Omertà. It’s the Italian word for “code of silence.” And it’s tattooed on the back of Kentucky’s most notorious marijuana-growing ringleader. But while secrets around the Cornbread Mafia will forever be rooted in Marion County, there is now one undeniable fact about its most high-profile resident. The Godfather of Grass is gone.
Johnny Boone: A Kentucky Legend
John Robert “Johnny” Boone, known as the Godfather of Grass for his role as the leader of the Cornbread Mafia, one of the nation’s largest domestic-producing marijuana syndicates, died Friday in Marion County at the age of 80. Boone, a good ol’ boy from Kentucky, tried to make a living to put bread on the table and turned that living into the largest marijuana farming operation in U.S. history.
Legacy and Impact
Boone leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his notoriety. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Fenwick Boone, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His impact on the cannabis world is notable, with his vision and beliefs paving the way for the acceptance of cannabis in today’s society.
A Visionary in Cannabis
“Johnny was kind of a visionary in the cannabis world. He held his guns on what he believed, and that’s just the way he was,” said Joe Keith Bickett, a central Kentuckian convicted in federal court for his role in the Cornbread Mafia. “What we did back in the ’80s and even earlier, which was frowned on somewhat, has now come full circle and is pretty well accepted in society today.”
A Lasting Business Legacy
While Boone’s name may be synonymous with the Cornbread Mafia, his involvement in the cannabis industry extended beyond his notorious past. Recent records show a business was incorporated called Bickett & Boone – Cannabis, LLC, producing “organically grown CBD products,” per its website. Boone’s involvement in this venture underscores his lasting impact on the cannabis business landscape.
John Robert “Johnny” Boone’s passing marks the end of an era for the Cornbread Mafia and the cannabis industry. His legacy, both controversial and visionary, will continue to be remembered in the annals of Kentucky’s history. As the cannabis industry evolves, Boone’s contributions will be recognized as a pivotal chapter in the journey toward cannabis acceptance and legalization.
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