In an exclusive interview with Forbes, Hollywood comic actor Seth Rogen, known for his love of marijuana, talks about cannabis legislation.
Out of his Los Angeles home, Rogen told Forbes, “I don’t make any illusions as to how weed fits into my life. I’m a person who smokes weed all day, every day.”
The 39-year-old actor, screenwriter, director and producer, says marijuana as an essential tool to his everyday functioning.
“It really bothers me that people downplay its importance and downplay how meaningful it is to some people’s lives,” said Rogen. “There’s always been lies that have been told to control weed, it’ll make you go crazy, it’ll make you lazy, it’ll do this and do that. Right now, I think the biggest lie is that it’s just not important, and there are more important things to be talking about.”
According to the star, the drug is a relevant topic in national discussion. Recently Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Sens. Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, introduced a draft federal legalization bill, and cannabis is slated to grow into a $100 billion industry by 2030.
“Over the last couple years, I’ve spent as much time working on this company as I have on films. It’s as exciting as anything I’ve ever worked on,” said Rogan of his startup marijuana company Houseplant.
“It’s a direct reflection of mine and my partner’s creative sensibilities, and it’s come from a lifetime of putting thought into weed and loving weed. It’s as exciting as anything I’ve ever worked on.”
“It’s important because the entire reason it’s illegal is based in racism and we’re all living with the lies of racist men from 100 years ago,” says Rogen. “Truthfully, there is no reason that weed is illegal other than to control minority populations.”
He continued, “It is a huge part of American society and culture,” he continues. “It’s a huge thing, and it’s disappointing how slow the country has been to evolve.”
Houseplant sells cannabis, and Housegoods, which sells pottery, ashtrays and lighters, designed by Rogen.
“It’s something I’ve always championed and something that I’m very happy to be associated with—it’s something that is an intrinsic part of my life, my day-to-day functionality,” says Rogen. “Of all the things to be tied to, I’m fucking thrilled that it’s weed.”
