Steve DeAngelo

The Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry and Pioneering Cannabis Activist

Steve DeAngelo, often referred to as the “father of the legal cannabis industry,” is a towering figure in the cannabis movement, whose decades-long fight for legalisation and social justice has made him a global icon for cannabis reform. His career spans activism, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, making him one of the most influential voices in reshaping society’s view of cannabis.

Early Life and Roots in Activism

Born in Philadelphia in 1958, DeAngelo’s journey into activism began early. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, particularly the anti-Vietnam War protests and the burgeoning civil rights movement. As a result, DeAngelo viewed cannabis not only as a symbol of peace and rebellion but also as a personal remedy for stress and self-exploration. Consequently, his political consciousness grew in parallel with his use of the plant, which further solidified his belief in the need for drug policy reform.

Oaksterdam and Harborside: Business Meets Activism

One of DeAngelo’s major contributions to the cannabis industry was his groundbreaking work with Harborside, a medical cannabis dispensary he co-founded in 2006 in Oakland, California. Harborside became one of the largest and most respected cannabis dispensaries in the world, offering high-quality products and promoting safe access to medical cannabis for patients in need. What set Harborside apart was its focus on education, patient care, and transparency in an industry that was often forced to operate in the shadows.

But Harborside wasn’t just a business. For DeAngelo, it was a platform to further his activism. Under his leadership, Harborside fought a highly publicised legal battle with the federal government, which attempted to shut down the dispensary despite California’s legal stance on medical marijuana. This fight, which lasted for years, highlighted the ongoing clash between federal prohibition and state-level legalisation. DeAngelo’s victory in court became a turning point for the cannabis industry, giving hope to many entrepreneurs and patients that cannabis reform could withstand legal challenges.

Through Harborside, DeAngelo also emphasised the role of cannabis as a medicine, advocating for its therapeutic benefits long before it became widely accepted in mainstream medical circles. He helped destigmatize its use, particularly for patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, and other serious conditions.

Thought Leader and Author

DeAngelo is also a prolific speaker and author, using his voice to spread the message of cannabis reform far beyond California. His book, The Cannabis Manifesto: A New Paradigm for Wellness, published in 2015, articulates his vision for a world where cannabis is embraced as a tool for health and wellness rather than criminalised. In the book, he lays out arguments for why cannabis should be viewed as a wellness supplement and offers practical advice on safe, responsible usage. Like his public speaking, DeAngelo’s writing is steeped in decades of experience and activism, combining passionate advocacy with well-reasoned arguments for reform.

Through his public appearances and interviews, DeAngelo has addressed the social, economic, and medicinal implications of cannabis legalisation. He argues for the need to centre social justice in legalisation efforts, ensuring that communities most harmed by prohibition are given a stake in the legal market. He believes that the cannabis industry should be more than just profit-driven; it should be rooted in ethical values that prioritise patient care, environmental sustainability, and racial equity.

Co-founding The Last Prisoner Project

DeAngelo is a prominent figure in the cannabis industry and a committed advocate for criminal justice reform. He co-founded the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit organisation that works to free individuals incarcerated for cannabis-related offences.

Despite the widespread legalisation of cannabis for medical and recreational use across several U.S. states, thousands of people remain imprisoned for acts that are no longer considered crimes in those jurisdictions. DeAngelo’s efforts through the Last Prisoner Project emphasise addressing the racial and social injustices of the War on Drugs, advocating for clemency, record expungement, and broader social equity in cannabis law reform.

Legacy and Continuing Advocacy

Steve DeAngelo’s legacy is inseparable from the modern cannabis movement. His entrepreneurial ventures, activism, and commitment to social justice have had an enormous influence on the way cannabis is viewed and regulated today. As cannabis continues its global march toward legalisation, DeAngelo remains a vital voice, calling for an industry that is inclusive, fair, and committed to healing the harms caused by decades of prohibition.

DeAngelo’s vision extends beyond simply changing laws—he seeks to reshape culture, heal social wounds, and create a world where cannabis is celebrated for its positive impact on human wellness and creativity. His efforts have ensured that the cannabis industry will always be tied to a broader social mission, and his work continues to inspire activists, patients, and entrepreneurs alike.

Committed To Change

Steve DeAngelo’s role as a cannabis activist is unmatched in scope and impact. His tireless work has helped transform cannabis from a stigmatised plant into a legitimate medical treatment and wellness tool. Whether through his legal battles, his dispensary work, or his advocacy for prisoners, DeAngelo has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that cannabis is a force for good in society. His work has not only shaped the modern cannabis industry but has also left an indelible mark on the broader fight for social justice and human rights.