Tommy Chong Wants to Create Cannabis Business Brand

Tommy Chong served as a poster child for the marijuana movement back in the 1970s, and he still has sizable name recognition among cannabis users today.

Now, he’s aiming to make the leap from advocacy and cannabis-themed comedy to the business world by developing a national brand in the legal marijuana industry

According to Forbes, Chong wants to be “the Sam Walton of pot,” referring to the founder of Wal-Mart.

“We’ll be the Starbucks of pot, eventually,” Chong told Forbes.

Chong, most well-known for the comedic appearances with his partner Cheech Marin back in the 1960s and 70s, began exploring business opportunities earlier this year, when he signed an agreement with Colorado cannabis retailer Marisol Therapeutics. But he wants to go even bigger.

He’s now exploring an entire Cheech & Chong brand, and is in talks with a hedge fund, according to Forbes. And he already has several marijuana-related products already either on shelves or in the works, including a Chong Star cannabis blend, hemp-infused Chongwater, and a line of clothing wipes designed to eradicate the scent of marijuana smoke.