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Verified public cannabis use and advocacy by television personalities who've helped normalize marijuana in mainstream media
Bill Maher made television history in 2016 by lighting a joint during his HBO show Real Time, later confirming on Twitter that it was genuine marijuana with the line: “Yup, that was real last night. And, I think, a first.” This candid moment, covered by Snopes, underscored how HBO’s cable platform allowed freedoms that broadcast networks could not. Maher’s public consumption symbolized shifting attitudes in mainstream media toward cannabis acceptance.
During his 2021 farewell episode on TBS, Conan O’Brien accepted a joint from Seth Rogen and took a puff on-air, joking about not being much of a cannabis user. The playful but genuine exchange, also highlighted by Team Coco, showed a late-night host exploring marijuana without sensationalism. Conan’s measured curiosity helped position cannabis as a subject of honest discussion, not just comic taboo.
Comedian Doug Benson turned cannabis into a recurring theme of his career, most notably with his online talk show Getting Doug With High. Each week, Benson invited celebrities to smoke marijuana with him, building an entertainment format around candid cannabis conversations. His projects, including the documentary Super High Me, demonstrate how cannabis can be fully integrated into comedic content.
Whoopi Goldberg co-founded a cannabis product line aimed at women’s health, with offerings such as infused products for menstrual relief, as reported by Time. She has also spoken about using cannabis to ease glaucoma symptoms, even nicknaming her vape pen “Sippy” in a Cannabist column. While she was hospitalized in 2019 for pneumonia and sepsis, she never attributed the illness to cannabis or vaping. Goldberg’s advocacy reflects her role in framing marijuana as therapeutic rather than recreational alone.
Former TV host Montel Williams has used medical cannabis for more than two decades to manage multiple sclerosis, using it nearly every day to maintain functionality. Williams emphasized in Business Insider that “Cannabis helps me to function” and criticized the industry for “leaving patients on the battlefield” while prioritizing profits over patient needs. His advocacy extends beyond personal use to quality standards and medical supervision, launching Lenitiv Labs to create precise, lab-tested products for medical patients.
Bravo host Andy Cohen has occasionally brought cannabis into late-night conversation, such as when he admitted he “smoked with some … A-list stoners,” in an interview on his site’s The Daily Dish. (Bravo Daily Dish) By treating the subject casually rather than sensationally, Cohen reflects the normalization of cannabis within pop culture. His show demonstrates how cannabis can appear on mainstream television as a regular conversation topic, not a controversy, highlighting broader integration of marijuana into entertainment.
Snoop Dogg, one of the most recognizable advocates for marijuana, brought cannabis culture into primetime via Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party, where he is known for making frequent jokes and references to weed on set. Eater’s feature notes that he “comes onto the set pretty high, and leaves pretty high,” helping normalize cannabis culture in living rooms across America.
Chelsea Handler has been candid about her cannabis consumption, weaving it into her talk show appearances, stand-up routines, and interviews. She openly talks about using weed for anxiety, trying edibles, and prefers cannabis beverages over alcohol in stressful times. Her discussion in Forbes contributes to mainstream recognition of cannabis use across demographics, helping to challenge outdated stereotypes in the media.
Some celebrity-backed cannabis businesses focus on quality and therapeutic benefits. Montel Williams’ New Cannabis Ventures-profiled Lenitiv Labs emphasizes contaminant-free formulations, precise dosing, and patient-focused standards, while Whoopi Goldberg’s brand targeted women’s health and menstrual relief. These ventures show how celebrity influence can support product quality and consumer safety in the cannabis market for those seeking reliable, tested products.
The evolution from rare, controversial mentions to regular cannabis discussions on shows like Watch What Happens Live reflects broader societal acceptance and legal changes noted in The Guardian. This normalization helps reduce stigma for medical patients and recreational users alike, creating a more informed public discourse about marijuana. Television hosts serve as cultural translators, helping audiences understand topics like consumption methods, strain effects, and regulation.
The collective impact of these TV personalities extends beyond entertainment to advocacy and education. By sharing personal stories, discussing quality standards, and challenging stereotypes, these hosts reflect the broader growth in legalization support documented in a Gallup poll. Their platforms reach millions weekly, making them powerful allies in destigmatizing cannabis and promoting responsible use.
Some cannabis products associated with celebrity hosts undergo rigorous testing and quality control. These products may feature lab testing, precise dosing, and clean extraction methods, providing consumers with reliable options for both medical and recreational use. Platforms such as licensed dispensaries also help consumers locate these offerings in legal markets.
The cannabis discussions facilitated by TV hosts often include practical information about consumption methods, strain selection, and responsible use. This educational component helps viewers understand the differences between products and make informed decisions based on their individual needs. Herb strains provide additional resources for consumers seeking detailed information about specific cannabis varieties and their effects.
Several TV hosts, particularly those using cannabis for medical conditions, emphasize the importance of professional medical guidance. Montel Williams’ experience shows how cannabis helps him manage multiple sclerosis and reduce reliance on other pain treatments, as he told Business Insider in his profile on long-term use. Finally, platforms such as Herb.co offer patient resources and education to complement medical supervision. This balanced approach acknowledges both the therapeutic potential and the need for responsible oversight when using cannabis for health conditions.
Bill Maher famously smoked a joint on his HBO show Real Time, while Conan O’Brien experimented with cannabis during his retirement special. Actor and comedian Seth Rogen, though not a host, has been a frequent late-night guest openly discussing cannabis advocacy.
Yes, Whoopi Goldberg has been open about her medical cannabis use for glaucoma and women’s health issues, even co-founding a cannabis brand. Montel Williams used cannabis daily to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms, and Andy Cohen has included cannabis discussions with guests on occasion.
Cable networks like HBO have more freedom than broadcast television, allowing hosts like Bill Maher to consume cannabis on-air. However, broadcast hosts typically discuss rather than demonstrate use. The changing legal landscape and increased public acceptance have reduced professional consequences for cannabis advocacy.
Whoopi Goldberg co-founded a medical marijuana brand focused on women’s health, while Montel Williams created Lenitiv Labs for precise medical cannabis products. These ventures emphasize quality standards and therapeutic applications rather than just recreational use.
Television cannabis discussions have evolved from complete prohibition to normalized conversations. Shows now treat marijuana as a legitimate topic for both medical and recreational discussion, reflecting the broader societal acceptance and legal changes across multiple states.
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