In the past few years, the cannabis industry has attracted numerous celebrities, including Woody Harrelson and Melissa Etheridge. The latest star to step into the marijuana limelight is Whoopi Goldberg.

Known for her comedic roles in Sister Act, Eddie and The Lion King, Caryne Elaine Johnson (her real name) announced the opening of her new medical marijuana store in San Francisco. Called Whoopi & Maya, the business is a collaborative venture shared by Goldberg and Maya Elisabeth, founder of Om Edibles (an all-female cannabis organization based in northern California).

Cannabis for Menstrual Pain

The duo’s business focuses on providing relief for women who are suffering from menstrual pain and discomfort. Previous reports earlier this year cited the benefits of using marijuana to alleviate severe cramps and bloating. The unconventional solution ranges from a topical cream to a tampon-sized suppository for immediate relief. “This was all inspired by my own experience from a lifetime of difficult periods and the fact that cannabis was literally the only thing that gave me relief,” explained Elisabeth. “Every month women experience pain and discomfort associated with their period. Cannabis is a wonderful remedy, and combined with other superfoods and medicinal herbs, can provide the type of relief many women need.”

Initially, Whoopi & Maya plan to release the following products: a topical rub, THC-infused bath soak, THC-infused tincture and marijuana-laced chocolates, which can be eaten or turned into a drink. The offerings cater to women with busy lifestyles, as well as males who are looking for a set of unique cannabis products that promote blissful relaxation. Ultimately, the company’s goods are designed to be used together, depending on the timely needs of the individual. For example, the rub can be applied at work, where smoking a joint is not an option. At night, one can indulge in a cannabis bath soak while sipping a special organic tea. All of the mediums work cohesively to deliver a complete experience that one can’t get from taking bong rips all day.

Availability and Expansion

Getting your hands on the company’s merchandise might be a bit difficult, as the business is still in the process of launching its products. For now, the following cannabis shops will carry Whoopi & Maya’s offerings: Berkeley-based delivery service C.R.A.F.T. Collective, Oakland’s Blum dispensary, West Hollywood shop Alternative Herbal Health Services and CBCB in Berkeley. Company representatives acknowledged the possibility of expanding to other regions in the near future.

“I’ve always been in favor of cannabis. I always felt like it was a great, wonderful drug. But I’ve seen over the last 50 years how it’s dealt with. I’ve been doing research, discovering the lie of cannabis as a Schedule I drug. Based on folks who work with hemp, we see that there are a lot of applications for this,” said Goldberg.

Other celebrities who recently launched their own marijuana line includes Robert “Raffa” Marley (Bob Marley’s son), Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson.