MONOGRAM AIMS TO FLIP THE NARRATIVE ON CANNABIS—AN INDUSTRY THAT HAS CRIMINALIZED SO MANY BLACK MEN.
States around the country — currently 36 in total — have legalized the use of marijuana. But the drug, which has had a complicated history for Black Americans, also has many social and health benefits that are finally getting mainstream appeal for mass market distribution. And Brooklyn’s own Jay Z is finally getting a stake in the very industry that has criminalized so many Black men — and flipping the narrative (for the culture). And we all know, what Jay touches becomes gold.
In late 2020, JAY Z launched MONOGRAM, a premium cannabis brand in partnership with California-based company, Caliva. Among other titles, the billionaire rapper holds the title of chief brand strategist in the company, i.e. “chief curator of cool.” MONOGRAM, while cool and flashy for premium cannabis users, is not only recreational, it’s also beneficial, with cannabis being proven to relieve symptoms of pain, improving loss of appetite, and increasing energy.
Cannabis — the cannabinoids THC and CBD — can be found in various forms, and the health benefits of cannabis are ever growing. “We see many customers coming to us looking to cannabis to address all too common health issues like sleep, pain or anxiety as well as an alternative to pharmaceutical products,” says Murphy Adams, Caliva’s Education and Training Manager. “More and more we have customers with serious conditions, and their health professionals have suggested that cannabis may ease their symptoms. Cannabis can also just be used for general wellness or to feel more relaxed and balanced, something we all need.”
Cannabis however, isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to overall health and wellness. “There is still so much to learn about cannabis and its impact, largely in terms of the benefits it can offer us,” says Adams. “While smoking anything can result in adverse health effects, the beauty of our dynamic and growing cannabis industry is that so many new form factors and product types are being made available as alternatives to inhalables for those who want that. We see a lot of customers who use cannabis in a wellness context turning to skin care/topicals, tinctures/sublinguals, and edibles.”
And though the benefits are apparent, MONOGRAM is also selling a lifestyle. Prices range from $40 to $70 for each product, and MONOGRAM’s products are placed in three categories: Light, medium, and heavy. And rather than the traditional strain names we’re all used to (Blue Dream, OG Kush, Pineapple Express, etc etc), MONOGRAM’s newly introduced strains are numbered: No. 88, No. 96, No. 70 and No. 01.
“At MONOGRAM, we follow the mentality that when you cook for 5, the food tastes a lot different than when you’re cooking for 50,” says DeAndre ‘De’ Watson, MONOGRAM Culture & Cultivation Ambassador. Leveraging over 25 years of experience working in the cannabis space, Mr. Watson guides MONOGRAM’s expert growers in ensuring each plant receives personalized attention through a program of extended humidity control, post-harvest care, trimming, and flushing.
“We are cooking for 5, meaning that we put incredible time and care into our cultivation process, highlighting the nuances between each batch to accurately tell you the story of every flower,” he says. “Our team of expert growers works closely with JAY on the cultivation and strain selection process for MONOGRAM’s portfolio, which starts with us putting together a taste profile for every strain. Our flower is then grown in small batches to ensure that it is treated with the respect and attention it deserves throughout every stage of the grow process, from soil to seed. Each week, we hand-check the flower nug by nug, only selecting the best harvests to productize. This precise control and constant monitoring allow our flower to reach its full potential as a superior smoke before producing it to exacting standards.”
JAY Z has stated that the reason he created MONOGRAM was to “give cannabis the respect it deserves by showcasing the tremendous hard work, time and care that go into crafting a superior smoke.”
And while many of us may be enjoying the benefits of the legalization of marijuana, it’s hard to forget the impact it’s had on our communities. Even in states that have legalized or decriminalized marijuana possession, Black people are still more likely to be arrested for it than White people. “It’s no secret that the cannabis industry has been significantly impacted by political agendas, with BIPOC being disproportionately affected most,” says Watson.
“JAY entering into the cannabis space is a game-changing moment. His goal is to create the best cannabis products possible, while fostering a greater understanding and respect for cannabis culture and the cultivation process. He’s creating opportunities for people like me, who have decades of experience working with the plant, but haven’t been able to reap the benefits of the emerging legal market until now.”
The former NBA player and SXSW Online speaker bolsters cannabis entrepreneurs…
Opportunity amid the Green Rush has not been shared equally. According to a Marijuana Business Dailysurvey, 4.3% of marijuana business owners and founders are Black, compared with the 81% that are white.
Enter Al Harrington’s Viola Brands.
Since founding Viola Brands in 2011, Harrington, a former NBA player, has been at the forefront of the conversation around racial equity in the cannabis industry. The company’s approach has been wide-ranging, from trying to support minority owners in need of capital for a startup (particularly important since banks won’t give loans for federally illegal products) to speaking with politicians in Washington, D.C., about restorative justice legislation.
That issue will steer the conversation of SXSW panel “Celebrities Redefining Cannabis Entrepreneurship,” which will feature Harrington and his close friend Berner, a Mexican American rapper and owner of Cookies & Vibes. “I’m looking forward to chatting with him and sharing a lot of the conversations we talk about in private with a larger audience,” Harrington told the Chronicle in an email.
Viola Brands took an unusual path to becoming a leading cannabis brand. Harrington grew up scared of cannabis, watching high school classmates get arrested for possession of small amounts of weed. As he progressed in his basketball career, he saw teammates using the drug and couldn’t help but think that “they didn’t take the job seriously.”
However, Harrington began to reconsider his stance when he researched the drug’s healing effects following a knee surgery gone wrong. And then Viola, his grandmother and namesake of the company, began to lose her eyesight after being diagnosed with diabetes and glaucoma. Harrington had an idea. “I convinced her to try smoking and two hours later, I found her crying in her room because she was finally able to read her bible for the first time in two years,” Harrington said. In that moment, his career path after basketball crystallized.
As the company grew, Harrington began to tap into his network to try to provide opportunities for other entrepreneurs of color looking to enter the cannabis business. It’s an issue that has gained notice among lawmakers nationwide. New Jersey, a state that voted to legalize recreational marijuana in the 2020 election, has mandated that 15% of cannabis startups be minority-owned and another 15% be owned by women or disabled veterans.
For his part, Harrington recently met with Sens. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, about a piece of legislation that will seek to tackle restorative justice in the cannabis industry. Viola Brands has also spent $500,000 for social equity initiatives and has had 50 entrepreneurs graduate from its social equity incubator program.
“Let’s face it, restorative justice isn’t going to be handed to us,” Harrington said. “It’s up to myself and others to go out there and not only demand it, but provide guidance to those in charge to ensure it’s done properly.”
We were super excited to see Papa & Barkley extend their product line into live rosin and ice water hash. Known for being a pioneer for topicals, Papa & Barkley is a trusted name that now produces concentrates and gummies that seem to sell out quickly, and for good reason.
Some of you may be wondering, what is live rosin and how it is made? Papa & Barkley’s live rosin is concentrated solventless extract that is refined by applying heat and pressure to their famous ice water hash made from freshly frozen cannabis. They then refine our ice water hash by applying heat in a pneumatic rosin press. This combination of heat and pressure produces a golden concentrated rosin. The rosin drips onto parchment paper where it is then collected and packaged for sale or refined in a post-production process to produce various consistencies in the material. Some of these consistencies or textures are known as heat-pressed batter, sugar or sauce.
Now onto the review…
The nose provides an earthy yet slight fresh-lemon scent. Appearance is a yellow wax-like crumble with visible sparkle from the pressed trichomes. We used a KandyPens Crystal wax pen, which is known for preserving flavor with its glass and ceramic bowl and heating apparatus. The first hit tasted of lemon infused mint espresso, think of summer in the Amalfi coast, with little to no burning of the throat on exhale. The second and third hits became more earthy and took on more of a roasted coffee flavor on the exhale, with the lemon-mint profile likely burned off in the first draw, as most of the terps likely burn off during the first hit.
