Whoopi Goldberg is launching her own marijuana company which will offer four products to help women with period pain.

The 'Ghost' actress' Whoopi & Maya collection of balm, tincture, sipping chocolate and bath soak will be available only in California to people with medical marijuana cards and are to be targeted at women as the items aim to reduce the pain and cramps from periods.

Whoopi told USA Today newspaper: ''I want to go nice and slow with this. I don't want this to be a joke to people. It's not a joke to women.'' The 60-year-old star has teamed with Maya Elisabeth for the new range, and her partner believes the range is ripe for success as women have been herbal healers for generations, and she doesn't think their products are any different.

Elisabeth - a founder of the all-female Northern California edible marijuana products cooperative Om Edibles - said: ''I'm excited for people to feel comfortable using cannabis.'' Whoopi said smoking marijuana or drinking infused tea has helped ease her own cramps and pain, and she also uses a vape pen filled with marijuana oil to combat glaucoma headaches.

She has been open about her desire to legalise the drug and is looking forward to her new venture. She said: ''This is a nice quiet way that I can be part of this. It had to help people if I were going to be involved.