Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura launches own cannabis brand

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has launched his own cannabis brand: Jesse Ventura Farms.

Ventura, a longtime proponent of legalized marijuana, shared plans for his business in August after the state legalized cannabis possession, use and sales.

He has teamed up with Columbia Heights-based Retro Bakery to launch Jesse Ventura Farms , rolling out a line of products starting with hemp-derived THC edibles.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed the cannabis legalization bill into law last May with Ventura present at the signing. While possession and use is currently legal, retail sales of marijuana plant products are currently only legal on Native American reservations, with wider retail sales set to roll out next year.

"Ventura Farms is my foray into the world of cannabis. I'm a huge supporter of the cannabis industry and cannabis saved my family's life," the retired professional wrestler said in a promotional video .

Ventura, who served as governor of Minnesota between 1999-2003 after a successful wrestling and movie career, released a book titled Jesse Ventura's Marijuana Manifesto in 2016. He credits the drug with helping his wife control her seizures.

Ventura's new edible products will be among the brands featured at a free event called "The BIG Zen20!" at the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 20.

Meet-and-greet packages are available for purchase via Retro Bakery's website . Those interested in pre-ordering edible products from Jesse Ventura Farms can do so by clicking here .