He’s the original OG.
B Real, the lead vocalist of the seminal hip-hop group Cypress Hill, was one of the first artists to rap nearly entirely about weed. He and the other members of Cypress Hill, who were nominated for three Grammy Awards throughout their career, were among the first performers to openly embrace cannabis in a culture still dominated by marijuana prohibition.
Still, today, B Real truly lives the cannabis lifestyle every day–he’s not just a name on a package.
But thankfully, he also has his name on a package.
Dr. Greenthumb’s, the cannabis brand he founded back in 1998 (you read that right!), is launching an eponymous line of marijuana flower in California this week, with the product first available in the company’s dispensaries. The Dr. Greenthumb’s line, which the company claims is meant to offer high-quality cannabis flower to all Californians, will then be distributed to additional licensed merchants around the state.
Here’s everything you need to know about this launch–and how B Real’s legacy is helping growers in big ways.
The Birth Of Dr. Greenthumb’s
While the brand has been around since 1998, B Real only opened Dr. Greenthumb’s first marijuana dispensary in August 2018 in Sylmar, California. The company now operates five licensed cannabis dispensaries in California, with a sixth set to launch on April 16 in Los Angeles, only minutes from LAX.
Dr. Greenthumb’s has co-branded cannabis accessories agreements with vape producer G-Pen and specialty smoking gear manufacturer Stündenglass. Still, the new cannabis flower line is the brand’s first step into its own authorized marijuana products.
The products offered are geared toward inclusivity, tailored to the individual needs of cannabis users while also honoring the contribution of local growers. A statement made by the company states: “Dr. Greenthumb’s flower is divided into three distinct categories: Loyal, Legacy, and Unapologetic,” the company said in a statement. “Loyal signifies B Real’s commitment to quality cannabis while being mindful of price point; Legacy pays homage to the farms who have maintained their quality and authenticity over the decades, and Unapologetic speaks to the customer who wants the best cannabis, regardless of budget.”
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Why The New Flower Line Is Dope
It’s no secret that California growers haven’t had an easy time lately. Independent farms that manage to secure a license then face the challenges of trying to retain their market shares, grow their business (pun intended), and stay compliant. As craft growers, it’s always a challenge to get visibility and recognition in the industry. That’s where B Real and Dr. Greenthumb’s new line comes in.
Dr. Greenthumb’s new cannabis flower line is sourced from california vetted on the operation’s history, authenticity, and connection to actual cannabis culture by B Real, head of cultivation Kenji Fujishima, and other members of the Dr. Greenthumb’s team. Details on selected growers will be available through a QR code on each package, enabling transparency and allowing buyers to view each farm’s narrative and make purchasing decisions based on which growers they wish to support.
A Winning Partnership
This recognition of the enormous contribution that smaller cannabis operations make to the culture and industry is a massive show of support for often-overlooked farms. By partnering with independent farms to give them an outlet to retail for their product without spending time/money on establishing their own brand, B Real is helping small operators get a lot more exposure for their products and reach a market they would not have accessed otherwise.
As B Real says, “I have a twofold mission with Dr. Greenthumb’s flower. I want to honor the legacy of cannabis by ensuring the original cultivators have a place in the industry and provide accessible, quality cannabis for everyone’s budget. Things are changing so fast in the industry, and the mom-and-pop legacy growers are losing their voice to the big corporations. I want to do my part to help the growers who love and respect the plant.”
Ongoing Collaboration
Once independent growers’ product makes the cut, after a rigorous vetting process, the farms will continue to be eligible and part of the Dr. Greenthumb supply chain as long as they maintain the brand’s quality criteria. However, strains will fluctuate based on each farm’s menu selections. Each batch of cannabis will be unique to the Dr. Greenthumb’s brand, which will frequently collaborate with fresh producers.
Having B Real, the grandfather of cannabis, endorse independent operators is a massive win for the California legacy growers. By creating such a solid, ongoing partnership with them to launch his new flower line, the rapper and Dr. Greenthumb are supporting those who need it the most while showcasing the amazing product that California cannabis growers have to offer.
Keep on top of the latest news and developments in the cannabis space by checking out our Beard Bros website.
