Latin America is currently undergoing a cannabis revolution that is not only transforming societal attitudes but is also resonating in the music industry. Numerous artists across the region are using their platforms to share diverse views on cannabis, highlighting its benefits and advocating for legalization, mirroring a shift in the public opinion.

Latin America has long witnessed a varied response towards cannabis, from acceptance and ceremonial use to prohibition and profound stigma. But with the growing awareness of the plant's potential benefits for healthcare and the economy, the narrative is indeed changing.

As attitudes evolve, the music landscape in Latin America is concurrently adapting. Cumbia 420 and trap music genres, propelled by artists endorsing cannabis, are on the rise, playing an instrumental role in dismantling the existing stigma around its use. In this context, a growing number of Latin musicians are becoming active participants in this cannabis revolution, expressing their views on the herb and its benefits through lyrics, interviews and social media.

Weed And Music In Latin America

Exploring this intersection of music and marijuana reveals the complex role of cannabis in today's Latin American culture. These musicians' voices underscore the potential of popular culture to effect meaningful societal change, as they champion the cause of cannabis legalization.

Utra-viral Brazilian singer-songwriter Anitta has expressed her support for the legalization of cannabis, critiquing the war on drugs and advocating for the taxation of cannabis companies. She has candidly remarked, "Banning drugs does not stop people from using them." This sentiment resonated with Alemán, a renowned Mexican rapper, who in an interview with Forbes, highlighted the medicinal virtues of cannabis and its capacity to generate economic growth and employment opportunities.

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Adding to the chorus, Puerto Rican artist Ozuna has championed the use of medical cannabis, underscoring its potential to improve healthcare and provide relief for individuals battling serious conditions like cancer and rheumatic pain. Likewise, Venezuelan rapper Akapellah has openly challenged the stigma surrounding cannabis use, advocating for its legalization and praising its medicinal, therapeutic and recreational applications.

Marcelo D2, another prominent Brazilian musician and long-time cannabis supporter, sees legalization as a means to rectify a historical error, specifically referring to the War on Drugs. Similarly, Argentine musician La Valenti, a cancer survivor, has called cannabis "a lifesaver," mitigating the debilitating side effects of her chemotherapy treatments.

Adding a unique perspective to the narrative, Argentine rapper Homer el Mero Mero, who has developed his own cannabis strain, has framed marijuana as a lifestyle rather than a drug. For him, cannabis serves both recreational and medicinal purposes, offering tranquility in his life. In the same vein, Trueno, another Argentine rapper, expressed his preference for natural substances like cannabis over synthetic products during an appearance on a late-night Spanish TV show. As this diversity of voices exemplifies, Latin musicians are not just echoing, but shaping the conversation about cannabis, reflecting its multifaceted role in health, economy, culture and lifestyle.

The Latin American cannabis market is ripe with potential, even though current sales figures remain relatively modest. Puerto Rico, for example, leads with an impressive $250 million in estimated annual medical cannabis sales, far outpacing Brazil's sales, which are estimated to be around $37.1 million in 2022 — per Prohibition Partners. Despite having a population size 65 times smaller, Puerto Rico's sales are more than six times that of Brazil's.

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Other markets, including Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, also lag behind with their 2022 estimated sales amounting to about $7.7 million, $3.5 million, and $6.8 million, respectively. However, the sales across Latin America are projected to surge nearly fivefold, hitting over $404 million by 2026, indicating a promising future.

Anticipating the market boom, a noteworthy array of Latin musicians are not only advocating for cannabis but are also venturing into the cannabis business space, signaling the growing cultural and economic significance of cannabis in the region. As these diverse voices continue to shape the conversation about cannabis, it's clear that its multifaceted role in health, economy, culture, and lifestyle will only continue to evolve.

So, today, we’ll take a look at 9 Latin musicians who have not only advocated for cannabis but have also ventured into the cannabis business space.

Akapellah

Akapellah, renowned for his remarkable influence within the Latin hip-hop scene, has skillfully transcended borders with his music, which beautifully interweaves Latin culture and universal hip-hop themes. Hailing from Maracay, Venezuela, this exceptional artist, born Pedro Elias Aquino, enchants audiences with his striking lyricism and powerful delivery. His music, laden with poignant social critiques and profound street wisdom, is a testament to Latin America's dynamic urban scene.

