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Noted EGOT winner and NJ resident Whoopi Goldberg promoted her new infused hemp drink at the Cannabis Means Business Expo at the Javits Center in NYC.
Goldberg introduced her new collaboration and foray into the drinkable cannabis space with Whoop-Tea.
It was created as a partnership with the South Jersey based Pure Genesis.
Goldberg talked about her company, ambitions for its future, and women in business.
Cannabis investor and CNBC host Tim Seymour interviewed Whoopi about the drink.
Goldberg described Whoop-Tea as “a crisp blend” of iced tea, lemonade, and a pinch of hemp, 10mg to be exact.
“Cause that’s what we can get away with,” joked Goldberg about legal dose limits.
“This is like having a cocktail. But with no alcohol. If you don’t want to drink alcohol but want a light buzz, this is your drink,” she explained.
Goldberg explained she’s been a weed enthusiast for decades and is glad to see its gradual acceptance.
“You know how long we waited? Remember when we used to have to hide what we were doing… right now everyone here is showing there are many marvelous facets of this wonderful plant,” she noted.
Goldberg explained that her product came into fruition to assist women like her in terms of the health benefits.
“I wanted to help women with period cramps. Turns out [cannabis] is great for any kind of muscle issue,” she added.
The conversation turned to the challenges women and Black entrepreneurs face, especially in cannabis.
“As Black women in weed, we’re moving forward because we’re not waiting for anyone,” Whoopi said to a crowd of cheers.
“We are making it work for ourselves… you can’t ignore us like we don’t know what we’re doing. Women have to move differently,” she declared.
Goldberg is not the first celebrity to take an interest in the lucrative cannabis market. Actor Seth Rogen makes a killing off his ‘Houseplant weed accessories. Rapper Lil Baby claims to have made $30 million from his cannabis brand, The Holding Company.
Former wrestler Ric Flair even got his brand into Jersey this year.
Goldberg brought up the lack of celebrity women-owned businesses in cannabis. She’s one of the first to make the leap. Whoopi cited sexism. She recalled being told women were too ‘niche’ of a community in cannabis, to which Goldberg welcomed as a challenge.
Hype Magazine estimates that, “Cannabis beverages pulled in over $1.1 billion in 2023 and are projected to touch $3 billion by the end of 2025. Trends show consumers are demanding a low-dose and predictable alternative to smoking or drinking alcohol.”
Goldberg’s products will be available at participating dispensaries and select stores.
The annual Convention held more than 75 vendors, 75% of which represent the East Coast. Cannabis-centred businesses displayed their new technology and offerings. This included several impressive feats, like a joint printing machine and new software for tracking dispensary packaging through AI.
Convention guests were invited to board a yacht, sponsored by O2, that partied on the water until 2 A.M. On the smoke session at sea, one guest described his experience in one word, “Awesome.”
Busy rows of vendors lined the halls of the massive New York City convention center.
People networked, business partnerships were built, and smoked some weed outside.
“}]] Noted EGOT winner and NJ resident Whoopi Goldberg promoted her infused hemp drink at the Cannabis Means Business Expo in NYC. Read More
