Tommy Chong, one-half of the legendary comedy duo Cheech & Chong, has built an enduring legacy in entertainment, music, and cannabis entrepreneurship. As of 2025, Tommy Chong’s net worth is estimated at $20 million, a figure that reflects his decades of work as a comedian, musician, actor, director, and businessman. Beyond stoner humor, Chong has carved out a diverse and lasting career that spans industries and generations.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Thomas B. Kin Chong on May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Tommy was raised in Calgary by a Scottish-Irish mother and a Chinese-born father. He left high school at 16 and began playing guitar professionally, remarking humorously that music was a good way to make a living—and meet people.
Chong’s music career began with a band called The Shades, which eventually moved to Vancouver and became Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers. The group signed with Gordy Records, a Motown label, and scored a Top 40 hit with “Does Your Momma Know About Me” in 1968. The band even toured with The Jackson 5 before disbanding. Though Chong was let go by his managers, the experience laid the foundation for a unique transition into comedy.
Cheech & Chong: Comedy Royalty
Tommy Chong met Cheech Marin in Vancouver during the late 1960s. Marin had moved to Canada to avoid the Vietnam War draft, and the two bonded over music, humor, and marijuana culture. This camaraderie led to the creation of one of the most iconic comedy duos of all time.
Cheech & Chong became a defining voice of the 1970s counterculture. Their comedy albums—infused with social satire, stoner humor, and sharp commentary—were immediate hits. Their 1978 film Up in Smoke became a surprise box office success, grossing $44 million on a limited budget. Adjusted for inflation, that figure exceeds $150 million today.
They followed with Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie and Nice Dreams, securing their place in comedy history. However, as the 1980s progressed, the duo’s popularity waned, and creative differences led to their split in 1985.
Solo Career and Television Success
After parting ways with Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong pursued solo work in film and television. He attempted a sitcom pilot, The Martinez Family, which was later adapted into Trial and Error, and in 1990 he wrote, directed, and starred in Far Out Man.
Chong’s mainstream resurgence came in 1998 when he joined the cast of That ’70s Show as Leo, the lovable, free-spirited hippie. His portrayal resonated with audiences and introduced him to a new generation of fans. He continued to appear in the show throughout its run, further solidifying his place in pop culture.
Over the years, Chong has made appearances in Trailer Park Boys, Dancing with the Stars, The Masked Singer, and Franklin & Bash. He also took on voice roles in animated projects like Zootopia (2016), where he voiced the laid-back yak, Yax.
Cannabis Advocacy and Legal Challenges
Chong has been one of the most visible advocates for cannabis legalization in the United States. However, his advocacy led to controversy in 2003 during Operation Pipe Dreams. He was charged for financing a company that sold bongs and drug paraphernalia. Though he pled for leniency, Chong was sentenced to nine months in federal prison.
While incarcerated, he was a cellmate of Jordan Belfort, whose life inspired The Wolf of Wall Street. After his release, Chong continued to support marijuana reform and used his experiences to advocate for the responsible use and decriminalization of cannabis.
Business Ventures: Cannabis and CBD
Today, Tommy Chong is also an established entrepreneur. His brand, Tommy Chong’s Cannabis, offers a line of marijuana-related products, including THC and CBD-based goods. The brand has found strong support among cannabis enthusiasts, especially in states where marijuana is legal.
His success in this space represents a full-circle moment: the very product that made him a comedic icon now helps define his modern business empire. Chong’s cannabis line contributes significantly to his net worth and is a strong part of his personal and financial brand.
Real Estate Assets
Tommy Chong and his wife Shelby have invested in valuable real estate over the years. One of their most notable properties was a 4,000-square-foot home in West Vancouver, originally purchased in 1979 for just $230,000. By 2019, the home was listed for $7 million. The couple’s early entry into the West Vancouver market—now one of North America’s most expensive—proved to be a savvy investment.
In Los Angeles, the Chongs reside in the Pacific Palisades, where their property is valued between $6 and $8 million. The home, surrounded by nature and boasting views of the Pacific, reflects Chong’s laid-back, nature-focused lifestyle.
Personal Life and Health
Tommy Chong has been married to Shelby Chong since 1975, and the couple has raised several children together. A U.S. citizen since the late 1980s, Chong has faced health challenges in recent years, including prostate and colorectal cancer. He attributes his recovery and ongoing wellness in part to medical cannabis treatments, which aligns with his personal beliefs and public advocacy.
Final Thoughts
Tommy Chong’s $20 million net worth in 2025 is more than a figure—it’s a testament to his adaptability, creativity, and resilience. From music to comedy, jail to entrepreneurship, and stoner icon to cannabis mogul, Chong has continually evolved with the times while staying true to his identity.
His influence goes beyond jokes and movies. Tommy Chong helped mainstream a counterculture, challenged legal norms, and built a brand that connects across generations. Whether through laughter, advocacy, or business, Tommy Chong’s legacy is as potent as ever.
