Since the early 2000s, social media has increasingly dominated our daily lives. A decade later, the rise of social media influencers transformed a casual pastime into a viable career path. Platforms like Instagram have shifted from simple tools for sharing life moments and connecting with friends to robust advertising platforms. What began with IG models has evolved into meticulously crafted business pages. Unlike Facebook and TikTok, Instagram takes a more informational, yet sophisticated approach, emphasizing hashtags to target niche interests. Businesses have seized Instagram as a free advertising space to showcase sales and promote new products. However within a decade, social media influencer marketing would become pivotal in advertising.

 

 

Influencer marketing emerged as a trusted way to connect brands with niche audiences, akin to personalized Yelp reviews. Influencers or Brand Ambassadors, though not personally known, became figures followers engaged with intimately. This personal connection naturally influenced consumer preferences. Unlike overt ads, these influencers showcased products in their daily lives, sharing genuine experiences and encouraging followers to try them.

As the industry grew, so did the number of influencers and vloggers motivated solely by profit, rather than authentic product endorsement. Recognizing the profitability of genuine reviews, companies established dedicated departments for brand ambassadors. These teams scoured the internet for influencers aligned with their brand values—fitness enthusiasts for supplement companies, fashion-savvy individuals for apparel brands, and lifestyle influencers for spas and services.
Today, transparency is paramount, with companies and platforms requiring influencers to disclose paid partnerships or advertisements.

 

Here are the top five Instagram influencers we recommend following.

Steve.deangelo

 photo source: ganja-preneur

Steve DeAngelo, founder of the Last Prisoner Project, cannabis activist, author, and a pivotal figure in the legal cannabis industry, is the son of civil and women's rights activists. His Instagram page is dedicated to addressing injustices within the cannabis industry. Established in 2015, Steve's page may not have the polished look of others mentioned in this article, but it compensates with rich informational content.

Follow Steve as he navigates the dynamic world of the cannabis community through photos and videos, featuring notable figures like Andrew DeAngelo, his co-founder at the Last Prisoner Project. Steve's page prominently showcases his advocacy work with the Last Prisoner Project, highlighting individuals the nonprofit has assisted in their legal battles, updates on ongoing cases, and efforts to raise awareness about the injustices stemming from cannabis-related convictions.

Unlike many influencers who shy away from controversial topics, Steve addresses difficult issues head-on, such as the detention of basketball player Brittney Griner in Russia in 2022. Yet, his focus extends beyond critique, highlighting positive stories like that of Adhara, a 10-year-old aspiring NASA astronaut with an exceptional IQ managed with a CBD formula from Oaxaca highland indigenous communities, aiding her in managing Asperger's Syndrom.

Steve DeAngelo's Instagram provides a comprehensive view of his efforts to reform the cannabis industry, advocate for affected individuals, and spotlight inspiring stories that showcase the potential of cannabis in various contexts.

 

Emily Kyle

@emilykylenutrition

Photo Source: emilykylenutrition.com

 Emily Kyle, author, cannabis influencer & educator, licensed NY hemp farmer, dedicated mother, and wife, launched her Instagram page to chronicle her journey out of the cannabis closet, as stated on her website, emilykylenutrition.com. This cannabis educator advocates for using cannabis to support a holistic lifestyle, addressing topics from stress and anxiety management to clean eating.

Emily's professionally curated page, established in 2017, blends personal insights with her entrepreneurial endeavors. It documents her path from college dropout to six-figure cannabis entrepreneur, backed by her Master of Science degree, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, and healthcare expertise.

Occasionally, Emily shares moments with her family of four, including her husband and two children. The Kyle family invests time in their business, from hemp harvesting on their farm to nationwide travel for fresh harvest events. Despite her partner's initial skepticism, Emily celebrates living her dream life.

To explore more about Emily Kyle Nutrition and her published cookbooks, visit the link in her bio on Instagram. We recommend following Emily and her journey, particularly for those dealing with thyroid or other health issues. Emily excels in explaining product differences, providing how-tos, and offering recipes accessible to all.

 

Alice & Clark

Thathighcouple

photo source: MG Magazine-"That High Couple mg magazine"

 

Based in Seattle, this canna-couple shares their journey through life and the highs they experience together. Their joint account serves as a photo time capsule, dating back to 2016 with the first image featuring Alice and Clark seated on a couch beside their black cat, Indie, white-walling a waterpipe. Their page offers a vibrant portrayal of their elevated lifestyle, exploring new places and advocating for cannabis.Follow along as Alice and Clark take you through their adventures, from everyday activities like Valentine's Day picnics and attending the 2016 Cannabis Cup in SoCal with freebie-catching nets in hand, to more exotic pursuits like jeeping in Hawaii, snorkeling, and hiking across the USA.

The couple embraces festivities,bringing you alongside the couple to danksgivings, festive red and green water in their christmas pieces, birthday trips, even their wedding day where Alice looks to have a bouquet of red and pink roses with cannabis buds sprinkled throughout.  

Known for their trendy, hipster style, Alice and Clark showcase products like the Levo oil infuser, the Burn Bag by Edie Parker, and the Sweethearts Box from Stay Stillzy, complete with edibles, flower, prerolls, and swag. Their profile is aimed toward entertainment with a strong advocacy for cannabis, featuring milestone moments and Alice's favorite ashtray collection.Follow their journey for a glimpse into a lifestyle that blends adventure, celebration, and a passion for cannabis advocacy.

 

Photo Source:City Pulse

Renowned rapper, actor, and canna-entrepreneur Wiz Khalifa curates a verified Instagram page primarily centered around his rap lifestyle. In the music industry, particularly within rap, the connection to cannabis is deeply ingrained, as evidenced by the numerous photos of Wiz Khalifa with a preroll in hand. Amidst showcasing lavish cars, stylish studio setups, gym sessions, and glimpses into his personal life, cannabis prominently features throughout. Taking his passion for cannabis to new heights, Wiz Khalifa launched Khalifa Kush, his own cannabis company, which later expanded into the development of the Wiz Khalifa Weed Farm app. This innovative app allows users to cultivate their cannabis empire, merging entertainment with entrepreneurial spirit.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Wiz Khalifa shares personal milestones on his Instagram, offering followers a glimpse into his life. Recently, he celebrated the joyous occasion of welcoming a new baby girl with Aimee Aguilar, captured in a heartfelt snippet from their baby shower in 2024.Wiz Khalifa's Instagram not only reflects his rap career and entrepreneurial ventures but also provides insights into his personal life and the profound influence of cannabis on his journey.