As stigmas around cannabis erode, more celebrities are opening up about their consumption. Most recently, an unlikely reality star has gone on the record about her medical marijuana use—even featuring a dispensary visit on camera.
Mikayla Matthews, star of the smash hit The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, revealed in the recent season five premiere that she turned to medical cannabis to help ease symptoms related to chronic illness. Matthews suffers from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which can cause chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and other symptoms.
RELATED: 6 cannabis products to draft for football season
The MomTok member visited Beehiv Farmacy dispensary with husband Jace, browsing for products and chatting with an on-staff pharmacist. Matthews noted she initially tried cannabis to help her get better rest.
“It was mainly just for sleep at first,” she explained. “I had debilitating nerve pain through my whole body.”
Matthews said cannabis ultimately provided relief.
“The first time I tried it, it was literally life-changing…it was the only thing that had ever taken away my nerve pain, and I’m finally well-rested.”
In the Mormon Wives scene, Matthews also inquires about cannabis-infused intimacy oil. The influencer has been open throughout the series about her sexual compatibility problems with her husband.
RELATED: A hit of hope: Oakland Ballers become Oaksterdam Blazers
Matthews also addressed the conservative-leaning Mormon church, which forbids the use of most psychoactive substances.
“I assume that the Church doesn’t like marijuana, but they also didn’t like soda,” she laughed, noting that the sugary drink is now widely consumed by Mormons.
The Church actually does permit the use of medical cannabis under the guidance of a physician, but adult use is a no-go.
Matthews also noted that with the stress of the show and drama among MomTok members, cannabis can be a big help.
“It’s…fixing everything,” she said.
Matthews’ candid admission is yet another sign of changing attitudes around medical cannabis—even in communities where marijuana has traditionally been taboo.
