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When the Cannabis Means Business (CMB) conference returns to New York City this June, all eyes will be on one woman: Whoopi Goldberg. The award-winning actress and cultural icon is stepping into the cannabis beverage space with the launch of Whoop-Tea, a hemp-derived THC mocktail. But don’t expect this to be a typical celebrity drop—this is a calculated, culture-forward move that puts inclusion, relaxation, and innovation front and center.
CMB: More Than a Conference, It’s a Movement
Held at the Javits Center on June 4–5, CMB isn’t just another cannabis industry trade show. It’s a statement about where the cannabis market is headed: professional, polished, and purpose-driven. With its new branding and expanded format (formerly CWCBExpo), CMB is bringing together legacy leaders, innovative startups, investors, policy experts, and yes—celebrities who are doing more than slapping their names on packaging.
The 2025 edition is especially noteworthy because it’s bridging three powerful forces: business, culture, and cannabis. And at the center of it all is the rollout of Whoop-Tea.
Whoop-Tea: Wellness Meets Flavor
Whoop-Tea isn’t your average THC drink. It blends iced tea and lemonade—two flavors that have long been a comfort zone in American households—and elevates them with hemp-derived THC. The result is a beverage made to replace your usual cocktail, minus the hangover. It’s light, refreshing, and designed for people who want to vibe out without sacrificing clarity or wellness.
This product enters a booming market. Cannabis beverages pulled in over $1.1 billion in 2023 and are projected to touch $3 billion by the end of 2025. Consumer demand is growing for low-dose, predictable, and discreet alternatives to smoking or drinking alcohol. Whoop-Tea checks every box.
The Powerhouse Behind the Brand
Goldberg didn’t do this alone. She partnered with Pure Genesis, a Black woman-owned cannabis company led by Co-Founder and CEO Faye Coleman. Known for its commitment to innovation and equity, Pure Genesis has built a reputation for products that align with culture and purpose.
Their collaboration is a game-changer—not just because of the product, but because of what it represents: women of color taking up space in one of the most competitive and capital-intensive sectors of the cannabis industry. This isn’t just a product launch; it’s a blueprint for inclusive ownership.
What’s Going Down at CMB
CMB 2025 is packed with moments that matter, but the headline event is a fireside chat between Whoopi Goldberg and CNBC’s Tim Seymour. It’ll take place on June 4, and will give attendees a front-row seat into Goldberg’s mindset as a new player in cannabis.
Pure Genesis will also host the B2B Networking Bash at the Yotel on June 3, where Whoop-Tea will be flowing. On June 5, Faye Coleman will speak at the Women in Cannabis Entrepreneurship Luncheon, where she’ll offer gems about her entrepreneurial journey, partnership building, and navigating a male-dominated field.
These events are more than networking opportunities. They’re strategic plays to bring visibility to women-led businesses and spotlight new revenue models within cannabis.
Not Just a Celebrity Drop—A Cultural Moment
What sets this launch apart is its authenticity. This isn’t about cashing in on a trend. It’s about defining what the next chapter of cannabis culture looks like. A non-alcoholic THC tea-and-lemonade mocktail is more than a drink—it’s a lifestyle shift. It fits neatly into the growing wellness movement, where cannabis is used not just for recreation but for restoration and connection.
Whoop-Tea enters the market at a time when consumers are tired of gimmicks. They want experience. They want flavor. And they want to support brands that reflect their values.
Black Women Taking the Lead
Whoopi Goldberg and Pure Genesis are flipping the script on cannabis celebrity partnerships. This time, the collaboration is between two powerhouses who understand cultural nuance, quality control, and community care.
It’s rare to see a legacy entertainment figure join forces with a Black-owned cannabis company in such a visible and integrated way. Most times, celebrity brands are built on licensing deals or outsourced ops. This time, it’s about ownership, vision, and storytelling—something this industry desperately needs.
The Future of Cannabis Beverages Starts Now
Cannabis drinks are just getting started. As more states expand their definitions of consumption and shift regulations around hemp-derived THC, the beverage segment is becoming a playground for innovation. Whoop-Tea sets the bar high—not just for taste, but for branding and strategic partnership.
What’s happening at CMB isn’t just a product debut. It’s a message: the future of cannabis is diverse, elevated, and driven by leaders who aren’t afraid to disrupt the norm.
Why This Matters for the Industry
CMB is making a name for itself by curating content and activations that actually move the needle. Whether it’s workforce development through job fairs, thought leadership through panels, or culture-forward product drops like Whoop-Tea, it’s clear the conference isn’t just here to showcase the industry—it’s helping shape it.
If cannabis is ever going to shed its stigma, it’ll be because leaders like Goldberg and Coleman bet on authenticity over optics. Their work creates space for more nuanced conversations around what cannabis can be: a connector, a wellness tool, and a business opportunity for those traditionally left out.
“}]] Whoopi Goldberg launches Whoop-Tea at Cannabis Meets Business 2025, spotlighting cannabis beverages with Pure Genesis. Read More
