The number of marijuana-friendly states in America is steadily growing, with Canada becoming the second country to fully legalise cannabis. Considering the local developments that have made the personal use of marijuana legal, it may be time to start investigating the profitability of a cannabis company, like these celebrities did.

Cannabis stocks are also skyrocketing, in 2016 the cannabis stock index grew by 236%, according to Viridian Capital Advisors, a financial advisory firm specialising in the marijuana industry. A new report from New Frontier Data reveals that the legal cannabis market will create more than a quarter million jobs in the USA by 2020.

Forbes also reports that in 2016, the legal cannabis market was worth $7.2 billion, and is projected to grow 17% year-on-year, resulting in a $13.3 billion in medicinal marijuana and $11.2 billion in adult recreational sales by 2020.

Here are the 11 celebrities that saw this trend coming and have invested in the lucrative marijuana industry:

1. Bob Marley
2. Whoopi Goldberg
3. Mike Tyson
4. Woody Harrelson
5. Wiz Khalifa
6. Gene Simmons
7. Willie Nelson
8. The Game
9. Richard Branson
10. Snoop Dogg
11. Melissa Etheridge

Nataniël le Roux

Local celebrity

Since his solo career launch in 1987, the prolific Nataniël le Roux has released over 15 albums, published 14 books and staged over 60 original theatre shows.

The Kaalkop

Kaalkop columns

Nataniël’s honesty in his Kaalkop columns in Sarie magazine over the past 10 years have caused the readers to see him in a new light. His new book Kaalkop 3 combines 54 of his articles from Sarie with new recipes to try out.

Kaalkop Studio

Kaalkop Studio

Kaalkop Studio, Nataniël’s lifestyle retail company, has recently expanded its beauty range to paper products made from recycled paper and sustainable sources. In addition to its luxurious beauty range, the outlet also sells necklaces, items for the kitchen and Kaalkop coffee.

Nataniël is also the manager of his own recording label, Nataniël House Of Music.

Child Welfare South Africa

Nataniel Child Welfare South Africa

Nataniël is not only one of SA’s leading performers, he is also a firm advocate of children’s rights. He has been working with Child Welfare South Africa as one of its high profile ambassadors, working tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for CWSA.

He has also started his own charity called The Nataniel Progress Project.

Die Nataniël Tafel

Die Nataniël Tafel

His show on kykNET!, Die Nataniël Tafel, keeps viewers riveted with witticisms and food fit for a king, stories full of flavour and food for special occasions. Nataniël’s passion for good food comes from a very young age.

Originally inspired by a grandmother with a true love for the kitchen, and later nurtured by his friendhips with several South African food personalities and favourite chefs, his cooking and entertainment skills are legendary.

And last but not least, who can forget Nataniël’s extremely funny advertisements for a retail chain with chef Gordon Ramsay?

Next Slideshow: Gordon Ramsay: Controversial but Successful

We take a brief look at one of the world’s greatest chefs. Click Here

Work with the best, to be the best

PC: urbansplatter.com

If you want to become a great chef, you have to work with great chefs. And that’s exactly what I did.

What is your next cow?

PC: asianfoodchannel.com

I don’t like looking back. I’m always constantly looking forward. I’m not the one to sort of sit and cry over spilt milk. I’m too busy looking for the next cow.

Look at your passion

PC: amahighlights.com

I still love football and I think cooking is like football. It’s not a job, it’s a passion. When you become good at it, it’s a dream job and financially you need never to worry. Ever.

Game Over – Thanks for playing

PC: thejustist.files.wordpress.com

The minute you start compromising for the sake of massaging somebody’s ego, that’s it, game over.

Push yourself to the extreme

PC: thedailymeal

As a soccer player, I wanted an FA Cup winner’s medal. As an actor you want an Oscar. As a chef it’s three-Michelin’s stars, there’s no greater than that. So pushing yourself to the extreme creates a lot of pressure and a lot of excitement, and more importantly, it shows on the plate.

Stay on track

Stay fit!

The pressure on young chefs today is far greater than ever before in terms of social skills, marketing skills, cooking skills, personality and, more importantly, delivering on the plate. You need to be strong. Physically fit. So my chefs get weighed every time they come into the kitchen.

Next Slideshow: Chef Benny Masekwameng: A Master of His Trade

Chef Benny Masekwameng is a homegrown South African celebrity chef who hails from Alexandra township. Find Out More About His Success Here.