Whoopi Goldberg, the acclaimed actress and television host, has been awarded the Key to West Hollywood for her significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and her pioneering work in the cannabis industry.
This accolade highlights her role as a trailblazing entrepreneur, having launched the first branded and tested woman-owned cannabis brand in California.
Goldberg’s venture into the cannabis sector began in 2016 with the launch of Whoopi & Maya, a company she co-founded with Maya Elisabeth of Om.
This business aimed to provide medical cannabis to alleviate menstrual pain, a mission that stemmed from Goldberg’s personal experiences and advocacy for women’s health.
Despite its initial success, Whoopi & Maya faced challenges, including regulatory changes following the passage of California’s Proposition 64 in 2016, which legalized adult-use cannabis.
The company ultimately ceased operations in 2020 due to these and other conflicts. Goldberg remarked on the hurdles in an interview with The Cannabist, emphasizing the need for better understanding and inclusion of women’s health issues in medical marijuana prescriptions.
Revitalizing her efforts, Goldberg re-entered the cannabis market with the re-launch of the Whoopi & Maya line, alongside a new brand under the WhoopFam umbrella called Emma & Clyde.
Named in honor of her late mother and brother, this new venture has been recognized by the state of California for its innovation and commitment.
In an interview with Gold Derby, Goldberg reflected on her journey and reiterated her focus on creating products for women, a demographic often overlooked in the cannabis industry.
She recounted the positive feedback from women who found relief from their menstrual cramps through her products, challenging the notion that women’s health is a niche market.
Goldberg’s latest brand, Emma & Clyde, launched on July 20, 2024, in select California stores, offers a range of products, including edibles, pre-rolls, flowers, and accessories.
She plans to expand the brand across the state, continuing her legacy of advocating for women’s health and empowerment in the cannabis industry.
Goldberg’s dedication to both her entrepreneurial ventures and her advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community underscores her multifaceted impact and the well-deserved recognition she has received.