The sensation was definitely a sativa-forward experience for the first 20-30 minutes – with a mental clarity and mild boost of energy. The next 30 minutes had some muscle relaxation and a bit of eye area relief that indica leaning hybrids are known for.
Kush Mints is a relatively new strain, but a fast growing favorite hybrid cannabis strain made by crossing Animal Mints with the famous Bubba Kush. The result is a high THC strain with a unique minty taste. Kush Mints provides effects that are uplifting and happy. This strain has a complex flavor profile that tastes like mint and cookies. Growers say Kush Mints grows best when indoors and done hydroponically. Medical patients choose this strain to help stimulate appetite.
The most prominent terpenes in this strain are limonene, linalool and caryophyllene. Linalool is found in lavender and has been used for centuries as an aromatherapy tool for relaxation so expect to feel your tension melt away. Limonene, which is normally found in citrus peels, has been shown in studies to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Lastly, caryophyllene is a common cannabis terpene that has spicy black pepper notes and can also be found in rosemary, cloves and hops. Limited studies conducted have shown this terpene may be helpful in providing mild pain relief and easing of inflammation.
Even though COVID-19 continues to ravage local economies across the country, entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry continue to press forward, proving that, in some sense, cannabis is genuinely a recession-proof industry. For example, NBA veteran Al Harrington, who is also the founder of national cannabis products maker Viola, announced his most recent investment on Tuesday. According to a statement, the cannabis aficionado and activist has made a significant investment in the health and sexual wellness brand, Foria.
Harrington’s wife, Michele Harrington, will be taking the lead with this most current investment, helping the family expand their now dominant presence further into the growing CBD industry.
“Women’s wellness, sexual awareness and education has always been a passion of mine,” said Michele Harrington, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Foria, in a statement. “I have been using Foria for the past three years and experienced the many benefits of their products. The work that Foria has done to empower women by supporting overall wellness in their different life stages is inspiring. I believe in Foria’s mission and am excited to help others on this part of their personal journeys.”
The press release put out by the company called the new venture a “strategic partnership,” deeming it crucial for the future success of Foria, a company known for developing and producing entirely plant-based and organic THC and CBD products. The overall goal of the investment is to help Fiora expand its reach into the omnipresent cannabis market.
This will be Michele Harrington’s first official role in the cannabis industry. However, as noted in the statement released Tuesday, she has spent years working closely with Mr. Harrington, having had a significant voice in Viola’s growth. She’s put in over a decade’s worth of work helping her husband at Viola and will use that experience to drive expansion efforts in this new venture. At Fiora, she will “drive a multi-faceted growth campaign together with [the company’s] leadership.” The ultimate goal has many moving parts and includes increasing general awareness, education, and fundraising efforts.
Viola offers consumers a variety of different cannabis and cannabis-related products. The company cultivates premium flower and processes butane extracts. According to a statement, “Viola manages every aspect of their production process, applying the latest and most proven technologies to ensure the consistency and quality of their products.”
Fiora is a company that works in the same vein, having a shared mission with Viola. They’ve built their reputation on innovative health and sexual wellness products, using what they refer to as “the proven wisdom of plants… powered by compassion.” As per the press release put out on Tuesday, Fiora centers their business around sustainability too. All of their boxes are 100 percent PCW paper, and “products are housed in recyclable amber glass bottles with no paint, frosting or metallics used.”
“We could not be more excited to welcome Michele Harrington to the Foria family,” shared Foria co-CEO Jon Brandon in a statement. “The synergies between our brands are obvious and the Harringtons’ participation with us will help introduce Foria to a diverse set of communities, thereby extending the reach of our brand and the benefits of our products to more people everywhere. Michele’s direct equity investment has also accelerated our Series B fundraising efforts.”
Even though COVID-19 continues to ravage local economies across the country, entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry continue to press forward, proving that, in some sense, cannabis is genuinely a recession-proof industry. For example, NBA veteran Al Harrington, who is also the founder of national cannabis products maker Viola, announced his most recent investment on Tuesday. According to a statement, the cannabis aficionado and activist has made a significant investment in the health and sexual wellness brand, Foria.
Harrington’s wife, Michele Harrington, will be taking the lead with this most current investment, helping the family expand their now dominant presence further into the growing CBD industry.
“Women’s wellness, sexual awareness and education has always been a passion of mine,” said Michele Harrington, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Foria, in a statement. “I have been using Foria for the past three years and experienced the many benefits of their products. The work that Foria has done to empower women by supporting overall wellness in their different life stages is inspiring. I believe in Foria’s mission and am excited to help others on this part of their personal journeys.”
The press release put out by the company called the new venture a “strategic partnership,” deeming it crucial for the future success of Foria, a company known for developing and producing entirely plant-based and organic THC and CBD products. The overall goal of the investment is to help Fiora expand its reach into the omnipresent cannabis market.
This will be Michele Harrington’s first official role in the cannabis industry. However, as noted in the statement released Tuesday, she has spent years working closely with Mr. Harrington, having had a significant voice in Viola’s growth. She’s put in over a decade’s worth of work helping her husband at Viola and will use that experience to drive expansion efforts in this new venture. At Fiora, she will “drive a multi-faceted growth campaign together with [the company’s] leadership.” The ultimate goal has many moving parts and includes increasing general awareness, education, and fundraising efforts.
Viola offers consumers a variety of different cannabis and cannabis-related products. The company cultivates premium flower and processes butane extracts. According to a statement, “Viola manages every aspect of their production process, applying the latest and most proven technologies to ensure the consistency and quality of their products.”
Fiora is a company that works in the same vein, having a shared mission with Viola. They’ve built their reputation on innovative health and sexual wellness products, using what they refer to as “the proven wisdom of plants… powered by compassion.” As per the press release put out on Tuesday, Fiora centers their business around sustainability too. All of their boxes are 100 percent PCW paper, and “products are housed in recyclable amber glass bottles with no paint, frosting or metallics used.”
“We could not be more excited to welcome Michele Harrington to the Foria family,” shared Foria co-CEO Jon Brandon in a statement. “The synergies between our brands are obvious and the Harringtons’ participation with us will help introduce Foria to a diverse set of communities, thereby extending the reach of our brand and the benefits of our products to more people everywhere. Michele’s direct equity investment has also accelerated our Series B fundraising efforts.”
With unemployment amassing in the wake of a global pandemic, Caliva – the leading consumer brand in cannabis – today announces details of their career training and mentorship program aimed at supporting more diverse and fair hiring practices within the industry. To alleviate immediate concerns exacerbated by the spread of COVID-19 in California, this initiative first prioritizes assisting the inmates recently released early from the California state prison system – many of whom now find themselves displaced, without a home or source of income in the midst of an economic crisis. Long-term, Caliva will open program eligibility to all individuals struggling to find income or shelter within the L.A. and Bay Area communities, where poverty and homelessness are on the rise.
Building upon their commitment to social justice, Caliva has collaborated with Chrysalis and Success Centers – two nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating pathways to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals. Together, each entity plays a role in guiding eligible candidates through every step of the reentry process, ultimately working to hire some individuals as Caliva employees. In the very initial stages of the partnership, Caliva has already successfully hired multiple individuals for open job positions within the company and is excited to expand the program to a larger number of candidates.
