Long-time listeners know that my favorite rock group is KISS. As a fan, I know that Gene Simmons of KISS has long railed against drug and alcohol use. But Gene has changed his mind on marijuana use for health reasons. And the reason why won't surprise you: money.
In fact, Gene is now saying he was "completely wrong" about marijuana's benefits in the past.
At a recent cannabis investor conference in Toronto, Simmons, who has long said he's never tried pot in his life, said, "cannabis, in its various forms, is actually gonna help people." Simmons' changing views could have something to do with his new position as "chief evangelist officer" at Canadian cannabis and fertilizer company Invictus.
Simmons, ever colorful, explained the choice to back cannabis use this way: "When you go into a restaurant, you get a menu," Simmons added. "Think what looks good for you. It's all there. Some of it's good, some of it's fresh, some of it's rotten and been there a long time. But, generally, the cannabis space, I think, is gonna be good for humanity. Certainly much better than cigarettes, which might give you cancer. This other thing, even as a recreational item, might give you the munchies [the desire for salty, sweet or fatty carbohydrate-rich foods]. Let me see: I get the munchies or I might get cancer."
Simmons has disclosed he has "ten-million in stock" in the company.