Many celebrities have entered the cannabis space, but one of the most recognizable is Whoopi Goldberg. The iconic entertainer and member of the EGOT club is a longtime advocate for the plant, and has developed several brands under her WhoopFam company, including Whoopi & Maya, Whoop-Tea, and Emma & Clyde.
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At the recent IgniteIt New Jersey Market Spotlight, Goldberg discussed the upcoming launch of a new wellness line in partnership with Beauty Evolution. GreenState had a chance to sit down with the star before she took the stage to hear more about her passion for the plant and what led her to join the emerging industry.
“Nobody’s trying to get their kids high—they’re just trying to get people well,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg, who referred to herself as an “old hippie,” said cannabis was all fun and games at first until she and others realized its therapeutic potential.
“We started with a passion for weed, but over the years, discovering all of its medicinal properties made me really fall in love with it in a different way,” the actress recalled.
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Goldberg shared that part of her motivation came from her belief that cannabis could serve as an alternative to certain pharmaceuticals in her own life.
“The vape pen, for me, was a game changer,” she revealed. “It meant I didn’t have to take pills.”
The star said her personal experience with plant medicine, along with the stories of healing, particularly those of children struggling with epilepsy, inspired her to get involved.
The actress has put an emphasis on women’s health with her cannabis ventures. She has a particular interest in easing the pains of menstruation and supporting sexual wellness.
“I just want people to have a better time in life,” Goldberg shared from the IgniteIt stage. “I want women to have a better time in life. I want women to have a better understanding of their bodies and what is okay for them.”
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Goldberg said she has met with lawmakers, including former President Joe Biden, to discuss federal cannabis reform, adding that legalization remains “still a fight.” But for the legendary star, it’s one worth battling.
“[Cannabis] is natural. It comes out of the ground. No one has to be afraid of it,” she concluded.