“Since its inception, Caliva has been a company focused on increasing the economic participation of citizens returning from incarceration through advocacy, job training, and overall employee and workforce development,” said Caliva CEO Dennis O’Malley. “When we heard the news that California state prison systems would be releasing hundreds of thousands of people to slow the spread of COVID-19, we knew we had to take action to help make a difference in our community. We’re fortunate enough to be in a position where we were able to hire some candidates already and have been extremely impressed by the talent thus far. As we continue to expand our business throughout California, we will definitely be looking to fill newly created jobs with individuals who have been recommended by Chrysalis and Success Centers.”
While the goal of this initiative is to help improve the lives of all individuals looking to reenter the workforce, it is necessary to recognize that the War on Drugs has disproportionately affected BIPOC communities. As a leader in the cannabis industry, this is a prevalent issue that Caliva feels at its core. Caliva has always made a significant effort to support expungement and criminal justice reform through several different avenues, each of which drives change in a distinct and purposeful way. To learn more about Caliva’s social impact, please visit Caliva.com/Social-Impact.
“Our goal at Success Centers is to provide members of underrepresented communities in the Bay Area with resources and mentorship as they look to secure employment, specifically in the cannabis industry,” said Angela White, Equity for Industry Program Manager at Success Centers. “Caliva has become an incredibly valuable partner to us. Not only are they are helping us place qualified individuals in steady job roles at their company, but employees are volunteering to lead training and counseling sessions with our candidates, making Caliva one of the most active cannabis companies we’ve worked with.”
“We have an opportunity to make a life-changing impact for those most in need of resources and support right now – at a time when reentering the workforce seems impossible,” shared Molly Moen, Vice President of Development & Communications at Chrysalis. “Our work and mission are energized by the support from – and our hiring partnership with – Caliva.”
ABOUT CALIVA Caliva is the leading consumer brand in cannabis. Founded in 2015, Caliva’s strength comes from its vertical integration. Its direct to consumer experience enables customers to place cannabis orders that can be picked up at a Caliva retail store or delivered to their door through Caliva’s same-day delivery services. Focused in California, Caliva’s plant-based solutions serve over 1 MM customers and are designed to fit any lifestyle. Caliva’s commitment to compliance and quality reinforce its position as THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CANNABIS™. Business Insider and BDS Analytics named Caliva the #1 cannabis dispensary in the nation and a top-selling flower company by revenue in California, respectively. For more information visit Caliva.com or follow along on Instagram, @GoCaliva.
via Caliva Press Release – 10/21/2020
With unemployment amassing in the wake of a global pandemic, Caliva – the leading consumer brand in cannabis – today announces details of their career training and mentorship program aimed at supporting more diverse and fair hiring practices within the industry. To alleviate immediate concerns exacerbated by the spread of COVID-19 in California, this initiative first prioritizes assisting the inmates recently released early from the California state prison system – many of whom now find themselves displaced, without a home or source of income in the midst of an economic crisis. Long-term, Caliva will open program eligibility to all individuals struggling to find income or shelter within the L.A. and Bay Area communities, where poverty and homelessness are on the rise.
Building upon their commitment to social justice, Caliva has collaborated with Chrysalis and Success Centers – two nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating pathways to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals. Together, each entity plays a role in guiding eligible candidates through every step of the reentry process, ultimately working to hire some individuals as Caliva employees. In the very initial stages of the partnership, Caliva has already successfully hired multiple individuals for open job positions within the company and is excited to expand the program to a larger number of candidates.
“Since its inception, Caliva has been a company focused on increasing the economic participation of citizens returning from incarceration through advocacy, job training, and overall employee and workforce development,” said Caliva CEO Dennis O’Malley. “When we heard the news that California state prison systems would be releasing hundreds of thousands of people to slow the spread of COVID-19, we knew we had to take action to help make a difference in our community. We’re fortunate enough to be in a position where we were able to hire some candidates already and have been extremely impressed by the talent thus far. As we continue to expand our business throughout California, we will definitely be looking to fill newly created jobs with individuals who have been recommended by Chrysalis and Success Centers.”
While the goal of this initiative is to help improve the lives of all individuals looking to reenter the workforce, it is necessary to recognize that the War on Drugs has disproportionately affected BIPOC communities. As a leader in the cannabis industry, this is a prevalent issue that Caliva feels at its core. Caliva has always made a significant effort to support expungement and criminal justice reform through several different avenues, each of which drives change in a distinct and purposeful way. To learn more about Caliva’s social impact, please visit Caliva.com/Social-Impact.
“Our goal at Success Centers is to provide members of underrepresented communities in the Bay Area with resources and mentorship as they look to secure employment, specifically in the cannabis industry,” said Angela White, Equity for Industry Program Manager at Success Centers. “Caliva has become an incredibly valuable partner to us. Not only are they are helping us place qualified individuals in steady job roles at their company, but employees are volunteering to lead training and counseling sessions with our candidates, making Caliva one of the most active cannabis companies we’ve worked with.”
“We have an opportunity to make a life-changing impact for those most in need of resources and support right now – at a time when reentering the workforce seems impossible,” shared Molly Moen, Vice President of Development & Communications at Chrysalis. “Our work and mission are energized by the support from – and our hiring partnership with – Caliva.”
ABOUT CALIVA Caliva is the leading consumer brand in cannabis. Founded in 2015, Caliva’s strength comes from its vertical integration. Its direct to consumer experience enables customers to place cannabis orders that can be picked up at a Caliva retail store or delivered to their door through Caliva’s same-day delivery services. Focused in California, Caliva’s plant-based solutions serve over 1 MM customers and are designed to fit any lifestyle. Caliva’s commitment to compliance and quality reinforce its position as THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CANNABIS™. Business Insider and BDS Analytics named Caliva the #1 cannabis dispensary in the nation and a top-selling flower company by revenue in California, respectively. For more information visit Caliva.com or follow along on Instagram, @GoCaliva.
For generations, Pabst Blue Ribbon was a simple brand struggling to survive on its legacy before hipsters embraced that old-school attitude and returned the beer to prominence over the past couple decades. But over the past couple years, PBR has drastically rewritten its ethos. No longer a single lager, in 2019, Pabst began rolling out new variations on the beer: higher strength Extra, lower strength Easy, and no strength Non-Alc. Then, PBR pivoted from beer entirely, introducing PBR Hard Coffee. That launch proved popular enough that Pabst followed with similar products like PBR Hard Tea and PBR Hard Cold Brew. Meanwhile, PBR also jumped into the trendy hard seltzer category with PBR Stronger Seltzer. And not to mention, even stronger, PBR released its own whiskey.
PABST LAB
Needless to say, it’s been an insanely busy two years for the once proudly stagnant brand, and if you’re wondering if PBR has any other tricks up their sleeve—and what on Earth could even be left—well, a mere two weeks after announcing the launch of their cold brew, PBR is already back with an even more outside the box product: PBR with THC.
Announced today, Pabst Blue Ribbon Cannabis Infused Seltzer is a non-alcoholic, THC-infused lemon seltzer packed with five milligrams of marijuana’s main active ingredient in each 12-ounce can. The resulting beverage is billed as offering up “a responsible dosage designed to make it a go to drink for both casual and experienced cannabis users,” while keeping waistlines slim with just 25 calories and four grams of sugar per serving.
PABST LAB
If you’re wondering what a 175-year-old beer brand knows about pot, well, admittedly, not a ton. Though the new seltzer bears the PBR name, the product—which has been in development for a couple of years—actually comes courtesy of a newly-founded, cannabis-focused entity called Pabst Labs.
“Until the legal landscape changes, we can’t produce this in-house, but the formation of Pabst Labs, a licensed cannabis operator, involving former Pabst Blue Ribbon employees and cannabis beverage experts, gave us a unique chance to grant the use of our brand to a cannabis savvy group that we could trust to develop an infused drink worthy of the Blue Ribbon,” Seamus Gallagher, senior brand manager for PBR, told me via email. As such, Pabst Labs is the one handling production, marketing, and sales of the new drink.
