Whoopi Goldberg will headline the upcoming Market Spotlight: New Jersey conference on February 10, 2026, at The Westin Jersey City Newport, participating in a 30-minute moderated conversation about cannabis, wellness, and entrepreneurship. This event represents a significant moment in the ongoing normalization of cannabis within mainstream culture and business, featuring one of America's most recognizable cultural figures discussing her personal wellness journey and business ventures in the industry.
Goldberg will appear alongside business associates Davina Kaonohi and Melissa Jochim, Founding Partners of Beauty Evolution, from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM for a session moderated by New Jersey attorney Lou Magazzu. The conversation will explore the intersection of culture, wellness, and entrepreneurship, touching on Goldberg's personal wellness journey, the evolution and strategy behind WhoopFam's new wellness line, and how cannabis is increasingly shaping mainstream consumer conversations. Goldberg has been an outspoken advocate for accessible, responsibly produced cannabis, and through WhoopFam's new wellness line, she continues to push for education, normalization, and thoughtful product innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
The significance of this event extends beyond celebrity participation. Market Spotlight: New Jersey will convene leading multi-state operators, New Jersey license holders, investors, and industry stakeholders for a full day of deal-making, market intelligence, and strategic networking. This reflects the maturation of the cannabis industry from a niche market to a legitimate business sector with substantial economic impact. Javier Hasse, co-founder of IgniteIt, noted that Goldberg's involvement is genuine, stating "This isn't a trend or a talking point. She's been thinking about this plant, and talking about it, long before it was widely accepted."
Elliot Lane, President of IgniteIt, emphasized Goldberg's cultural influence, stating "Her perspective on wellness, business, and the evolution of cannabis resonates far beyond this industry. This conversation reflects exactly what Market Spotlight is about—real stories, real experience, and honest dialogue about where this market is headed." The event represents how cannabis discussions have moved from the margins to the center of business and wellness conversations, with implications for consumer products, healthcare alternatives, and investment opportunities.
For industry professionals and observers, this development signals the continued mainstreaming of cannabis as both a wellness product and legitimate business sector. The participation of high-profile figures like Goldberg helps destigmatize cannabis use and opens doors for more diverse participation in the industry. More information about the event and tickets are available at https://www.cannabismarketspotlight.com/new-jersey-2026/home. The conference will take place at The Westin Jersey City Newport located at 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310.
