Whoopi Goldberg, a veteran in the entertainment industry and a complete EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) award winner, has recently expanded her endeavors beyond acting, comedy, and writing. At 68, Goldberg has praised the medicinal benefits of cannabis, sharing her personal experiences with the plant, which she credits for alleviating painful menstrual cramps and headaches associated with glaucoma. Her advocacy for cannabis is not just about personal relief; it’s about providing an alternative, effective form of medicine to the broader public.
Cannabis: A Personal Remedy
Whoopi Goldberg’s journey with cannabis started as a means to manage menstrual pain, a common issue for many women, and later to cope with severe headaches from glaucoma. Traditional painkillers and medications often failed to provide her relief, pushing her towards seeking alternative remedies. In a candid interview with Forbes, Goldberg emphasized the natural and enjoyable aspects of cannabis. “For people like me, it was always used to stop the [menstrual] cramps, and the side part of it is that it was fun, it made you laugh and stuff,” she explained.
The Stigma and Reality of Period Pain
Goldberg is also outspoken about the stigma surrounding menstruation. She believes that periods should no longer be considered taboo. Her stance is rooted in the belief that acknowledging the reality of menstrual pain and seeking effective treatments like cannabis should be normalized. “They [periods] are not taboo anymore because we all know women get a period. We know. So you can either make it hard… But this [cannabis] we know works,” she asserted.
Advocating for Accessible Medicine
A significant part of Goldberg’s advocacy is about making medicine accessible and user-friendly. She argues that medicinal treatments should not be “horrifying” or excessively complicated. Her approach to cannabis is grounded in its natural origin. “Especially when it’s herbal, when it’s growing out of the ground and doesn’t need an additive, which means it can stay reasonably priced for people to go pick it up,” she stated. This perspective aligns with a growing movement towards natural and holistic treatments in healthcare.
WhoopFam: A Venture into the Cannabis Industry
Goldberg is not just a consumer and advocate of cannabis; she is also venturing into the business side of it. Under her WhoopFam umbrella, she is launching two cannabis brands: Whoopi & Maya and Emma & Clyde. These brands reflect her personal experiences and those of her family members.
Whoopi & Maya is tailored specifically for women suffering from menstrual pain. Goldberg expressed her excitement about reintroducing this brand, which offers tinctures, chocolates, and soaks designed to provide period pain relief. “I am so glad that we are introducing Whoopi & Maya to a new group of women who will benefit greatly from period pain relief,” she said, highlighting the brand’s focus on alleviating muscular discomfort as well.
Emma & Clyde, named after her late mother and brother, pays homage to their respective uses of cannabis. Her mother used it medicinally, while her brother enjoyed it recreationally. This brand aims to embody the real-world usage of cannabis, bridging the gap between medicinal and recreational purposes.
Changing the Narrative on Cannabis
Whoopi Goldberg’s venture into the cannabis industry is more than just a business move; it’s a part of her broader mission to change the narrative around cannabis use. By sharing her story and launching products aimed at providing relief, she is advocating for a more inclusive and accepting view of cannabis. Her emphasis on natural, accessible medicine challenges the conventional medical approaches that often overlook or stigmatize alternative treatments.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Goldberg’s advocacy for cannabis is part of a larger legacy of using her platform to address social issues. Whether it’s through her roles in film and television or her outspoken presence on “The View,” she consistently pushes for conversations that challenge societal norms and promote inclusivity. Her latest venture into the cannabis business is another step in this direction, aiming to provide comfort and relief to those who need it while challenging the stigma associated with both menstruation and cannabis use.
In embracing the medicinal benefits of cannabis and advocating for its accessibility, Whoopi Goldberg is not just a successful entertainer but also a passionate advocate for natural and effective healthcare solutions. Her journey and efforts in the cannabis industry underscore a broader mission to make medicine more humane, enjoyable, and accessible for all.