And speaking of sales, no, don’t expect to find this more legally-restricted beverage everywhere PBR is sold. Instead, PBR Cannabis Infused Seltzer is debuting at select California dispensaries or directly to California consumers online on the Pabst Labs website. There, a four-pack will set you back $24.
“Pabst Blue Ribbon has an incredibly loyal and passionate customer base who are open to change and embracing new ideas,” Mark Faicol, Pabst Labs brand manager, explained. “Though this is a limited initial launch, we’ve had a really enthusiastic and positive response from dispensaries and customers, and are looking forward to a wider roll out in the coming months. For over 175 years the Blue Ribbon has connected fans across generations around its products, and we think customers, new and old, are going to love the chance to experiment with something different from a brand they trust.”
And yet, with such a sudden shift to such a wide range of products, is this even the same PBR we know and love? Gallagher simply framed the answer as PBR getting more interesting. “Pabst Blue Ribbon has been busy creating lots of exciting new drinks that are creative and celebratory,” he told me. “We’re really excited to keep innovating and give Pabst Blue Ribbon fans the chance to try something fun and new.” Let the good times roll.
For generations, Pabst Blue Ribbon was a simple brand struggling to survive on its legacy before hipsters embraced that old-school attitude and returned the beer to prominence over the past couple decades. But over the past couple years, PBR has drastically rewritten its ethos. No longer a single lager, in 2019, Pabst began rolling out new variations on the beer: higher strength Extra, lower strength Easy, and no strength Non-Alc. Then, PBR pivoted from beer entirely, introducing PBR Hard Coffee. That launch proved popular enough that Pabst followed with similar products like PBR Hard Tea and PBR Hard Cold Brew. Meanwhile, PBR also jumped into the trendy hard seltzer category with PBR Stronger Seltzer. And not to mention, even stronger, PBR released its own whiskey.
PABST LAB
Needless to say, it’s been an insanely busy two years for the once proudly stagnant brand, and if you’re wondering if PBR has any other tricks up their sleeve—and what on Earth could even be left—well, a mere two weeks after announcing the launch of their cold brew, PBR is already back with an even more outside the box product: PBR with THC.
Announced today, Pabst Blue Ribbon Cannabis Infused Seltzer is a non-alcoholic, THC-infused lemon seltzer packed with five milligrams of marijuana’s main active ingredient in each 12-ounce can. The resulting beverage is billed as offering up “a responsible dosage designed to make it a go to drink for both casual and experienced cannabis users,” while keeping waistlines slim with just 25 calories and four grams of sugar per serving.
PABST LAB
If you’re wondering what a 175-year-old beer brand knows about pot, well, admittedly, not a ton. Though the new seltzer bears the PBR name, the product—which has been in development for a couple of years—actually comes courtesy of a newly-founded, cannabis-focused entity called Pabst Labs.
“Until the legal landscape changes, we can’t produce this in-house, but the formation of Pabst Labs, a licensed cannabis operator, involving former Pabst Blue Ribbon employees and cannabis beverage experts, gave us a unique chance to grant the use of our brand to a cannabis savvy group that we could trust to develop an infused drink worthy of the Blue Ribbon,” Seamus Gallagher, senior brand manager for PBR, told me via email. As such, Pabst Labs is the one handling production, marketing, and sales of the new drink.
And speaking of sales, no, don’t expect to find this more legally-restricted beverage everywhere PBR is sold. Instead, PBR Cannabis Infused Seltzer is debuting at select California dispensaries or directly to California consumers online on the Pabst Labs website. There, a four-pack will set you back $24.
“Pabst Blue Ribbon has an incredibly loyal and passionate customer base who are open to change and embracing new ideas,” Mark Faicol, Pabst Labs brand manager, explained. “Though this is a limited initial launch, we’ve had a really enthusiastic and positive response from dispensaries and customers, and are looking forward to a wider roll out in the coming months. For over 175 years the Blue Ribbon has connected fans across generations around its products, and we think customers, new and old, are going to love the chance to experiment with something different from a brand they trust.”
And yet, with such a sudden shift to such a wide range of products, is this even the same PBR we know and love? Gallagher simply framed the answer as PBR getting more interesting. “Pabst Blue Ribbon has been busy creating lots of exciting new drinks that are creative and celebratory,” he told me. “We’re really excited to keep innovating and give Pabst Blue Ribbon fans the chance to try something fun and new.” Let the good times roll.
CBD is all over the place these days, with hundreds of CBD products from which to choose. From gummies and oil tinctures to topicals to vapes, there’s something for everyone. But where do you start?
The CBD landscape is like the wild wild west in that the FDA does not fully regulate the industry; as such, quality is all over the map. If you’re dipping your toes into the CBD waters, it can be overwhelming if not downright confusing.
We’re here to help! We’ve listed the top ten best CBD products and answered the most frequently asked questions about CBD. Whether you’re just starting or just looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered.
The best CBD product is Balance CBD’s oil tincture natural flavor. Oil tinctures are one of the most popular ways of taking CBD. Choose from 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, 2500mg, or a whopping 5000mg. Balance CBD also gives you the option of choosing your extract type: isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum. We love Balance CBD because these oil tinctures are the highest quality and most accessible. They are on a mission to make premium products affordable for everyone during the coronavirus crisis. Balance CBD also offers 15% off your first order with the coupon code FIRST15. This is the best CBD product on the market.
Rating: ★★★★★
2. Dani Pepper – Sleepytime Gummies
Dani Pepper is a fun, vibrant brand. CBD Gummies are right up there with oil tinctures for the most popular way to consume CBD, but gummies are far more fun and tasty. Dani Pepper’s Sleepytime Gummies bring a bonus with a dash of melatonin to help with sleep. These yummy, bite-sized sleep aids are perfect for when counting sheep just won’t cut it.
Rating: ★★★★★
3. Dani Pepper – “O” CBD lube
Yes, Dani Pepper makes it back-to-back on our list for their signature product “O” By Dani Pepper — a CBD lube. You read that right, CBD lube is a thing. This water-based CBD lube Orgasm enhancer can be used with latex and silicone condoms and toys, unlike other CBD lubes. The best part is that it’s natural, vegan, and brings a sexy boost to the boudoir.
Rating: ★★★★★
4. Budderweeds – CBD Tincture
Another fantastic CBD product is the Budderweeds’ CBD Tincture. Budderweeds are a well known brand in Canada, since the legalization of Cannabis they have taken the Canadian market by storm. Recently they made their way into the USA – you can find them 1000s of shelves across the country using this store locator, so no need to type in the words dispensary near me on Google. Budderweeds of the best CBD products that can be bought in the country. Budderweeds has a wide selection of products, so it was tough to narrow it down to just one.
We love Budderweeds’ CBD tincture because it’s potent without an overpowering taste or overly oily texture. What makes Budderweeds stand out is its informative site and thorough customer service.
Rating: ★★★★★
5. Discreetly Baked – CBD Oil
Coming in at number 5 is Discreetly Baked’s CBD Oil. We love the juicy flavors. No artificial ingredients are used. Choose from Strawberry, Orange, or Mango. You can taste the real fruit flavor, but it’s not excessively sweet or tart. The packaging is sleek and gorgeous. You feel like you’re getting a premium product without breaking the bank. A great option if you don’t like the taste of natural tincture.
Rating: ★★★★★
6. CBDistillery – Gummies
We know, we know, more gummies. But we had to include CBDistillery on our list for their potent gummies. These gummies pack a punch with 30mg of CBD isolate per gummy. CBDistillery is dedicated to bringing high-quality, healthy products to consumers. These gummies are sugar-free, gluten-free, allergen-free, and non-GMO. If you’re looking for a little extra CBD in your gummies, these are just the ticket.
