San Diego, CA — Synergy Studios, the multimedia and advocacy lifestyle brand led by Afro-Latina Navy veteran, filmmaker, and cannabis advocate JM Balbuena, is proud to announce a new partnership with leading cannabis media outlet Beard Bros Media for the official distribution of the documentary-style travel series Jamaica Normalization Island (JNI).
Beginning April 19, 2025, just in time for the global 4/20 celebration, Jamaica Normalization Island will premiere on the Beard Bros Media YouTube channel, bringing a visually rich, culturally immersive, and socially conscious look into the cannabis culture of Jamaica.
Created and produced by JM Balbuena, the series follows two women—Balbuena and cannabis entrepreneur Loriel Alegrete—as they embark on a journey across Jamaica to explore the deep-rooted threads of the island’s cannabis normalization. From dispensaries and seshes by the sea to reggae festivals and Bob Marley’s hometown of 9 Mile, JNI is equal parts travelogue, cultural study, and celebration of plant medicine.
“This series is about showing the realness—the celebratory, and the communal aspects of cannabis culture in Jamaica,” said JM Balbuena, Executive Producer of the series and founder of Synergy Studios. “Partnering with Beard Bros Media allows us to elevate this conversation on a global scale, with a platform that shares our mission of informed cannabis storytelling.”
Beard Bros Media, known for its commitment to education, advocacy, and community-first journalism in the cannabis space, will serve as the distribution partner of the full series via YouTube and other digital channels.
“We’re excited to amplify a series that aligns with our core values of authenticity and truth in cannabis media,” said Bill Levers, Co-Founder of Beard Bros Media. “Jamaica Normalization Island gives viewers access to stories that matter—rooted in culture, people, and the plant.”
The series offers a refreshing counter-narrative to traditional cannabis tourism, focusing instead on local voices, historical context, and celebration. As the global cannabis conversation evolves, Jamaica Normalization Island is a timely reminder of the plant’s sacred place in Caribbean culture and beyond.
Watch The Premiere
Jamaica Normalization Island
Available April 19, 2025
On Beard Bros Media YouTube Channel
Press Contact:
Synergy Studios
info@cannabissynergy.tv
www.jmbalbuena.com
Beard Bros Media
media@beardbrospharms.com
www.beardbrospharms.com
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