T H E ROY A L W E - E D
Her
ROYAL
HIGH-NESS
Cannabis farms are not normally associated
with the British Monarchy. We examine the links
between Meghan Markle and CBD.
Words by Caroline Barry
The Duke and Duchess of
Sussex are one of the most
instantly recognisable
couples in the world,
thanks to intense public
interest, their dedication
to charitable causes and
a touch of Hollywood
glamour. But a less well
known fact about Meghan
is the family ties she
apparently has to CBD.
Prior to her days at Windsor, the
budding actress wed fi lm director
Trevor Engelson in a beach wedding
held in Jamaica in 2011. It’s widely
reported that guests received gift bags
containing cannabis at the wedding.
Cannabis was illegal in Jamaica
during this time, but the law has since
changed making small amounts a
misdemeanour rather than an offence.
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Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle told
the tabloids: “It’s illegal, but it’s no big
deal in Jamaica. It’s almost customary
down there.” He clarifi ed: “I don’t
smoke weed and to the best of my
knowledge nor does Meghan.”
Markle and Engelson went on to
divorce in 2013 and Meghan married
Prince Harry in a £32 million fairytale
wedding at Windsor Castle in May
2018.
Family ties
The treatment of the now duchess
by the British tabloids has been
heavily criticised in recent months,
culminating in the now famous
‘Megxit’. Whether you read into the
tabloid press or not, there is a family
connection to CBD.
Tyler Dooley is understood to be the
son of the duchess’ half-brother Tom
Markle Jr.
Dooley owns a 1,000-acre hemp farm
in Oregon where his company, Blue
Line Hemp, grows hemp for the
Photo credit: @tylerscottdooley
production of CBD. Last year he told
reporters:
“CBD products are where the future
lies. We are selling our product to
several of the leading importers
into the UK. We’re planning to fl ood
the market. People have labelled
Meghan’s American family as
hillbillies and a f reak show but
I’m building a business the old-
fashioned way with hard work and
lots of sweat.”