Aside from his thriving music career, Akapellah has also carved a niche in the cannabis industry, creating his own line of cannabis seeds. This venture was spurred by his fervent passion for cannabis and its genetics. Committed to meeting the preferences of his fans and other cannabis enthusiasts, he meticulously engineered a strain with medicinal benefits and an intensely soothing experience.

The strain, dubbed O.B.G. Kush, is a heavy indica-dominant variety, specifically designed to induce relaxation and aid sleep, thus providing a potential solution for insomnia and muscle disorders. Rich in CBD, it's "highly" medicinal, but also a perfect companion for those yearning to unwind during movie time. This distinctive strain defies typical commercial tactics, focusing on relaxation over energy boosts, mirroring Akapellah's relentless pursuit to challenge stereotypes and blaze new trails in music and the cannabis industry.

Expanding his burgeoning portfolio in the cannabis sphere, Akapellah recently launched his brand of pre-rolled joints in the U.S. market, aptly called, Los Porros de Don Pedro. In an exclusive scoop on El Planteo, the rapper revealed that these premium pre-rolls are the result of a collaboration between Latino-owned and operated delivery service Yerba de la Buena and O.B.G., Akapellah's own crew. Sold exclusively at Yerba de la Buena, each pack includes five half-gram indoor-grown flower joints, free from any unwanted sticks or stems, encased in rice paper cones for a slow burn and maximum flavor fidelity.

Original Juan

Dominican rap artist, Original Juan, has consistently stretched the boundaries of the rap game. With his unique approach to old-school hip-hop, his music elegantly straddles traditional and modern sounds, crafting a mesmerizing amalgamation of Latin and Spanish influences.

Exploring avenues beyond the music industry, Original Juan extended his creative reach by launching Green Tiger, his signature cannabis strain. Developed in partnership with BSF Seeds, this strain embodies Original Juan's unique character, bred from an elite clone of Early Skunk x Skunk P90, crossed with a fast-flowering variety to expedite plant growth.

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Reflecting Original Juan's indomitable spirit, Green Tiger offers impressive yields in a remarkably brief span. This hardy strain, robust even in severe climates, can deliver astounding indoor yields, reaching nearly 600 grams per square meter in six weeks under optimal conditions. With its pine-like structure, it resists fungi and thrives in damp environments. An enticing concoction of sweet, fruity flavors, this Indica-dominant strain also boasts medicinal benefits, potentially alleviating issues like insomnia, muscle pain, migraines, and eating disorders.

Connie Isla

Connie Isla, a versatile artist from Argentina, captures hearts with her harmonious fusion of pop, folk, Tango and Latin rhythms. Her enchanting vocals and thought-provoking lyrics act as a powerful voice for environmental awareness, making her a beloved icon in Latin America's conscious music movement. Her music embodies the aspirations of a generation seeking to blend art and activism, indicating the dawn of a fresh era in Latin music.

Adding another feather to her cap, Connie has launched a line of natural cosmetics incorporating CBD, a primary medicinal component of the cannabis plant. Developed in collaboration with Future Farm Hemp Argentina, this innovative skincare line leverages the benefits of CBD with an aim to revolutionize the global cosmetics industry.

Connie shared her excitement over this venture, stating, "I've always loved being an entrepreneur, but this is something I've wanted to do for a long time." The result is NEM, a collection of three CBD products, embodying the skin-enhancing benefits of CBD. It interacts with the skin's endocannabinoid system, acting as a conditioning agent and carrying antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, addressing issues like dryness, inflammation and free radical damage.

All NEM products maintain top international quality and environmental standards, being cruelty-free, paraben-free, vegan and hypoallergenic. Staying true to Connie's ethos, the brand pledges to donate 5% of every NEM product sale to Cascos Verdes, an NGO promoting the inclusion of individuals with diverse intellectual capabilities.

Nitro

Nitro, a formidable presence in Latin freestyle rap, has made a significant impact on the global rap scene with his captivating ability to craft impromptu freestyle verses. Hailing from Chile, his raw, unvarnished style resonates with fans across the globe, solidifying his status among Latin America's rising hip-hop talents.

