Steve DeAngelo is a globally recognized cannabis thought leader, activist, author, and entrepreneur. Dubbed the “Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry” by former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Steve has been instrumental in shaping the modern cannabis landscape over the past five decades. He co-founded pioneering ventures such as Harborside, one of the first six licensed dispensaries in the U.S.; The Arcview Group, the first cannabis investment network; and Steep Hill Labs, the first cannabis testing laboratory. In 2019, he founded the Last Prisoner Project, a leading advocacy organization dedicated to freeing cannabis prisoners. Steve continues to work on a wide range of political and commercial projects focused on spreading the cannabis plant and cannabis freedom to every nation and every person on the planet.
Steve DeAngelo
Cannabis Entrepreneur, Activist, and Author
NEWS & UPDATES
The One Plant Alliance: A New Way Forward for America’s Cannabis Future
Oakland, CA — November 13, 2025 — Today, a coalition of leaders from all cannabis sectors announces the One Plant Alliance, a unified alliance designed to heal the divisions that have fragmented America’s cannabis economy and to build one common sense, science-based regulatory future for all.
The One Plant Alliance proposes a single policy for regulating all industry sectors—Legacy, Licensed, and Hemp—anchored by three simple, universal principles:
- Age Verification for responsible access.
- Testing for purity and potency.
- Labeling for transparency and safety.
This pragmatic structure, known as the Three Golden Pillars, coupled with removing “marihuana” from the schedules, establishes a level playing field that can be adopted federally and by all fifty states without new bureaucracy or costly enforcement mechanisms. By creating one consistent standard for the regulation of all cannabis products (including hemp), we will protect public health, promote entrepreneurship, and restore fairness to small farmers and businesses across the country.
Learn more | Read the press release | Visit OnePlantAlliance.org.
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ABOUT STEVE
Steve DeAngelo is a guiding voice in the global cannabis and plant medicine movements, offering his experience as an elder statesman, trusted advisor, and cultural strategist. His recent endeavors emphasize international collaboration, ethical entrepreneurship, and cultural authenticity.
Global Cannabis & Cultural Advisory Work
Steve maintains a longstanding advisory role with the Rastafari Indigenous Village in Montego Bay, Jamaica—a respected cultural and ecological sanctuary. His collaboration includes a six-month residency and ongoing efforts to bridge traditional wisdom with the evolving cannabis and wellness industries.
He also advises the Global Psychedelic Society and supports various psychedelic and wellness-oriented initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on projects rooted in authenticity, community healing, and spiritual exploration.
Media, Education & Storytelling
Steve remains an in-demand speaker and educator, sharing insights from his decades of experience at the intersection of cannabis, culture, and justice. His media appearances include major platforms such as CNN, FOX, MSNBC, CNBC, The New York Times, and international outlets like Le Monde, Der Spiegel, and The London Times.
In December 2024, Steve joined his brother Andrew DeAngelo on the main stage at MJBizCon in Las Vegas for a keynote panel titled “From Weed Wars to High Hopes: A Pop Culture Journey from Legacy to Rescheduling.” The discussion, also featuring Slava and Mishka Ashbel, explored the evolution of cannabis from underground markets to mainstream acceptance, highlighting the brothers’ roles in shaping the industry’s trajectory. Read more here.
Previously, during the global pandemic, Steve hosted Radio Free Cannabis, a podcast that connected cannabis advocates worldwide, fostering dialogue on policy strategies and visions for a post-prohibition era.
Strategic Guidance for Ethical Ventures
Steve advises a select group of cannabis and plant-based businesses that align with his values of justice, integrity, and social impact. He seeks partnerships that bring meaningful value to ethical, socially relevant ventures, with a particular interest in projects led by legacy operators, Indigenous communities, and next-generation entrepreneurs.
Through all his work, Steve remains committed to his original mission:
to bring the cannabis plant and cannabis freedom to every nation and every person on the planet.
One Acre Myth
About Steve
Dubbed “the father of the legal industry” by former Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown
Steve Speaks!
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