When PuraPhy launched in 2019, we were determined to be a different kind of destination covering CBD, hemp, functional mushrooms and other plant-based products: We wanted to have a point of view. Thus, The PuraPhy 20 concept was born.
The PuraPhy 20 is a ranked list of individuals who fit in different categories who—right now—wield significant influence in the world of CBD be it with consumers, businesses, governmental officials, regulatory agencies or others. PuraPhy believes that to hold genuine power is to have the ability to persuade and influence wide swaths of relevant stakeholders. The PuraPhy 20’s categories will include celebrities, politicians, athletes, scientists, influencers and more.
The inaugural list ranked some of the biggest celebrity CBD pioneers and placed them accordingly to just how influential they had been in shaping public opinion about the use of CBD. Surprisingly, only six celebrities who made the list in 2019 have made 2021’s roster of celebrity CBD influencers. And, yes, Kim Kardashian made the cut, but the famous personalities who use—and persuade millions of others to—love CBD is as eclectic as one might expect.
BY RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA
There’s a pretty solid argument to be made that the family business affiliated with the Marley name isn’t necessarily reggae music. You see, Bob Marley, the certified Jamaican reggae deity and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame first-ballot honoree, was equally known for (unlike Bill Clinton) inhaling—quite a bit, actually. So, it can’t come as any sort of surprise to anyone that several members of Marley’s family have taken up the alternative family business, that is creating cannabis and CBD brands.
Nico Marley, the legend’s grandson, is CEO of CBD brand Lion X. The former player for the NFL’s Washington Football Team exclusively told PuraPhy just how his journey led him to launch Lion X.
“As most people must know, herb is a part of my family history,” Nico said. “We’ve been using herb as a healing method for decades. My grandfather said years ago, ‘Herb is the healing of the nation,’ and my family has lived by that saying ever since. My father would always say if you’re going to use the plant, make sure you use it for the right reasons—not just smoke to get high—but to connect to your mind, body, and soul. I started using CBD as a way to boost overall wellness, as well as something that would help me physically recover from my games. Football takes a lot out of you, even while practicing, and I wanted to consume and use natural products for recovery. I then created Lion X, a CBD brand that incorporates a modern evolution of my family’s philosophies and my passions for the game, performance, and overall wellness.”
Similarly, Julian Marley, the icon’s son, not only became a two-time Grammy-nominated reggae artist, but he, too, launched his own herbaceous brand, JuJu Royal (the three CBD tinctures available are mango, mint, and pineapple).
Can you imagine what Thanksgiving at the Marley household is like? Steel drums, anyone?
**The PuraPhy 20 is meant to illustrate the individual’s public statements about CBD and in no way states or implies any medical benefits from such use.