In the latest episode of Big Ideas in Cannabis on the Beard Bros Media Network, host Cassie Tomaselli sat down with Kristina Lopez, CEO of House of Puff, to discuss her journey, brand philosophy, and the evolving landscape of cannabis.
Lopez, a Connecticut-based entrepreneur with roots in a strict Puerto Rican household, revealed how her personal experiences with cannabis—initially off-limits—led to the founding of House of Puff. “I moved to New York and was having trouble sleeping. My mom’s a physician, and I kept hearing about cannabis’s benefits for sleep. That’s when I first tried it and felt like myself again,” she shared.
Founded in 2019 alongside co-founder Holly, Lopez’s vision was to create a luxury, fashion-inspired cannabis lifestyle brand that emphasizes culture, elegance, and education. “We wanted to design accessories that felt intentional and beautiful, not just functional but also artful, to help shift perceptions around cannabis,” she explained. The brand’s accessories, from pipes to rolling trays, are collaborations with artists, with proceeds supporting nonprofit arts initiatives.
Lopez emphasized the importance of building a brand first, before expanding into THC products. “We focused on education and community-building—making cannabis approachable, especially for women and people of color. Our YouTube channel, with tutorials like ‘how to roll a joint,’ resonated because it was warm, real, and empowering,” she said.
The conversation also highlighted the innovative product, Spritz, a discreet, water-soluble sublingual spray designed for modern social use. Lopez recounted how consumer feedback led to creative uses beyond the original intent, with customers spraying it into drinks or using it on the go—a testament to thinking outside the box.
Lopez discussed the challenges and opportunities of operating in the New York market, noting the importance of community and relationships. “Know your community and stay true to your brand. Building genuine relationships is key,” she advised.
She also shared insights into her approach to navigating the complex hemp-derived space, emphasizing the need for careful research and trust in partners. “The crossover between hemp and cannabis allows us to expand nationally, but the regulatory landscape is constantly changing. We stay nimble by monitoring legislation and ensuring our products are safe and well-dosed,” Lopez explained.
Lopez passionately addressed the underrepresentation of women in cannabis, noting that women are the fastest-growing consumer group but remain underfunded and overlooked. “Women want products that fit their lifestyles—elegant, low-dose, intuitive. We need more women at the table designing and shaping the industry,” she urged.
Looking ahead, Lopez plans to expand her product reach, including broader distribution of the Spritz and pre-rolls, as well as collaborations with artists and cultural figures. She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to be cautious with partnerships and to do thorough due diligence.
As the episode concluded, Lopez left viewers inspired with her call for increased inclusion, community engagement, and innovation in the cannabis space.
