Chris Martin
Haters Make Me famous
Activist, Entrepreneur, and Author
Christopher Lee Martin’s life is a testament to resilience, redemption, and revolution. Born into hardship, he grew up navigating the instability of over 40 foster homes and boys’ homes, yet he found solace and discipline in baseball, earning a spot in college athletics. However, his path took a sharp turn in 1995 when he was incarcerated for cannabis-related charges—long before the plant’s widespread legalization.
Undeterred, Martin emerged as a pioneer in the cannabis industry, founding OG Zonka, an edible brand that gained national recognition. In 2012, his success made him a target, leading to a high-profile raid that left him facing a potential life sentence. Rather than breaking him, the experience fueled his mission to fight for cannabis reform and justice.
His journey is chronicled in his autobiography, One Life, and the Amazon Prime documentary Haters Make Me Famous, which exposes the injustices of the legal system and the war on cannabis. Beyond storytelling, Martin has dedicated his life to advocacy, founding Zonka Miles, a nonprofit focused on second chances for the formerly incarcerated. He also launched Convicted Creations, a cookbook and cooking show highlighting innovative recipes from prison and beyond.
Today, Christopher Lee Martin continues to challenge stigma, fight for justice, and build a legacy of empowerment through food, cannabis, and storytelling.
