Actor Jim Belushi has been making inroads into the hearts of Americans for over 40 years.
Perhaps best known for playing a lovable TV dad in the ABC hit comedy “According to Jim,” the Chicago native still moves and grooves as one half of the legendary Blues Brothers band.
Belushi, 70, has nimbly navigated a new hierarchy, transitioning into a multi-state medical Cannabis operator. His brand, Belushi’s Farm, now reaches 14 states with more on the way, expanding from its origins in Southern Oregon in 2015.
In 2020, the former Saturday Night Live cast member paired his acting chops with his new business venture, creating an educational television program called “Growing Belushi.” The show, which airs on Discovery Channel, gives a comedic look into large-scale Cannabis grows.
“I brought Cannabis to Hollywood!” exclaimed Belushi, who finished filming Season 3 in 2023 with a tease toward an international expansion in Albania.
The performer insists he’s going to take his time expanding the brand despite the meteoric rise of Belushi’s Farm.
“I’ve made a really good living as an actor over the years, and I’ve been very good with my finances,” said Belushi, whose venture began with the purchase of a large farm on the Rogue River. “I want to do this the right way. I’m not in a hurry to make money.”
The actor says he’s been compelled by patient testimonials to be a part of a large-scale movement to help transform the mental health of millions of people.
“We’re all screaming inside,” Belushi said. “And everybody wants something to quiet that screaming. The most readily available ‘medicine’ is alcohol. But we know that’s not medicine. Things like [benzos] or Xanax? Yeah, I don’t think they are great choices either.”
Cannabis, he insists, is the “best choice” to stifle the screams.
“[Cannabis] is a lot more gentle. It pushes you into your unknown consciousness and opens you up in a kinder, gentler way,” he said.
Belushi is happy to interact with fans, patients and customers alike, visiting medical and recreational dispensaries while meeting with business partners across the country.
“I’ve been surprised how many people catch me as I’m walking down the street and say, ‘Hey! I saw your show — the farm one!’” Belushi said.
The actor has spent a lot of time on the road the last few years, taking on movie roles, sharing laughs with his professional improv group, the Board of Comedy, and touring Cannabis facilities he has partnered with.
“I’m very careful with who we allow to sell our products,” Belushi said. “There’s a lot to consider. We have to protect [my late sister-in-law] Judy’s legacy. We’ve got to protect the Blue Brothers’ name, and my dear friend, Dan Aykroyd. And I’ve got to protect my name as well.”
“Purpose” and “passion” are what the Hollywood star looks for in potential partners, explaining, “We do that right, and all the money and commercial stuff will follow.”
Thus far in 2024, Belushi’s Farm has received approval to sell Cannabis in Maryland, Iowa and Rhode Island. In Maryland, the brand paired with SunMed Growers.
“Now I’m fortunate to have a lot of great partners,” Belushi said. “But when I talk about Village Farms up in Vancouver, Canada, and [SunMed Growers], I wish some of my partners in other states had the operating standards these guys do.”
Belushi, who hosts indoor and outdoor grows on his farm in Oregon, waxed poetically about the Dutch-style greenhouse cultivation of SunMed Growers, half-jokingly offering to wax their cars if/when asked to do so.
“I love these guys!” Belushi loudly proclaimed. “Their Cannabis is the highest quality I’ve ever seen. It’s like shopping for diamonds and going to Zales. These guys are the Cartier of Cannabis.”
Approaching a decade of operation, Belushi believes he has found a home in the industry and doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
“I figured out my purpose, and that’s to make people feel good,” he said. “That’s what entertainment does: it makes you feel good. And Cannabis makes people feel good, too. So, of course, I’m in [the] Cannabis [industry]. I’m right on purpose.”
Up Close with Jim Belushi
Will there be a Season 4 of “Growing Belushi”?
I’m waiting for a few things to drop in the world, because we don’t want to just be back at the farm again. To put together another season, there has to be something very special in play, maybe expanding into Europe.
Favorite Belushi’s Farm product for personal usage?
The Cherry Pie. It’s usually between 19% to 22% THC with 1.5% to 2% terps. The entourage effect of this particular strain allows me to continue to be charming and relaxed.
Best health advice you’d offer outside of Cannabis?
Never… EVER… lose your sense of humor.
Best life advice you’ve received?
Don’t think of anything beyond the next two weeks. My buddy, Rob — he’s my ortho-surgeon — told me that once, and I’ve been using it since. I start thinking about a movie or a comedy tour, and he says to me, ‘No, no; come back. That’s beyond the next two weeks.’ It’s taken a lot of anxiety and pressure off me.
belushisfarm.com | @belushisfarm | sunmedgrowers.com | @sunmed.growers