7. Healthworx CBD – Disposable Vape Pen
If vaping is more your thing, Healthworx CBD has got your covered. Healthworx creates flavors based on popular strains: Strawnana, Gorilla Glue #4, Pineapple Express, Green Crack, OG Kush, Indica, and Natural. Each CBD vape pen has 300mg of CBD and is VG-free, PG-free, THC-free, and free of MCT Oil. The best part is that their independent lab results are straightforward to find.
Rating: ★★★★
8. Buddha Teas CBD Tea
Tea lovers rejoice! CBD teas are here, and we think Buddha Teas CBD tea is an excellent place to start. These CBD products have a high bioavailability meaning that more CBD gets absorbed into your system. Better yet, Buddha Teas CBD tea line has classics like Chamomile and Peppermint but also has teas with additional health supplements like CBD Mushroom Defense and CBD Tulsi Ashwagandha.
Rating: ★★★
9. Kiskanu – Suppositories
You read that right! CBD suppositories may seem a bit…icky… but people report having great success. If you can get over the initial awkwardness, Kiskanu makes small-batch, organic, sustainable CBD suppositories that can be used in the vagina or rectally. Each suppository contains 50mg of CBD. We love their commitment to the environment as they avoid plastic packaging, and their packaging can be recycled or reused.
Rating: ★★★
10. Joy Organics Pet Products
Bow wow WOW. We couldn’t leave out our furry friends. Rounding out our list of the best CBD products is Joy Organics Pet Products. Joy Organics is an admired and reputable brand co-founded by a grandmother/entrepreneur. These CBD pet treats are chewy, and the CBD tinctures use 2mg of broad spectrum CBD. That means that these CBD pet treats are entirely THC free. These CBD pet products get two paws up.
Rating: ★★★
Cost of CBD Products
Company
Product
Starting Price
Balance CBD
Oil Tincture – Natural
$25.00
Dani Pepper
Sleepytime Gummies
$34.95
Dani Pepper
“O” CBD Lube Orgasm Enhancer
$34.95
Budderweeds
CBD Tincture
$35.00
Discreetly Baked
CBD Oil
$23.95
CBDistillery
Gummies
$55.00
Healthworx CBD
Disposable Vape Ven
$31.49
Buddha Teas
CBD Teas
$19.99
Kiskanu
Suppositories
$24.00
Joy Organics
Pet Products
$34.95
What are the health benefits of CBD products?
The appeal of CBD lies primarily in the mountain of anecdotal evidence that continues to grow. Limited studies have shown promise, but these firsthand accounts are very compelling as even celebrities, government officials, and athletes have lauded CBD for its therapeutic benefits. People use CBD for an assortment of ailments:
Again, the FDA does not recognize CBD as a cure or treatment for any symptoms or conditions. The FDA does not allow any company to make explicit health claims, so if you see a company promoting CBD as a cure or treatment for anything, report them, and do not purchase their products.
How to buy the best CBD products?
Ask yourself these questions before you buy CBD products.
Where did the hemp come from?
In America, strict cultivation guidelines are in place at both the state and federal level. Hemp grown anywhere else, like Europe or Asia, does not need to follow the same regulations as the U.S. Be cautious if hemp originates from China or India because their standards are much less stringent than that of the U.S. Keep in mind that importing hemp or CBD products increases the opportunity for contaminants to taint them. Hemp is like a sponge and absorbs both nutrients and contaminates easily. Choose CBD products derived from hemp grown to organic standards because hemp can absorb harmful chemicals from pesticides or heavy metals and other things you don’t want in your body.
What type of CBD is being used?
There are three types of CBD products: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum and broad spectrum contain additional cannabinoids and terpenes. Full spectrum includes no more than 0.3% THC, the legal limit. Broad spectrum and isolate do not have any THC. CBD isolate uses CBD in its purest form.
If you don’t want THC in your system, stick with broad spectrum, or isolate products. If you’re drug tested, 0.3% THC may set off a false positive on a sensitive drug test. The additional terpenes and cannabinoids of full spectrum and broad spectrum may provide other benefits that CBD alone cannot.
Avoid companies that don’t tell you what kind of CBD they use.
What’s the potency of your CBD products?
With so many CBD products available, you’re bound to find a dosage that works. Keep in mind that the type of CBD product plays into the potency. You may feel that full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate may all feel like different potencies, everything else being equal.
What’s in your CBD products?
CBD products can be formulated with a variety of ingredients. Artificial or natural ingredients can be used. Like other health products, it’s best to find natural products. Companies like Balance CBD use not only natural ingredients, but also are free of allergens, GMOs, and animal byproducts like gelatin.
CBD products can also be formulated with healthful ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and supplements, such as melatonin. Read the label of your CBD products, and if there’s something that you don’t know, look it up.
Is third-party testing used?
Independent lab testing is essential in keeping you safe. The FDA does not recognize CBD as a treatment or cure for any symptom or condition. As such, reputable companies must be transparent with their testing.
Independent testing verifies what’s in the CBD product. It tests the levels of cannabinoids. In other words, you’ll know if THC is at the legal limit, and if the amount of CBD is the same as the label. Tests all tell you how pure the CBD is and if there is anything that you don’t want in your body, including heavy metals or residual chemicals.
The results of third-party lab tests are known as the Certificate of Analysis (COA). These COAs should be easily accessible to you before purchase. Third-party tests are expensive, so companies may try to avoid them to cut corners. If a company doesn’t make their COAs available or doesn’t do third-party testing, avoid them altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBD?
These three magic letters stand for cannabidiol. CBD is a chemical compound known as a cannabinoid that is found in cannabis. There are two species of the cannabis plant: hemp and marijuana. CBD can be derived from both species; however, only CBD derived from commercial hemp is legal in all 50 states.
Over 100 cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant, each being studied for its effects on humans. CBD, in particular, is being researched for its purported therapeutic benefits. Research has been limited, but human and animal studies have shown a lot of promise.
How does CBD work?
CBD potentially promotes homeostasis by working with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Homeostasis is the body’s inner harmony. In other words, the ECS keeps you feeling “normal.” In that sense, CBD may promote general wellbeing by interacting with the ECS to help maintain homeostasis. To support this harmony, the ECS must engage some of the body’s most vital functions, including sleep, pain management, and mood.
What are CBD products?
CBD products are anything infused or covered with CBD. Infused products are more effective. For example, a CBD infused gummy has an exact dosage, whereas a gummy covered or dusted with CBD may not.
What are the different types of CBD products?
There are more and more CBD products flooding the market. There are oil tinctures, edibles, topicals, beverages, lube, suppositories, vape pens, skincare, and even pet products. There are specialized products such as pillows, masks, hair products, toothpicks, potato chips, hand sanitizer, chews, toilet paper, toothpaste, workout gear, bed sheets, bath bombs, nail polish, and sex products.
Are CBD products safe?
Yes, legal CBD products are safe with some small caveats. Check the ingredients in case you’re allergic to anything found in the product. If you live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, you may find CBD products with high THC levels. Inferior and Black Market CBD products are abundant. Use the above criteria to help you stay safe and healthy.
Can I use CBD products for anxiety?
It’s understandable to be anxious during a global pandemic. Even without these troublesome times, one in thirteen people worldwide suffers from anxiety, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Prescription medication can have severe side effects, so people turn to CBD as a natural alternative.
Can I use CBD products for sleep?
