Gail Olson, better known as “Dabbing Granny,” is a cannabis advocate and internet sensation born in 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa. Rising to fame in 2015 at age 60 with viral videos of her impressive dabbing “party tricks,” she has become a beloved figure in the cannabis community for her optimistic, relatable content and passionate advocacy for medical marijuana. With her resilient spirit and joyful approach to life, she continues to inspire fans worldwide.
Her primary social media presence is on Facebook (an 18+ page with over 2.6 million followers, where she describes herself as using medical marijuana “to tolerate life on a daily basis – sometimes serious, sometimes silly”). She also maintains active Instagram accounts and a YouTube channel.
Positive Contributions and Achievements
Gail has made numerous positive impacts throughout her life, particularly through community service, advocacy, and spreading joy online:
Community Service and Support for Military Families
For 24 years (mid-1980s to 2016), Gail ran a nonprofit thrift store on Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs. She earned the nickname “everybody’s grandma” by dressing in costumes to lift spirits, offering hugs to deploying soldiers, and providing genuine emotional support to troops and their families during difficult times.
Cannabis Advocacy and Helping Overcome Addiction
Gail’s passionate advocacy stems from personal experience: medical cannabis helped her husband Kevin, a U.S. Army veteran, become opioid-free after two years of use. She promotes “educate and medicate,” sharing stories to reduce stigma around cannabis for pain management and wellness. She regularly medicates at Green Faith Ministries, a cannabis church in Colorado Springs, emphasizing tolerance and healing.
Promoting Positivity and Building Community Online
With her viral fame, Gail treats followers like grandchildren, offering encouragement, humor, and non-judgmental advice. Known for shutting down negativity with wit, she fosters an uplifting environment. Her content celebrates optimism, holidays (like creative cannabis-themed Hanukkah posts), and daily joy through dabs. As of 2026, she remains active, posting fun “sesh” reels and engaging with her large community.
Collaborations and Industry Impact
Gail has collaborated with cannabis icons like Tommy Chong, Action Bronson, Chris Webby, and even appeared on live with Drake, helping normalize cannabis use among older adults. She has launched branded products (vape pens, grinders, bongs) and appeared in ads, supporting the industry while promoting safe consumption.
Resilience and Lifelong Inspiration
Despite early hardships—like leaving home at 15 and losing her parents and sisters in a 1983 car accident—Gail channeled experiences into growth, embodying continuous self-improvement and inspiring others to find strength.
Here are several public images showcasing Gail’s vibrant personality and advocacy:
Recent Passing of Her Husband Kevin
In October 2025, Gail’s husband Kevin Olson—a U.S. Army veteran who was central to her life and cannabis advocacy story—passed away from a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Kevin supported Gail through military moves, his opioid recovery via cannabis, and her rise to fame. Gail shared the news on Facebook, posting a memorial and receiving thousands of condolences from fans, many noting symbolic signs like cardinals representing his spirit.
Let’s get together soon Sis 😎 #DOINGDABSINDALLASYALL
Dabbin granny is awesome! She’s sweet, fun, educating, and just all around a great person!
I just love tuning into Gail she’s a lovely woman, and I have some things in common.. Live ya dabbing granny keep puffing and dabbing ❤️❤️❤️
Love ya Granny, I watch you almost every day on your FB live. Misfits Rule! Hugs!
Hey Gail,
I’m over here in Michigan..CA you imagine a life long floridian managing living with 4 grandchildren and 4 other 4o something, adults.. ?
It’s quite the calamity most of the time.
Got 11 teeth pulled on the 30th of Dec. And a new denture to learn how to talk and eat with.
Lost my husband as of tomorrow, 2 years ago.
Hardest thing I’ve ever tried to endure.
I’m here watching you when I catch ya.
Love ya Girl
Stay strong,
SP
You inspire me everyday to be the better Stoner I can be I love you
Hey woman! It’s digital daydream art from Twitter… I’m not there anymore and I watched your videos on Facebook and sometimes Instagram. I never realized what an impact you made on this community and for just how long until I read the critical content info on Facebook. And I am truly amazed, and in all of what you have done as a cannabis promoter..
Being in Texas, I can’t join in on this type of fun.
Unfortunately, I need pain medication for degenerative disc disease, and that prevents me from legally becoming a medical patient.
But if there’s any type of collaboration or maybe something I could do for a project you’re working on, I would love to help. Anything you can think of. I’m mainly do AI and edit the AI results, but I’m also looking at adding something that could make other things like movies books etc. anyways just wanted to tell you props to what you do! And I’m Hella proud of you.😁
Sending love,
Melissa Rubenstein, now known as
Missy Rubenstein on FB
Gosh, I didn’t realize your husband passed so recently. I am so sorry for your huge loss. Again if there’s anything I can do, from Houston.🤣
Although if you needed someone, I could possibly arrange that.
🫶
Missy Rubenstein
Digital Daydream Art