Tommy Chong Wants to Be Walmart of Marijuana

 

 

 

In the Wild West that is the emerging legal cannabis sector, one thing is missing so far: A recognizable brand name. Tommy Chong aims to change that.

 

The 76-year-old veteran of stoner-comedy duo Cheech and Chong has lent his endorsement to several pot-related products already — his Chong Star brand cannabis blend debuts in Colorado next week, there’s hemp-infused Chongwater in the works, and he’s also getting buzz for his line of clothing wipes that remove that telltale pot reek. More products bearing Chong’s likeness are on the way, he says, possibly including a “Chongrola” joint rolling machine that’ll make his signature giant-sized spliffs, from Amsterdam-based Futurola.

 

Chong is also setting up operations in California.

 

In a phone interview with Forbes earlier this week, Chong revealed he’s in talks with a hedge fund about investment in a Cheech & Chong pot brand, and seeing nibbles of interest from other parties as well.

 

The Los Angeles-based comedian does seem perfectly positioned to be the face of legal pot. His experiences with weed are the stuff of legend.