There are many reasons people have trouble sleeping: physical ailments, certain health conditions, or mental health issues. Those who can’t fall asleep or who have problems staying asleep turn to CBD because some have found that it shortens the time to fall asleep and generally improves sleep quality. Some studies have supported this.
Can I use CBD products for pain?
Many athletes have endorsed CBD for pain management and its purported anti-inflammatory benefits. There are also studies being done regarding CBD being a natural alternative to fatal opioids. CBD is non-toxic, non-addictive, and you cannot overdose from taking too much.
Can I use CBD products for depression?
Depression is an invisible affliction that affects more than 264 million people around the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). People are often prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression. These antidepressants can have harsh side effects, including sexual dysfunction, sedation, headaches, nausea, and more. CBD does not have the same side effects.
Do I need a prescription to get CBD products?
No, you don’t need a prescription to get CBD products. However, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before incorporating CBD into your health regimen. Don’t stop medications cold turkey. Additionally, CBD may affect how you metabolize other medications. Don’t take CBD if you’re on other medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How do I use CBD gummies?
CBD gummies fall under the edibles umbrella. Like anything else edible, you simply have to pop a CBD gummy in your mouth, chew, and swallow. Edibles are unique because they must go through the digestion process, which means that it takes more time to work, but the effects last longer. If gummies are your thing, then here is a list of the best CBD gummies and best CBD edibles.
How do I use CBD tinctures?
CBD tinctures come with a dropper. First, shake the bottle to ensure the oil mixes evenly. Squeeze the rubber top of the dropper to draw in oil. Place the opening of the dropper about an inch high, aiming under your tongue. Squeeze the rubber top, so the CBD oil is released under your tongue. Hold the oil there for 30-60 seconds. Don’t let the dropper touch your mouth, or it might get contaminated. Here’s a list of the best CBD oils and best CBD oil companies.
How do I use CBD topicals?
Topicals provide localized relief, so you have to concentrate the application to a relatively small area. Before applying the CBD topical, clean the area and make sure there’s no broken skin. Be liberal and vigorous as you massage in the CBD topical deep past the layers of skin.
How do I use CBD capsules?
You can either place the capsule in your mouth first or after you take a sip of water. Swallow the liquid with the capsule. If you have trouble, you can place the capsule in a spoon of applesauce or pudding. You can also try it in a piece of banana or other soft food.
How do I use CBD Lube?
Rub CBD lube on your clitoris, outer labia, inner labia, and inside your vagina. You can also rub CBD lube around and in your anus if you’re having anal sex. Keep in mind that silicone and oil-based lubes cannot be used with latex condoms and certain toys.
How do I use CBD tea?
First, you need to boil some water. As the water comes to a boil, add loose leaf tea to an infuser or place your teabag in your mug or teapot. Once hot enough, pour the water over the infuser or tea bag to let the water soak through the tea leaves. Time your tea. Check the directions as each type of tea should be steeped for different times. Dunk the tea bag or infuser a few times to allow the water to circulate. Take out the infuser or tea bag and set it aside in case you want to have more tea.
How do I use CBD vape pens?
There are two different vape pens available: push-button vape pens or draw-activated vape pens. The former has to be turned on by pressing the button to activate the atomizer, which creates vapor. Vapes without a button start when you inhale. The vape turns off as soon as you stop drawing air from the pen.
How do I use CBD suppositories?
Suppositories can be a touchy subject and a bit awkward to use. You can either insert a suppository standing or lying on your side. If you’re standing, place one leg on a chair. If lying on your side, bend your top leg by bringing your knee toward your stomach. Relax your glutes and open your buttocks. Push the head of the suppository up your rectum about an inch deep. Close your legs and either sit or lie still for twenty minutes while the suppository dissolves.
What’s the difference between hemp oil products and CBD oil products?
While both are derived from hemp, they are taken from different parts of the plant. Hemp oil comes from the seeds, which have virtually no CBD. People take hemp oil for the nutrients that include proteins, vitamins, minerals, or beneficial fatty acids.
CBD oil comes from the stocks and leaves of hemp plants. As stated earlier, studies are being done regarding the many purported therapeutic benefits.
Can I trust CBD products from Amazon?
NO. Amazon does not permit the selling of CBD products. The products that you see for sale on Amazon are hemp products. Anything touting itself as CBD or having the purported benefits of CBD is lying.
How long does it take for CBD products to work?
The time it takes for CBD to work depends on the type of product. Like gummies, chocolates, or capsules, anything you ingest takes longer to work because they must get digested first. Vapes work almost instantly. Tinctures may take 15 minutes or longer.
How long do CBD products last?
Generally, CBD products can last anywhere from two to six hours. The time depends on several things, including the type of CBD product, your weight, and your body chemistry.
Are CBD products legal?
In the U.S., CBD must be derived from commercial hemp with no more than 0.3% THC to be federally legal. As mentioned earlier, CBD can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp. Some CBD products have THC levels higher than 0.3%. These are legal in states where recreational marijuana is legal. You must know your state laws as well as how much THC is in your product.
Do CBD products get you high?
No, pure CBD does not get you high. Full spectrum CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC. This amount is not enough to get you high. Again, some states may allow CBD products with higher levels of THC.
What are full spectrum CBD products?
Full spectrum is one of the three types of CBD products. These products contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes of the entire hemp plant. The full spectrum of cannabinoids includes less than 0.3% THC. All these cannabinoids are said to work together synergistically to create the “entourage effect.”
What are broad spectrum CBD products?
Broad spectrum CBD products also contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes, except THC. Even without THC, broad spectrum CBD products may also create the entourage effect.
What are isolate CBD products?
Isolate CBD products use pure CBD. This cannabinoid is processed and separated out of the hemp plant, so you’re left with the isolated CBD. There is absolutely no THC in isolate CBD products.
How do I find my dosage?
The majority of CBD companies base dosages on weight. There are actually more factors that go into finding the perfect dosage: health condition, body chemistry, and experience with CBD.
The FDA does not have standardized dosing suggestions. It’s best to start with a low dosage. Wait a week and monitor how your body reacts before increasing your dosage. Go slow and gradually increase your dosage until you get the results that you want.
Where do I buy CBD products?
We advise you to buy CBD products online. It’s convenient, and virtually CBD products are just a Google search away. (Beware of buying CBD Oil from a Google advertisement, Google ad policies do not allow for the sale of CBD). You can do price comparisons, brand comparisons, and any additional research you need. More importantly, you can check out the lab results to ensure what you’re buying is safe.
Shop in your PJs at midnight or at your lunch break at the office. Get your CBD products delivered right to you. You can also get exclusive promotions. The best value definitely comes when you buy CBD products online.
By Matt Jackson via SFStation – September 11, 2020
In a sea of Southern California cannabis companies jockeying to capture the Bay Area’s attention, Wonderbrett stands an ocean apart. Grown in Long Beach, the authenticity of their product and the quality of their drops have quickly commanded not only a loyal following here in the North but also top-shelf status.
“No Name” is a limited edition offering, combining two of Wonderbrett’s heavy hitter strains with a formidable new teammate. Think of it as Marvel’s “What-if” series but for cannabis. And so, hidden behind mild-mannered packaging, these heroic buds answer the question: what if OZ Kush teamed up with Cookies & Cream, and their resulting offspring had a crossover with Black Orchid?
Mysteriously dense, the smell when you squeeze the flower is an exact match to the pine-n-pepper profile of Black Orchid (’96 OG Kush x Gelato) but with an added sweetness at the back end. Once ground up, your nose starts to pick up all the citrus from the OZ Kush (Zkittlez x OG Kush), and by the time you’ve finished rolling up, the dry inhale is a perfect blend of sweet and citrus. I almost suspect that adding Cookies & Cream (Starfighter x Girl Scout Cookies) was the secret ingredient to perfectly marrying these two distinct flavors while adding something new to the mix.