Venturing into a new arena, Nitro launched his own cannabis strain, Nitro Haze Femnized, which was developed by BSF Seeds as well. This hybrid, a cross between Lebron Haze and Black Dómina 98, predominantly sativa, can reach a THC content of up to 21%. This strain captivates with its unique flavor, reminiscent of meringue and lemon.

Notable for its speedy flowering and ease of cultivation, Nitro Haze can yield up to 600 grams per square meter indoors and as much as 700 grams per plant outdoors. Its cultivation characteristics make it an ideal choice for the Scrog technique. Under low temperatures, it may even develop intriguing blue and violet hues. Nitro suggests that his strain could serve as a potential solution for those grappling with appetite issues or chronic pain.

L-Gante

L-Gante, an innovative force in the Argentine music scene, has established himself as a trendsetter, breaking boundaries with his distinctive fusion of cumbia, reggaeton and trap, dubbed Cumbia 420. His musical style echoes the evolving dynamics of Latin America's music scene, merging tradition with modernity in a unique fashion that is unmistakably L-Gante.

Staying true to his reputation for innovation, L-Gante has launched his line of cannabis seeds in collaboration with Champions Seeds. This new venture features two feminized seed strains: a Sativa strain, Mafilia, and an indica strain, Cumbia 420.

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Known as an ardent ambassador of cannabis culture, L-Gante's music and public discourse proudly champion recreational marijuana use. His creation of the Cumbia 420 genre emerged as a melange of cumbia, reggaeton, and marijuana —essentially using the plant as a muse. Besides advocating for recreational use, he also promotes the medicinal properties of cannabis. Unperturbed by the criticisms stemming from his open marijuana consumption, L-Gante is dedicated to learning and spreading accurate information about its use, stating, "I am young and I want to learn, we need to educate ourselves to spread the word about this."

Homer El Mero Mero

Argentina's urban Latin music scene has found another rising star in Homer El Mero Mero, famed for his unique blend of rhythm and narrative encapsulating the vibrancy of Latin American culture. His collaborations, like "Titubeo," with L-Gante, highlight his unique musical style

During his travels through Barcelona, Madrid and Amsterdam in pursuit of the ideal cannabis strain, Homer initially believed he would never find the perfect cultivar. He engaged with a myriad of people, visited clubs and associations, and experienced various strains, but none hit the mark. However, in Barcelona, an encounter with a representative from Seedstockers led to a breakthrough realization. Homer recognized the need for his unique cannabis strain, one that would resonate with people globally.

This revelation sparked the creation of La Rucu Cucu, a product of diligent sample testing and an exploratory journey with the orange squirrel. With support from Seedstockers and Ojitos Rojos, Homer's cannabis dream materialized in February 2022. The strain's unveiling at the Gran Rex theatre in Argentina to a sold-out crowd was met with thunderous applause and palpable excitement. Inspired by this success, Homer began to explore the possibility of crafting another strain, a testament to his profound passion for cannabis. He describes La Rucu Cucu as a blend of OG Kush and Tangie, characterized by distinct flavor, delicious orange taste and a robust high, offering a balanced and pleasurable smoking experience. For Homer, this journey isn't merely commercial: it's a profound part of his life, a way to honor the plant that has given him so much.

Arcángel

Born to Dominican parents in New York, Arcángel has left an indelible mark on the reggaeton landscape. His compelling fusion of reggaeton and trap, underlined by his remarkable lyrical prowess, has cemented his standing in Latin music as one of the top luminaries in the space.

Extending his sphere of influence beyond the music realm, Arcángel recently launched his new line of cannabis flowers and products, Portobello, in association with Puerto Rico's Buds dispensaries. Arcángel has openly shared his personal experience of using cannabis to manage his long-standing anxiety, stating, "I’ve always been a very anxious person. Cannabis doesn't necessarily remove it, but it helps me deal with these anxieties."

