edibles and reducing reliance on alcohol, New Orleans is allowing the good time to roll in a new way.
Helen Lewis is the Senior Marketing Manager at Crescent Canna. She specializes in writing about cannabis, with a focus on its health benefits. She graduated from Tulane University with a B.A. in English.