The Overstock.com founder and three-time cancer survivor says he has medicated with cannabis to help him neutralize the effects of his numerous health issues over the years.

"It is so clear that we were designed for this stuff to work on us," Byrne told the Deseret News. "The evidence is just overwhelming, from a medical point of view, that this can be part of a healthy lifestyle."

That view runs counter to those who support more research to scientifically support the use of marijuana before going down a path of legalization, and to the Utah Medical Association which says use of the whole plant has not been substantiated.

Nevertheless, Byrne is throwing his support behind legalization, joining another influential Utah business magnate and cancer survivor — billionaire philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr. — in speaking out favorably on the medicinal use of cannabis.