Woody Harrelson Recalls Bar Incidents With McConaughey's Mom Over Cannabis

Actor and longtime cannabis advocate Woody Harrelson shared stories of getting ejected from bars—not once, but twice—after smoking marijuana with Kay McConaughey, mother of fellow actor Matthew McConaughey. The incidents, which triggered smoke alarms both times, highlight the social and legal challenges cannabis users faced before widespread legalization.

Harrelson recounted the episodes during a recent interview, describing Kay McConaughey as an enthusiastic participant in the smoke sessions that led to their hasty exits from the establishments.

The stories underscore how dramatically cannabis culture has shifted from underground social activity to mainstream acceptance. What once meant getting chased out of bars now represents a multi-billion dollar industry with legal consumption lounges operating in multiple states.

From Bar Ejections to Legal Lounges

The contrast between Harrelson's experiences and today's cannabis landscape couldn't be starker. The numbers tell the story: Legal cannabis lounges and consumption spaces now operate in at least seven states, with New York City alone licensing over a dozen social consumption venues in the past year.

Market watchers note that social consumption represents one of the industry's fastest-growing segments. Cannabis hospitality venues generated an estimated $120 million in revenue across legal states in 2023, according to industry analysts.

Harrelson has been one of Hollywood's most vocal cannabis advocates for decades, publicly supporting legalization efforts long before they became mainstream political positions. His advocacy work includes serving on the advisory board of NORML and participating in multiple legalization campaigns.

Cultural Shift in Cannabis Acceptance

The actor's anecdotes reflect the broader cultural transformation around cannabis use. What once meant risking arrest or ejection from public spaces has evolved into a legal activity in 24 states and counting. Adult-use cannabis sales reached $29.5 billion in 2023, demonstrating how far the industry has traveled from the days of smoking in bar bathrooms.

Kay McConaughey, known for her outspoken personality and appearances alongside her son at various events, represents a demographic often overlooked in cannabis discussions: older adults who consume cannabis socially. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows cannabis use among Americans over 50 increased by 75% between 2015 and 2023.

What This Says About Industry Evolution

The stories also illuminate how celebrity advocacy helped normalize cannabis use in American culture. Harrelson's decades-long public support preceded the current wave of celebrity cannabis brands by years. His early advocacy work helped lay groundwork for today's market, where celebrity-backed cannabis companies now represent a significant industry segment.

Several states now explicitly permit social consumption venues, though regulations vary widely. California, Nevada, Colorado, and Michigan have established frameworks for licensed consumption lounges, while other states continue debating the issue.

The incidents Harrelson described would likely result in simple citations today in legal states—if they resulted in any consequences at all. Many jurisdictions now treat public cannabis consumption similar to public alcohol consumption, with civil fines rather than criminal charges.

As the industry continues professionalizing and expanding, stories like Harrelson's serve as reminders of how recently cannabis users faced social stigma and legal consequences for behavior that's increasingly normalized. The actor's willingness to share these experiences publicly demonstrates both the cultural shift and his continued role as a cannabis culture ambassador.

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This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.