With a rich, robust smoke, this is all the body relaxation you’ve come to expect from Black Orchid but mixed with OZ Kush’s mental alertness. Such an effective hybrid has been an instant hit with people needing to feel their body relax but are wary of having the volume on their thought process turned down. If that sounds like your bag, get it while you can because this hero to the people won’t be a permanent addition to the Wonderbrett lineup.
Aside from being a pleasure to smoke, No Name is a limited run, representing this company’s emergence into an elite crowd creating a very different section of the cannabis menu. Appearing with little warning and short supply, these new “concept drops” are the latest, most experimental offerings from your favorite creators, packaged for the dedicated few. More than just small batch, this new breed of hero lives out their 6-issue miniseries, then disappears into the night, only ever witnessed by the most devoted fans.
Given the amount of time, cost, and effort necessary to open additional cultivation sites in California, space is at an all-time premium. Offering consumers this direct access to brand R&D allows brands to cushion the financial burden of devoting space to new flavors while increasing the bond between them and their audience. Imagine the feeling of being part of the exclusive group who’ve made it through the obstacle course and all the way to the vault.
But what’s more remarkable to me is the afterglow, less the feeling of a selling tactic, and more of a genuine sense of community inclusion. With concept drops, brands invite us to sample some fantastic flavors that may never make it to the big leagues.
Hidden behind a simple black bag and plain white label, “No Name” is a unique offering that gives Wonderbrett fans a chance to try something new and experimental.
The spaceship under construction across from Old Orchard Mall was the first thing that gave me comfort after I moved to Evanston on March 10. Moving during the first week of a pandemic-induced global lockdown that one suspects might also signify end-times is unnerving, but back in the early days that immediately followed the end of the before times, that spaceship made me smile.
I’d watch construction. I had time, as COVID has rendered my career as a theater critic less economically viable than the Palmer House. The sign went up. “Greenhouse,” in ten-foot-tall verdant, I-will-not-be-ignored green. I appreciated both the size and the matter-of-fact forthrightness.
In my experience visiting the weederies of these United States, be they in Oak Park or Evanston or Cape Cod or Colorado or L.A. or San Francisco, one generally waits in line in either a dank underground parking structure or a back alley or perhaps the odd viaduct if things get crowded. I have a low tolerance for ad hominem attempts at shaming. In addition to that humongous sign, the Greenhouse had a parking lot right out in the sunlight of a busy intersection with room for at least three dozen cars.
In April, I was eavesdropping from the perimeter of Dog Happy Hour, which was then and remains now one of the only places I’ve seen people since moving. I overheard someone saying there was a Belushi involved with this new greenhouse, and it would carry a strain of weed based on The Blues Brothers, plus another strain identical to the mythic Captain Jack, aka the “Smell of Saturday Night Live,” circa 1977, aka the wondrous bit of flora that birthed the Coneheads, among others.
I decided to investigate. The dog owners are a tough crowd. Perhaps I could become more than the unknown interloper whose pug pees on other people’s unattended beer koozies.
The Greenhouse founder and CEO is 30-year Deerfield resident Mitch Kahn, whose first dispensary was medical only, set in the back of an industrial Deerfield warehouse because—as he explained to me—“Back then, you had to put the dispensary in industrially zoned areas. They didn’t want you in retail areas.”
Thus far, the Greenhouse is the only place in the world right now where you can get Blues Brothers-branded weed. It’s grown in Illinois by Jim Belushi, brother of the late John Belushi, aka Joliet Jake of Blues Brothers fame.
If nothing else, Blues Brothers weed is million-dollar marketing. Many of my friends are of a demographic celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Blues Brothers movie, which came out in 1980, the summer of my senior year in high school. We are now all of an age to pine for the days when Jake and Elwood settled Nazis by sending them flying from Marina Towers into the lake. And when Mad Dog Murphy and Aretha lit up the Maxwell Street Café. When it was still possible to get the band back together. John Belushi was especially revered by my Wheaton classmates because he made it out of Wheaton and because he posed with a ginormous cigar hanging out of his mouth in his football team’s yearbook photo. That summer of 1980, still golden from the success of Animal House, John Belushi shone so brightly we thought we would all live forever.
The Blues Brothers
As Jim Belushi sees it, had marijuana been legal 40 years ago, his brother would be alive today. “If they knew then what they know now . . . ” Belushi trails off. John Belushi died at 33 in 1982. The toxicology reports named a fatal drug interaction as the cause of death. As Jim Belushi recalls, his brother’s drug use started out as many do: John Belushi was a revered jock in a football town who got prescribed a lot of painkillers at a very young age.
Here is some context, courtesy of my years in high school in Wheaton.
John Belushi was an all-star linebacker at Wheaton High School (later Wheaton Central, where Jim graduated). No matter where you went to high school, the biggest extracurricular club was likely Jocks for Jesus or some variation thereof. Until John Belushi, the town’s biggest celebrity was Red Grange, the Galloping Ghost. Year upon year, the biggest political issue in Wheaton was whether it should remain dry, or whether alcohol could be sold within its assiduously maintained borders. (That didn’t happen until 1985.) Cannabis, we were all taught implicitly and explicitly, was a gateway to shame, disgrace, darkness, heroin, and very possibly living in a van down by the river.
John Belushi started having seizures as a teenager, his brother said.
“I saw him seize up in the kitchen when he was 18,” Jim Belushi said. “And it was from banging his head in football for years. Back then, it was like, ‘Oh what’s the matter, Belushi, you got your bell rung a little bit? Get back in there.’ And it just happened over and over.”
Numerous studies since Belushi’s football days (he graduated in 1967) on the field have shown that judiciously used cannabis can work as an effective “exit drug” to wean people from opiates, benzos, coke, and uppers. It has also been used as effective treatment for pain, PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and a host of other ailments. When my mother was dying of Parkinson’s, I gave her brownies packed with the stuff. Short of endgame amounts of morphine, it was the only thing that eased the pain.
Jim Belushi talks like an encyclopedia of weed, citing medical journals and scientific studies, explaining the ins and outs of terpenes and THC and CBD. He worked as a bouncer in Chicago for years. “I never had to break up a fight between two potheads,” he said.
Like The Blues Brothers legendary protagonists Joliet Jake and Elwood (played by Dan Aykroyd, who with John’s widow Judy holds the rights to the Blues Brothers brand) Jim Belushi claims he’s on a “mission from God” to educate the world about cannabis, and spread the gospel of its healing properties.
Jim’s reality show Growing Belushi airs Wednesday at 9 PM on Discovery.
DISCOVERY
He is documenting and further monetizing his journey with the TV show Growing Belushi, which follows him as he travels to Colombia and wrestles with the legacy of Pablo Escobar, accidentally burns down a laboriously raised crop of Captain Jack, and gets Aykroyd to give his legal blessing to a Blues Brothers-branded weed product.
“Brands have to do with an emotional connection. It’s not just a pretty box,” he said. “The Blues Brothers brand is about music and mischievousness and healing and creativity. It’s also got a kick. If you’re new, I recommend inhaling half the smoke, holding the other half in your mouth. Start slowly and safely.”
McHenry’s Michelle Garcia was first in line at the Greenhouse’s grand opening on September 3.
She was applauded as she ascended the curving interior staircase that leads from the Greenhouse’s ground floor showroom to the second level, where your order is processed and where you can access additional ATMs. She swanned back down, purchase in hand, like Gloria Swanson minus the tragedy.
“I’ve been smoking for 30 years. This is something new, something that sounds good and exciting. Of course I want to try it. I’d also like to meet Jim.” She would not succeed in the latter. Garcia was in line at 8 AM. Belushi pulled up in the Blues Mobile around 2 PM, long after she’d left.
