Jesse Ventura To Launch Weed Brand, Wants Minnesota's Market Local, Not Dominated By Outside Corporations

Jesse Ventura, Minnesota's former governor, is eyeing opportunities in the burgeoning cannabis industry. He wants to become a pioneer among prominent American politicians by launching his own marijuana brand, reported Marijuana Moment.

"I want to be the first major politician in America who puts his likeness, face and everything behind cannabis," he said on a panel hosted by Canna Connect Saturday, just days before legal cannabis launched in Minnesota. "This is an ego thing for me. I want to have my name considered with cannabis."

Ventura, who supported legalization when he served as governor from 1999-2003, stood at the podium when Gov. Tim Walz signed the marijuana legalization bill into law in May.

Walz called Ventura the day after his reelection last fall and said he expected a new legalization bill to pass. Ventura, an independent who doesn't usually make endorsements, backed Walz over Republican Scott Jensen and said legalization was one of the many reasons why.

Moreover, the retired pro wrestler testified in support of Sen. Lindsey Port's bill - which created a regulatory framework for recreational and adult-use cannabis – earlier this year. Ventura claimed cannabis saved his life. "Not me personally, but the 38th first lady of Minnesota," he told the committee, referring to his wife Terry's seizures that began ten years ago.

Grow Local, Buy Local

As the first and so far only shop kicked off sales Tuesday on Red Lake Nation's tribal land,  Ventura says he wants his fair share of the new market.

"I want involvement in this," Ventura said. "I want involvement in the state of Minnesota."

He said he doesn't want Minnesota's marijuana market to be dominated by out-of-state corporations.

"I would prefer to do Minnesota—put my name with Minnesota companies and make cannabis a prosperous business in Minnesota by Minnesotans, keeping the money in Minnesota," Ventura said. 

Hulk Hogan Launches New Cannabis Products Via Partnership With Flora Growth

Meanwhile, legendary superstar Hulk Hogan already jumped on the opportunity. The WWE legend entered into an exclusive worldwide partnership with cannabis operator Flora Growth Corp. FLGC on Wednesday.

Flora agreed to launch Hogan's consumer products portfolio through Just Brands. Under the agreement, Flora will produce and sell Hulk Hogan products globally, including Hulk Hogan's hemp-derived pre-rolls, topicals, flower, edibles, CBD, HHC, Delta 8, and Kratom.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the place where deals get done, is returning to Chicago this Sept 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Photo: Courtesy of Esteban López on Unsplash