At 55, Kimberly Ward is pushing back on old cannabis stereotypes with humor, motherhood, business experience and a phone full of viral videos.
Kimberly Ward is a cannabis creator, entrepreneur, mother of three and part of the Harbor Farmz cannabis business in Michigan. She does not fit the old stereotype. That is exactly the point.
In a space still fighting platform restrictions and outdated stigma, Ward has built an audience by talking about cannabis with humor, candor and very little apology. She did not set out to become a voice for a movement. She started posting the way she says she lives: honestly, playfully and out loud.
What followed was a growing online audience, viral posts, a multigenerational fan base and a message from RAW that stopped her in her tracks. High Times spoke with Ward about motherhood, marijuana, social media and why she is not slowing down anytime soon.
“I want to show that you can enjoy cannabis and still be a responsible mom, woman, person — or whoever.”
Kimberly Ward
You’re one of the cannabis creators getting major engagement in a restricted space. What do you think people connect with most when they watch you?
Honestly, I think people connect with me because I’m out here talking about cannabis like it’s just another mom hack, because who doesn’t need a little help managing the tiny tornadoes of life?
The idea of a mom using cannabis still raises eyebrows. But let’s be real: using cannabis doesn’t mean I’m parked on the couch, binge-watching Netflix and baking cookies. I work hard just like any other mom out there.
You’ve proven age has zero limits in the creator world. What does being 55 add to your voice that a younger creator simply can’t replicate?
A lot. Oh, the double nickels. I guess I’m at that point in my life where I can say I’ve been there, done that. Chapters and history. I have real-life stories and experiences, and kind of a no-fear attitude when I post.
While younger creators offer fresh takes, I think I bring a treasure trove of insights and a bit of sass that comes from years of living through the highs and lows of this journey. It’s like being the wise sage in a world of trendsetters.
When did you realize your content wasn’t just performing well, but becoming part of a larger conversation?
Wow, that’s quite the compliment. I never expected to be part of a “cultural ripple.” But I’m happy I landed here.
With all the talent in my niche, I think I’m just helping to create one. The response I’ve received has been incredible and truly eye-opening. It’s amazing to see how discussions around cannabis are evolving, and I’m thrilled to play a role in that change.
“The cannabis niche is an absolute blast. Cannabis can be used for a laundry list of things, including coping and healing.”
Kimberly Ward
Many creators burn out fast. What has kept you consistent, energized and playful with your content?
The cannabis niche is an absolute blast. Connecting with all these amazing creators is the highlight of all of it. I also love to stir things up. That’s the fun part.
There are so many strong opinions on whether cannabis is more helpful than hurtful, or whether wine is more appropriate to drink in front of kids than taking a gummy or going for a “walk.” People freak out about it.
Who wouldn’t want to jump into the fun arguments between the worlds of marijuana and moms? It’s like watching two groups debate their favorite ways to cope with life.
You have a natural ability to make cannabis feel approachable, fun and welcoming. How intentional is that?
It’s intentional in a way that getting the message out there is my goal, and cannabis is fun. The flow comes from the cannabis community itself. The creators and supporters are so inspirational. And funny.
What do people assume about you because of your age or your content that could not be further from the truth?
That I can’t fit into a breadbox. Haha. Watch me.
On a serious note, people tend to assume I’m a bad mother or a negative influence on my children just because of cannabis. They think I’m some zombie of a mom. The reality is so much different.
Cannabis is a significant part of my life because I’m actually in the business as well, through two dispensaries and a grow operation, Harbor Farmz Michigan. But it doesn’t define who I am, and it doesn’t define me as a mother. With age comes wisdom. And I have a lot of age.
Do you ever feel pressure being a role model in a space that is still fighting outdated stigma?
There is some pressure. My entire life, it was ingrained in my brain that marijuana was bad, illegal, something only drug addicts used. My entire life, right up until it became legal. Fifty-five years. That’s so sad to think about, how it could have helped so many people within that time. My generation is so afraid of the subject.
The pressure really lies in getting people to change their minds. I want to show that you can enjoy cannabis and still be a responsible mom, woman, person, or whoever. I’m here to change the stigma one post at a time.
You’ve built a fan base across multiple generations. How do you balance entertaining Gen Z and millennials while staying true to yourself?
Honestly, I don’t even bother trying to balance it. This whole Gen XYZABC123 thing doesn’t register in my thought process. We are all the same. I like to throw my posts out there and let them do their thing. Ruffle some feathers. Trigger some conversation.
I’m all about authenticity. I really like to bring humor to the subject. It distracts but gets the message out. Whether you’re a millennial reminiscing about the good old days or a Gen Z kid just discovering it, my message is simple: let’s enjoy life and break down those outdated stigmas together. Let’s keep it lit and light.
What is the funniest or most surprising message you’ve ever received from a follower?
One of the most surprising messages came when RAW reached out with the warmest, most encouraging words and overwhelming support. It completely blew me away. After reading that message, I felt an instant connection and a sense of belonging within the community. Really cool people and connections can come from the most unexpected places.
People often talk about your energy. What in your daily life keeps that spark alive?
Energy? I’m 55. What energy? Ha. A good sativa helps.
What stereotype do you think you’ve shattered the hardest?
The idea that you have to fit a specific “stoner” image. I’m an average everyday mom. I have the same daily routines as any mom out there.
People still cling to outdated views that cannabis culture is solely about being laid-back or unmotivated. I call a visit to the “motivation station” a fix for that.
This isn’t a couch potato culture. Far from it. You can enjoy cannabis and still be focused, driven and ready to crush every day.
When did cannabis stop being something you just enjoyed and become something you wanted to publicly champion?
It really shifted for me when it started to become legal and medically recognized. Finally, I could be part of a business and culture that doesn’t feel like a dirty little secret. For me, this meant I could show a lot of the people who were so critical of me that this is not a problem. It’s a solution. Something I’d wanted to do for a long time.
What is the one piece of advice you wish more young creators understood before they try to go viral?
Be yourself. So cliché, but true. Don’t just chase trends. People really appreciate the real you. If you love something and want to make a difference, share your experiences. They’ll make you stand out and connect with others who relate. Be relatable.
And when it comes to criticism, just look the other way. Focus on what you enjoy and keep creating. Remember, this is supposed to be fun. Don’t be afraid.
If you could design your dream collaboration with any person, brand or platform in the world, what would it look like?
Sitting at a round table, That ’70s Show style. The vibe would be fun and laid-back. Smoky room. I’d be passing the J around to Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Willie Nelson and Martha Stewart, just cracking up and eating Martha’s home-cooked appetizers. Willie on his guitar, sharing some crazy laughs, talking story. Epic.
What’s next for Kimberly Ward? Are you building toward something beyond content?
Continue balancing the daily grind. I’m building toward improving the “Wild West” rules on the business side of cannabis. Having a business in this industry isn’t easy or fun. My goal is to continue growing with my community. Let’s keep talking about it and keep it lit.
Final Word
Kimberly Ward resists every box people try to put her in. She is a businesswoman, a mother, a content creator and a cannabis advocate, all at once and without apology. In an industry still finding its footing, she brings the lived authority of someone who spent decades watching cannabis carry a stigma, only to emerge on the other side with a public voice and a community willing to listen.
What makes her resonate is not only the cannabis. It is the honesty. The humor. The refusal to shrink. At 55, Kimberly Ward is not chasing the algorithm. She is using it to start a conversation.
This article was submitted by an unpaid contributor. High Times did not provide compensation for this submission. The views expressed are those of the contributor and interview subject, and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Times.
