Women have been underrepresented in the cannabis industry for far too long, but that’s finally beginning to change.
There are an increasing number of women both working in cannabis and opening up about their consumption, and along with that has come a wider variety of products that appeal to consumers beyond the stereotypical “weed bro.”
In honor of this welcome industry-wide shift, we’ve rounded up nine female celebrities who’ve gone public about their cannabis consumption during the height of stigma. Whether this was by accident or on purpose, these women have trail-blazed a path for others to be open and honest about their consumption, and that is worthy of some recognition and gratitude.
1. Jessica Alba
One of the reigning queens of the early 2000s, Jessica Alba has admitted to smoking weed in her younger days. In fact, there’s a famous photo from a trip she took to Amsterdam back in the day, where she is pictured in her happy place: smiling right next to a big bong.
2. Drew Barrymore
Known for her roles in E.T., Charlie’s Angels, Never Been Kissed, and many more, Drew Barrymore is widely considered one of America’s sweethearts – and she was also caught passing a joint to a friend on a Hawaiian beach in 2007. At the time, this was the ultimate scandal, but today, we are grateful for her trailblazing contribution to destigmatization.
3. Rihanna
In 2012 the one and only Rihanna was photographed at Coachella rolling a blunt on top of her bodyguard's head.
Much ado about nothing? Or epic musician moment that deserves to be celebrated every few years? You decide.
4. Cameron Diaz
That friend was none other than fellow Angel – and arguably a fellow American sweetheart – Cameron Diaz.
5. Paris Hilton
From the iconic reality TV show The Simple Life to her recent documentary about her difficult upbringing This is Paris, Paris Hilton has had a massively influential effect on pop culture and American society.
The reality TV queen has also been unabashed about her cannabis consumption in the early 2000s, regularly allowing herself to be photographed toking and fearlessly claiming to “smoke weed everyday.”
That’s hot.
6. Whoopi Goldberg
In 2014, Whoopi Goldberg didn't just deflect cannabis stigma, she tackled it head on when she published a personal op-ed in The Cannabist about how much she loves her vape pen.
"The vape pen has changed my life. No, I’m not exaggerating. In fact, her name is Sippy. Yes, she’s a she. And yes, I named her Sippy because I take tiny, little sips — sassy sips, even — from her. And with each sip comes relief — from pressure, pain, stress, discomfort. But I’m getting ahead of myself."
What would happen if more celebrities like Whoopi came out with their personal, nuanced cannabis stories like this? In 2014, it was a brave step for sure, and even now cannabis stigma is big issue for countless women.
7. Miley Cyrus
Former Disney star Miley Cyrus has often been placed under society’s microscope, especially since she broke away from Hannah Montana and started forging her own, more adult-friendly path.
The controversial star has been caught smoking weed a number of times, and is now open about her consumption, even claiming to have inspired her mother Tish to begin smoking again after a years-long hiatus.
8. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence has quickly gained recognition as one of the most talented and versatile American actresses of her generation, and her dedication to every role she takes on is inspiring.
The Oscar-winning actress admitted to getting high on the set of Netflix’s Don’t Look Up to get into her pot-smoking character’s mind…but that isn’t the first time the actress was captured smoking a “suspicious”-looking cigarette before.
We see you, J-Law, and we thank you for your service.
9. Zoë Kravitz
Stigma? What cannabis stigma? In a 2020 interview, Zoë Kravitz happily revaled her covid quarantine regimen: "baths, wine, watching films, cooking, smoking weed and listening to music."
Just a few years ago, most celebs would have omitted mention of the cannabis bit, and it shows how far we've come in just short amount of time.
And yet, when it comes to destigmatizing, we still have a long way to go.
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