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A comprehensive look at Hollywood's leading ladies who openly embrace cannabis culture
As cannabis becomes mainstream, 88% of U.S. adults say marijuana should be legal in some form (for medical and/or recreational use), per Pew Research. Hollywood’s most talented actresses are breaking the stigma around marijuana use. Whether for creative enhancement, wellness, or relaxation, these stars prove that cannabis users include Oscar winners, comedy icons, and your favorite TV personalities. Before diving into our list, check out Herb’s extensive cannabis catalog to discover what these celebrities might be enjoying.
The legendary actress and “The View” host became a cannabis business pioneer, co-founding the Whoopi & Maya medical cannabis company. She’s been vocal about using cannabis for glaucoma relief, stating that vape pens ease “pain, pressure, and stress of glaucoma” without unwanted highs. Her advocacy helped normalize medical cannabis for older Americans. Beyond her personal use, Goldberg represents the intersection of entertainment royalty and cannabis entrepreneurship. Her mainstream platform on daytime television brings cannabis conversations to millions of viewers who might never otherwise consider its benefits.
This Oscar-winning actress has been a vocal advocate for cannabis reform for decades. She’s appeared at numerous cannabis reform events and has criticized the war on drugs in multiple interviews. Sarandon emphasizes both personal freedom and the social justice aspects of legalization, particularly highlighting the disproportionate impact of prohibition on communities of color. Her activism extends beyond personal use to fighting for those imprisoned for cannabis offenses.
The “Nomadland” star has maintained a private stance on many personal matters, including cannabis. McDormand represents the serious, dramatic actress who focuses on her craft rather than public advocacy. Her multiple Oscar wins demonstrate that cannabis conversations in Hollywood don’t define careers – talent does.
Silverman has built cannabis references into her comedy for decades, famously displaying her vape pen on the red carpet at the 2014 Emmys. She’s particularly open about using cannabis for anxiety management and creative inspiration. Her 2015 Saturday Night Live hosting gig included marijuana jokes that would have been unthinkable years earlier. Find creative strains that might inspire your own comedic timing.
Glazer’s groundbreaking Comedy Central series normalized cannabis use for millennial women, showing characters who smoke regularly while maintaining careers and relationships. The show’s casual, realistic portrayal of cannabis culture resonated with young women nationwide and influenced how television depicts marijuana use. Her authentic representation helped shift cultural perspectives.
Handler frequently discusses cannabis on social media and has incorporated it into her Netflix documentaries. In her book “Life Will Be the Death of Me,” she detailed how cannabis helped her reduce alcohol consumption. She’s spoken openly about preferring cannabis to alcohol and credits marijuana with helping her cut back on drinking. Her openness extends to discussing cannabis publicly without shame.
At 27, Thorne represents the generation that grew up with increasing cannabis acceptance. She launched her own cannabis brand, Forbidden Flowers, in 2019, focusing on CBD products. Her transparency about cannabis use alongside her successful directing career challenges stereotypes about “lazy stoners.”
Though known primarily for music, Cyrus’s acting roots include “Hannah Montana” and recent “Black Mirror” appearances. She’s been incredibly open about cannabis use, including lighting what appeared to be a joint on stage at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards. Interestingly, she’s also discussed taking breaks from cannabis, showing a balanced approach to consumption.
Stewart has been photographed smoking numerous times and addressed her cannabis use in a Vanity Fair interview, describing herself as someone who smokes weed. Her transition from blockbuster franchises to acclaimed independent films happened alongside her increasing openness about marijuana use. She represents the serious young actress who doesn’t hide her cannabis consumption.
While primarily known for music, Rihanna’s acting credits include “Ocean’s 8” and “Valerian.” She’s been photographed smoking countless times and does not attempt to hide her cannabis use. Her unapologetic approach and massive influence help normalize cannabis for her hundreds of millions of followers worldwide.
Parker literally played a suburban marijuana dealer for eight seasons, bringing cannabis culture to primetime television. Her portrayal of Nancy Botwin helped millions of viewers see cannabis dealers as complex humans rather than criminals. The show’s eight-season run demonstrated mainstream America’s appetite for cannabis-centered storytelling.
Slate’s animated work on “Big Mouth” includes cannabis storylines that educate while entertaining. The show’s frank discussions about various topics, including marijuana, reflect changing attitudes toward cannabis in mainstream media. She represents the intellectual comedian working in spaces where cannabis is increasingly normalized.
Gaga famously told “60 Minutes” in 2011 that she smokes “a lot of pot” when writing music. Her transition to serious acting with “A Star Is Born” and “House of Gucci” didn’t diminish her cannabis advocacy. She credits marijuana with helping manage chronic pain from fibromyalgia and the pressures of fame, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Explore Herb’s cannabis guides for managing similar challenges.
The Queen of Pop has acted in numerous films and has been open about cannabis throughout her career. At 66, she continues to reference marijuana in her work and public appearances. Her decades-long career demonstrates that cannabis use doesn’t limit longevity in entertainment.
Aniston has previously mentioned enjoying cannabis occasionally in interviews. Her girl-next-door image, combined with cannabis use, helps middle America see marijuana users as relatable. She represents responsible, moderate use among successful professionals.
Portman admitted to smoking marijuana while at Harvard in a 2018 interview, though she clarified she no longer uses cannabis. Her intellectual credentials (Harvard psychology degree), combined with past cannabis use, challenge stereotypes about marijuana affecting intelligence. She approaches cannabis like her roles – thoughtfully and without excess.
In a 2007 interview, Dunst stated she thinks America’s view on marijuana is “absurd” and expressed support for legalization. Her advocacy extends beyond personal use to broader social commentary about cannabis prohibition’s failures.
After a breast cancer diagnosis, Etheridge became a fierce medical cannabis advocate. She credits marijuana with managing chemotherapy side effects and has stated that cannabis helps manage the stress and factors she believes contributed to her cancer. She even launched her own cannabis brand, Etheridge Farms.
The late actress used cannabis during her cancer battle, with her husband growing plants for her treatment. In interviews, she discussed how cannabis helped manage pain and other symptoms during her treatment, including a widely viewed 60 Minutes interview. Her advocacy helped older generations understand medical marijuana’s legitimacy. She proved that even wholesome Sandy from “Grease” could benefit from cannabis medicine. Check Herb’s dispensary directory to find medical cannabis options near you.
Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Melissa Etheridge lead Hollywood’s legalization efforts. Sarandon emphasizes economic benefits, Goldberg focuses on medical access, and Etheridge advocates from personal experience with cancer treatment. Their combined influence reaches different demographics and strengthens the legalization movement.
Yes, several actresses have launched cannabis businesses. Whoopi Goldberg co-founded Whoopi & Maya (though it later closed), while Melissa Etheridge created Etheridge Farms. These ventures go beyond endorsements – they’re actively involved in product development and quality control, bringing celebrity credibility to the growing cannabis industry.
Bella Thorne, Miley Cyrus, and Kristen Stewart represent the under-30 generation’s cannabis openness. They’ve grown up during increasing legalization and treat marijuana as unremarkable. Their social media presence and casual approach influence millions of young fans to see cannabis as normal rather than rebellious.
The transformation is dramatic – from career-ending scandal to casual Instagram posts. Marijuana’s celebrity stigma has largely disappeared, with stars now discussing cannabis as freely as wine. This mirrors broader acceptance, with support for some form of legalization reaching 88% nationally according to Pew Research.
Many actresses prefer CBD for its non-psychoactive benefits. The World Health Organization concluded in 2018 that CBD has no evidence of abuse or dependence potential, making it attractive for health-conscious celebrities. Stars use CBD for sleep, anxiety, and recovery without worrying about psychoactive effects or drug testing.
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