Our Top Canna-Crushes of 2017

As we celebrate this Valentine’s Day, it’s once again time to fan ourselves and send a little love to our favorite canna-cuties. These men and women are swoon-worthy advocates who have proven time and again that they’re willing to take a stand for cannabis, no matter the consequences. This year’s batch of canna-crushes are more than just easy on the eyes – they’re strong advocates with knowledge to boot. Don’t underestimate this group – they just might be the future of legalization.

Erin Goodwin

(Erin Goodwin/Twitter)

You might not know her name, but if you’re familiar with cannabis, and particularly with cannabis in Canada, you’ll surely recognize this lady from the now-iconic photo taken of a smiling Goodwin, holding up a peace sign, even in handcuffs. A co-owner of Cannabis Culture in Toronto, Goodwin was on staff when the first of many raids occurred on Queen Street.

Cannabis Culture is part of a franchise owned by Marc and Jodie Emery, known the Prince and Princess of Pot, who have committed to selling cannabis to anyone who is of legal age, regardless of whether or not they carry a medical cannabis authorization. Their commitment is in response to the Canadian administration’s declaration to legalize cannabis – eventually. Legalization is presumed to be on the horizon for this spring, but Cannabis Culture, along with Ms. Goodwin, will continue to defy the law in protest until the government changes its ways.

Stephanie Heart Viskovich

(Stephanie Heart Viskovich/Facebook)

Stephanie Viskovich is relatively new to the congressional scene, having run as a Libertarian candidate for Washington’s District 46a, but this media darling has been on the Washington cannabis scene for years. She was the Senior Founding Director for the Cannabis Action Coalition, co-founder of the Association for Safe Access Points, and a member of MJBA and WA NORML. Not only that, but this state-savvy cannabis activist was also the campaign manager for Initiative 1372, a measure designed to protect medical cannabis patients in the state of Washington during the transition from medical to adult-use. This tireless champion will continue to pursue cannabis rights – right into our cannabis-loving hearts.

Rick Steves

(Elaine Thompson/AP)

Everyone’s favorite travel guru has been a vehement supporter of cannabis legalization, even going so far as to contribute his own hard-earned cash to not only help his home state of Washington legalize, he forked over $100,000 to help the legalization campaign in Massachusetts. This handsome devil also set out on the road in Maine to spread the good word on cannabis, and he matched donations in the state dollar for dollar up to $50,000. As a dashing and debonair cannabis connoisseur, Mr. Steves has helped paved the way for legalization with class and grace.

Amanda Reiman

(Amanda Reiman/Facebook)

Amanda Reiman is a pillar of the cannabis community in the best possible way. She worked for the Drug Policy Alliance as the California Policy Manager, and served as Medical Cannabis Commission for the City of Berkeley.

Aside from being high on our list of canna-crushes, Ms. Reiman is an incredibly intelligent and accomplished lady. She has studied racial disparities in cannabis arrests, social benefits of legalized cannabis, controlled studies on the effects of medical marijuana, and her findings have been presented at conferences worldwide. Ms. Reiman is now on the education circuit, spreading her wealth of knowledge at UC Berkeley on Substance Abuse and LGBTQ Studies.

Earl Blumenauer

(Rick Bowmer/AP)

The squeaky-clean, Mr. Rogers-inspired look might not do it for everyone, but there’s no denying that this legislator is a champion for the cannabis cause. He has introduced countless bills to help shape cannabis policy in his home state of Oregon, and it was his influence that led the state to legalization. Clad in a bowtie and a bicycle pin, Blumenthal’s good-natured and inspired approach to sensible cannabis policy reform is enough to make any cannabis activist weak in the knees.

Wanda James

(Wanda James/Women Gro)

Wanda James seems an unlikely cannabis advocate. She is a former Navy Lieutenant and she served on President Obama’s 2008 Finance Committee. And then, in 2009, she and her husband opened the first-ever black-owned dispensary in Colorado.

James’ journey was inspired by a deeply personal motivation – her younger brother. She didn’t meet her brother until she was 35 years old, but discovered that he had been arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for the possession of 4.5 ounces of cannabis. He was just 17 years old, but he spent four long years picking cotton in Texas for the crime of cannabis possession. Ms. James was inspired to join the legalization fight and has already made history, and she’s definitely earned a place in our hearts.

George Zimmer

(Ben Margot/AP)

George Zimmer is easily the most well-dressed canna-cutie on our list. He was the spokesmen for the Men’s Wearhouse for 40 years, and with a perfectly tailored suit, we listened to his gravelly, pitch-perfect voice as he guaranteed us that we’re gonna like the way we look.

After a split with the company, Zimmer came forward with the revelation that he has been a cannabis enthusiast since the 1960’s and that cannabis helped him beat his alcohol addiction. Now he has joined the legalization movement, speaking at cannabis conferences about his experiences and donating to help legalization initiatives. This is one dapper chap we’d love to chill with – we guarantee it.

Elizabeth Warren

(J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Elizabeth Warren has been all over the news lately, and while her political views might be far from your own, there’s no denying that she has been a true defender of cannabis. She maintains that cannabis could help end the opioid crisis in America, and has repeatedly urged Congress to reform federal banking laws to allow cannabis businesses access to banking services.

With the new administration coming to town, Sen. Warren made it clear that she would not be backing down, asking tough questions of the new Head of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Tom Price. Her stance on cannabis legalization has evolved as well, from opposing outright legalization to recognizing the benefits and keeping an open mind. Considering this canna-crush may be a force to contend with in the coming years, it’s a good feeling having her on our side.