Usually, Garcia said she goes to Mundelein for her weed. “They have two varieties of flower there,” she told me. “Do you know how many they have here?” I did not. “47,” Garcia said. “47.”
The dispensary I’ve been using, the one with the parking lot, hasn’t had flower since March.
While Garcia and dozens of others were shopping, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce was in full throttle hail-fellow-well-met-congrats-all-around mode.
A silver-haired man walking a large dog stopped in the parking lot, taking in the security guards discreetly positioned amidst tables heaped with complimentary chocolate chip scones and boxes of coffee. “To think I used to bank here back in the day,” he says. His tone sounds very pointed.
The skeleton of the bank that used to be at 10000 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, has been repurposed under architects Peter Theodore and Stephen Coorlas. The 15,000 square foot interior is by Epoch Design, and defined by two-story high walls, floor-to-ceiling greenery, and that dramatic staircase. The plants are fake, but way upscale fake and they look real. Teller cages on the ground level are staffed by smiling millennials with an encyclopedic knowledge of product, from heirloom bongs to CBD salves to 500 mg cartridges.
Worth noting: Most everything is slightly cheaper than it is at the parking lot place. 100 mg gummies start at $25. 500 mg cartridges can be had for less than $50.
Tablets and hand sanitizer and wipes are stationed throughout the space, where you can easily scroll through hundreds of menu items categorized by edibles, flower, oils, and cartridges, among other ingestibles. There, wares are displayed in gleaming jewelry boxes. No mask, no entry.
It’s not lost on Belushi that he’s engaged in a thriving business that sent countless people—most of them Black and Brown—to prison. Forbes reports that as of June, roughly 40,000 people remain in prison for marijuana offenses.
Belushi says he was busted twice by the Wheaton PD as a juvenile. “I was the crime rate in Wheaton,” he said, adding that “it wasn’t a big deal.”
But getting arrested is cataclysmically different for thousands of others, so Belushi is supporting the Last Prisoner Project. The nonprofit coalition of “cannabis industry leaders” say they are dedicated to “releasing cannabis prisoners and helping them rebuild their lives.”
Opening day at the Greenhouse, everyone got a T-shirt, a lighter, and a tote bag. I wore the shirt to Dog Happy Hour. It was a game changer. The guy drinking a juice box of Sangria wanted particulars on the vibe and the hours. The guy who doesn’t like to be told he looks like Michael McDonald waved when I left.
As for the Blues Brothers strain, it does have a kick, provided you don’t hold half the smoke in your mouth. And if it’s marketed with a hefty slice of nostalgia, well, hellsbells. It’s been a year.
Quick to help in any way possible during a crisis, CannaCraft has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of products to fire and flood victims in California since 2016. CannaCraft also opened the office to employees and their families during the 2019 Kincade Fire.
What three events or activities would you like to highlight as examples of ways your company or you have helped or continue to help make things better in the North Bay?
1. Partnerships with and sponsorships of leading nonprofits in Sonoma County to support sustainability, compassionate care, and social justice. Nonprofit partners include Ceres Community project, Food For Thought Food Bank, Daily Acts, Becoming Independent, Go Local and more.
2. Support for the Red Cross during Tubbs and other North Bay fires that year. In October 2017, CannaCraft opened its doors to the Red Cross. Donating unused (and used) office space, kitchen areas, showers, etc to the Red Cross for their regional headquarters. Red Cross volunteers and employees shared space with CannaCraft employees for nearly a month, with several Red Cross affiliates using the office for lodging. CannaCraft’s marketing department was home to several cots during this time. During this time CannaCraft also donated nearly $200k in cannabis products to people and business effected by the CA fires.
3. Beautification projects. CannaCraft employees have partnered with the Santa Rosa parks department to organize clean up days at local sites and parks. CannaCraft employees have cleared trees, bushes, weeds etc, painted gazebos and public restrooms, picked up litter, replanted plants, and more. As residents of Sonoma County, many of us born and raised in the area, we take pride in improving our community and making it easier for more people to enjoy the beautiful amenities and scenery that we have.”
What ways does your organization help support the idea of helping others, i.e. days for volunteering, ways to contribute money to causes?
The company actively promotes and encourages employees to take part in volunteer days. Park clean up days are held during regular working hours and employees are paid for their time as if they were completing their regular job. CannaCraft also brings philanthropic opportunities to the workplace. There is almost always a notice of ways to support local non-profits at the reception desk. There was also a food drive collection during the holidays and there is almost always a signup sheet at reception for employees to sign up to support our partners.
How is the idea of helping others or working to solve community issues incorporated your personal life or in the company’s culture?
CannaCraft’s spirit of philanthropy is in very large part to our founders. Dennis Hunter, drives most compassionate care and giveback programs. Dennis was the one to offer up office space to Red Cross, he worked to erect temporary housing near CannaCraft’s headquarters, he implemented all of the give back programs and is always the busiest worker during volunteer days.
Ned’s passion is sustainability. Ned is Core Member at OSC2, a community of sustainable leaders who work together to have a positive effect on the natural products industry and on our environment and he utilizes natural and sustainable cultivation techniques at his numerous cultivation sites throughout California
What inspires your employees about the North Bay spirit of helping others?
We chose our local partners because of our belief that the combination of our efforts would magnify and amplify common goals of helping others. For example Food For Thought Food Bank grew from the desire to help those battling HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County in the 1980’s – the same mission that inspired the medical cannabis community to coalesce and begin the fight for a legitimate and legal way to help provide relief. As recreational cannabis continues to move forward we believe it is also important to keep working on the missions we originated from.
How does your company’s philanthropy work spill over into its culture?
As representatives of an emerging market we acknowledge that we have been given a gift in being able to help set a foundational standard for what legalized cannabis will look like in the years to come. By showing up and participating and representing our values in our larger community we often tap into our personal stories to illustrate why cannabis is needed and how cannabis companies can be a valued core member of their local communities.
The conversations around participation and the stigmatization of cannabis often take place around a dinner table, at local communities, open to talking about what we do fosters understanding and builds bridges that can only be done one on one outside of an office building.
Describe why you do what you do in the community in six words.
Cannabis and community go hand in hand.
Why are you inspired by helping others?
Jennifer Glickman, CannaCraft’s corporate social responsibility manager: We have all needed the help of our community at one time or another. The 2017 and 2019 wildfires reinforced that 10 fold. Working for a company that opened its doors to the Red Cross and members of our community at large forever changed the DNA of CannaCraft.
During those occasions we were lucky enough to be in an unaffected area and seeing our ownership team not hesitate to welcome those in less fortunate circumstances into the fold and offices set a tone for us as employees to keep our priorities and our commitment to our larger community at the forefront. Always.
How this company helped a cause?
We have chosen to support numerous nonprofits in their infancy — Project CBD, HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project, and the Last Prisoner Project — in an effort to allow them some breathing room to find their footing, flesh out their programmatic endeavors and grow roots. Our financial support at an early stage not only accomplished the above but also signaled to others that our belief in these organizations and the people doing the heavy lifting deserved and needed larger community support.
ProjectCBD helps people learn about CBD from renowned and respected sources. HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project provides a platform for individuals – many who have been disenfranchised from the process — to gain non-partisan insight into who are lawmakers are and to engage and participate in our democracy.
Last Prisoner Project is a social justice organization fighting for clemency for those convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related offenses; we strongly believe that while a regulated market grows we can’t forget those still paying the price for a failed war on drugs.
The ripple effect of these combined efforts and the number of people these organizations help to find their voices — in very different ways — contributes to opening hearts and minds to a community that has been stigmatized and often silenced.
