Pot Culture

The Barbados Babe

Rihanna’s Impact on Music and Cannabis Culture

By Katie Hassell

Roberta, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You might know her from her iconic song “Umbrella,” but there’s so much more to her! Guinness World Records recognizes Rihanna as the best-selling female recording artist of the 21st century. She has truly made her mark in music history. Rihanna is also an accomplished businesswoman, actress, and philanthropist dedicated to making a difference.

Rihanna has passionately advocated for marijuana. While some celebrities keep their use on the down-low, Rihanna has always been open about it, making it a natural part of her lifestyle and brand. From being photographed rolling up or smoking blunts to sharing cannabis-themed posts on social media, Rihanna has helped to challenge old stigmas—especially for women in the entertainment industry. She has successfully shown that enjoying cannabis doesn’t hinder success at all.

Although she hasn’t officially launched a cannabis line just yet, her influence in this space is significant. Rihanna is helping to normalize cannabis culture, particularly for Black women, and is paving the way for exciting future business opportunities.

Quick Points

Record-Breaking Artist – Rihanna has sold over 250 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Fenty Empire – She founded Fenty Beauty in 2017, revolutionizing the beauty industry with its inclusive shade range.
Bajan Roots – Born in Barbados, Rihanna incorporates Caribbean influences into her music, especially in hits like Work and Rude Boy.
Philanthropy Queen – Through her Clara Lionel Foundation, she has funded education and emergency relief efforts worldwide.
First Billionaire Female Musician – Thanks to her businesses, Rihanna became the wealthiest female musician, with a net worth exceeding $1 billion.