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Arcángel advocates for the medicinal benefits of cannabis as well, emphasizing its potential to maintain a relaxed physical and mental state. In addition to this, he underscores the employment opportunities that the cannabis industry offers, pushing for an educated perspective on medicinal cannabis. He passionately believes that promoting cannabis education and advocating for more flexible regulations can help "get kids off the streets". Inspired by countries where legalization has led to a decrease in crime, he asserts that adopting lenient policies could bring similar transformations in Puerto Rico.

The La Planta

The La Planta, a beloved music band from Uruguay, has garnered significant recognition over time. Its expansive musical repertoire includes about 50 songs that have consistently topped the Uruguayan music charts, exemplifying its immense popularity.

Venturing beyond its musical prowess, The La Planta recently launched its own line of cannabis called Cumbia "Una Vela." This strain is a remarkable hybrid, showcasing dark green buds tinged with violet hues, generously coated with trichomes and crystals.

Known for offering a relaxing and highly creative experience, Cumbia "Una Vela" should be indulged in moderation to avoid deep relaxation that might result in a cozy rendezvous with your bed, the band jokes. Alongside its captivating effects, this strain is also known to enhance flavors, turning simple snacks into delightful treats. With three phenotypes within the same genotype and adaptability to humid climates, the strain has become a must-have for savvy cultivators in Latin America. Derived from Raspberry Kush x Girl Scout Cookies, it offers a peach-kush flavor with kiwi undertones and is ready for harvest by mid-autumn.

Marcelo D2

Born in São Cristóvão and a resident of Madureira, Marcelo Maldonado Peixoto, best known as Marcelo D2, is not only a musician who has created one of Brazil's most influential rock bands but is also renowned as the "most famous cannabis user in Brazil." In 1997, he was arrested for "promoting drug use," but this charge didn't stick – his victory wasn't accidental. Today, D2 stands as a significant voice for thousands of cannabis enthusiasts in the country.

Marcelo D2's connection to cannabis is profound and long-standing. With the recent launch of his cannabis-based product line, D2 takes another bold step in this journey. Collaborating with the Paraguayan company Koba, Marcelo introduced three CBD full spectrum oils, formulated using the full plant extract. This venture not only solidifies him as a leading entrepreneur in the industry but also makes him the first artist in Brazil to introduce a cannabis product line under his name.

Besides the CBD oils, D2 also unveiled "Universo D2" earlier this year. This marketplace seeks to bridge the gap between the general populace and the burgeoning world of cannabis in Brazil, providing a platform to showcase various products, services, news, and events related to the industry. Marcelo's vision for Universo D2 is crystal clear: he envisions it as a hub that aggregates brand-value and innovative ideas.

Having witnessed the ramifications of prohibition firsthand before rising to fame with the music group Planet Hemp, Marcelo believes that marijuana legalization should first address the historical injustices. Reflecting on the global mistakes around cannabis criminalization, he emphasizes the need for reparation, pointing out the precedent set by regions like Colorado, which prioritizes those who've suffered due to stringent drug laws.

It’s Spelled ‘Marihuana’

The narrative of Latin music artists endorsing cannabis is deeply intertwined with the word's Latin roots, where "marijuana" is spelled "marihuana." Throughout history, this plant has evolved from being a resourceful crop to a contentious drug, and now, a harbinger of potential health and economic benefits. This evolution reflects in the engagement of Latin artists with cannabis, not just as a source of inspiration, but as a resource for societal growth and change.

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Latin musicians are helping to drive a revolution in attitudes towards this historically controversial plant. They are utilizing their platforms to advocate for cannabis' benefits, capitalizing on its potential in ways that transcend traditional boundaries. From developing cannabis strains to infusing their music with a strong message for change, they are actively shaping the evolving cannabis culture.

These artists demonstrate how their art and advocacy for cannabis intersect, creating a powerful synergy that drives social change. By doing so, they are not only contributing to the evolution of Latin music but also redefining the discourse surrounding cannabis. Their involvement in the cannabis industry is about more than just business; it's about utilizing the power of their art to dismantle stereotypes, reshape public perception, and encourage informed conversations about cannabis. They are proof that music and cannabis are more than just shared passions; they are catalysts for progress and societal transformation.

* All artist pictures came from courtesy images, except for Marcelo D2’s, which was taken from WikiMedia Commons.