Rohan Marley Talks Herb: 'Who Gives Men The Right To Say That God's Plant Is Illegal?'

In a voice imbued with fervor, Rohan Marley poses a resonating question: "Who gives men the right to say that God's plant is illegal?" This sentiment underpins the ethos of Lion Order, his own cannabis and CBD lifestyle brand. Rohan elaborates, "Human beings in general always find ways and means to enhance life. And one day, a man of great wisdom discovered the cannabis plant. When it's consumed, it brings on a more euphoric feeling of love and unity, brotherhood and family. That's why we, Rastafarians, see cannabis as a sacrament, a plant that was given to us by the almighty God, just like every other plant."

‘Watching The Rastaman Smoke:’ The Sacred Connection

Rohan's bond with cannabis traces back to the rhythmic heartbeats of Jamaica, deeply anchored in the Rastafari culture. As he recounts, growing up in Jamaica meant "watching every day, the cannabis culture through the Rastafari culture and just Jamaican culture in general." This culture taught him that the herb was "a great component" to the Rastafari movement.

Bob Marley's son went to see Messi play after somking weed.

Yet, like many things in youth, the full depth of the plant's potential eluded him. Rohan's early years saw him partaking in rituals, "watching the Rastaman smoke" and joining the circle to "smoke the chalice." However, he admits he "could not comprehend what I was receiving at the time in regards to the medicinal component."

Over time, he began to truly appreciate its medicinal benefits and spiritual essence, understanding cannabis not just as a herb but as "plant medicine." Much like shamans from South America, he believes in the deep, transformative properties of the plant, bridging "those two worlds together."

Business Meets Spirituality

Rohan ventured into the cannabis business world with Lion Order, his odyssey wasn't solitary. Jan Verleur, the leader behind The Verleur Group (TVG), lead investor in Marley's company, journeyed alongside.

If Rohan embodies the brand's spiritual ethos, Jan provides its business foundation, ensuring the core values remain unshaken. For Jan, cannabis has been provided both a personal solace and a managerial aid amidst the challenges of steering 14 corporations. "I would be a far less effective manager if it were not for cannabis' role in my life," he confesses.

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Together, Rohan and Jan have sculpted Lion Order. The name itself is more than a brand moniker: it's a philosophy that highlights unity and purpose. Marrying spirituality with business is no easy feat. "And it doesn't matter what we're doing. It's got to be true to self," Rohan adds, emphasizing the authenticity they strive to bring to the brand.

Rohan often leans on the Rastafarian concept of "I and I" when juggling spiritual convictions with commerce. This tenet, which sees the divine in all, suggests that a business can be a soul's extension. In their eyes, cannabis is elevated beyond a mere commodity: it's a sacred bond.

Rohan Marley - COURTESY / EXCLUSIVE IMAGE, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Jan, however, introduces pragmatism, underlining the need for consistent quality. "How can it be a sacrament if brands differ so much in quality and consistency from state to state?" - he ponders.

Rohan emphasizes this commitment to consistency, sharing the company's rigorous testing practices. "When you smoke [our] King Clem [strain] in Michigan, it should feel the same as in California, New York City or Florida," he asserts. Jan adds that secret shoppers in Michigan, the company's launch market, ensure this consistency.

Hotboxing Congress

The path to cannabis legalization is undeniably complex. Confronted with advocating for cannabis legalization in front of Congress, a classic question in this column, Rohan leans on spiritual and historical arguments, while Jan offers pragmatic comparisons. Their shared vision is evident when Rohan illuminates the term "Lion Order." More than branding, it's a life philosophy, a commitment to spiritual and societal responsibility.

"My first thing would be to Congress: ‘who gives men the right to say that God's plant is illegal?’ When, in 1971, the War on Drugs came into play, what was going on before that? When hemp was really an industrial tool to help move America forward in many different ways… So I would I would want to know, in what point in time did that give men the right to say that now this is illegal and what happened between Johnson and Nixon to push that along?"

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Echoing this sentiment, Jan emphasizes, "We are a brand and a vision that people can get behind. Not because it's Rohan Marley's brainchild, but because Lion Order is bigger than any one individual."

Diving deep into Lion Order's origins, one can feel that it's drenched in Rastafarian principles, underscoring spirituality and community. "We're Rastafari. We're a movement," Rohan declares with pride. Shattering stereotypes, Jan notes the embrace of cannabis by many influential minds, playfully quipping, "I mean, look at Silicon Valley." Yet, he's firm that Lion Order transcends mere celebrity endorsement: it's a movement defined by quality, sustainability and ethics.

Island Sunshine: ‘It's Not Just About Getting High’

As the conversation unfolds, Rohan reminisces about the meticulous crafting of his signature strains, Island Sunshine and King Clementine, reflecting a yearning for upliftment and spiritual connection. Their partnership seems fated, a union of Rohan's zeal and Jan's business acumen. Reflecting on their journey's commencement, Jan muses, "It happened at the right time."

Delving deeper into personal experiences, Rohan recalls his college days when he incessantly asked his brothers for cannabis. "They questioned why I smoked. It made me introspect about the profound connection I felt with the herb, beyond just recreation." He also reminisces about a poignant moment with his father, Bob Marley. "My dad once confronted me for having cannabis, making me realize its gravity. It's not just about getting high."

Their conversations on Lion Order are a tapestry of personal histories and shared aspirations, blending business strategy with spiritual depth. Rohan's earnest reflection, "We've been smoking herbs since birth... and to be able to bring our own genetics, our own taste profile, herb that we really love and want to share across state by state... I'm just happy to do that," captures his journey (filled with layovers) from Jamaica to Michigan.

As the chat nears an end, Rohan's memories take center stage. "I remember one time I was in college and I pulled that herb and I said, 'this is what I'm supposed to taste like,'" he says. It’s clear that, for him, cannabis is a bridge to deeper experiences and connections.

Legacy Of Love: Bob Marley's Undying Influence

A significant influence in this narrative is the legacy of Bob Marley, Rohan's father. However, Rohan's inspiration is drawn less from the celebrity and more from the man, the advocate of love, unity and peace. "It's about love, it's about peace, and it's about existing on this planet as brothers and sisters," he passionately conveys, echoing the ethos of his father.

Jan builds on this by spotlighting Lion Order's dedication to social equity and justice. He envisions not just a commercial enterprise but also a robust social infrastructure. "We would also be building out adjacent to that the social equity infrastructure for the furtherance of the ideals of the movement," he details. Rohan extends this vision, emphasizing redressing historical injustices.

As he reflects on the legacy of his father, wishing he could hear his thoughts today, he voices: "I wonder what my dad would say to his big, strong boys, how we would take over this world with peace, love and unity." Reiterating their mission, Rohan urges everyone to keep an eye on Lion Order. "We are a movement about peace and love. We aim to set a new standard in the market."

Lion Order stands as a testament to passion, purpose and legacy. Jan and Rohan's partnership, a fusion of personal zeal and entrepreneurial foresight, foretells a promising horizon. "Keep an eye on Lion Order because we are a movement, and we're here to stay," Rohan ends, heralding a future glowing with commitment and resilience.

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This article was originally published on Forbes and appears here with permission.