Making Music and Edibles with the Santanas

Few things are as powerful as a father-daughter duo, especially in business. 

We know this because many successful dads and daughters have influenced our culture: Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, Lionel and Nicole Richie, Lenny and Zoe Kravitz, Will and Willow Smith, Bill and Chelsea Clinton, and Paul and Stella McCartney — to name a few! There’s another father-daughter duo equally influencing culture, but instead of doing so through entertainment or politics, they’re using cannabis. 

Carlos and Stella Santana have teamed up on Mirayo, Carlos’ cannabis brand, specifically bringing the new edibles line to life. Most edibles on the legal cannabis market are made with distillate, or highly concentrated THC extract, and produce a heady high. Mirayo instead uses hash in their edibles, giving the gummies a more nuanced, full-body high. It makes sense that they’ve become Stella’s main mode of consumption.

“Smoking cannabis feels a lot different now than consuming edibles,” said Stella, who used to be a daily consumer. “Flower feels slightly more clunky, [the Mirayo] gummies just feel so smooth and subtle. They don’t generally make me lose energy or become lethargic or, like, make me become my furniture. These edibles are really all I do now.”

Stella stopped consuming cannabis altogether when she got pregnant with her son. Prior to that, smoking flower was an integral part of her lifestyle in New York, where she reveled in the limitlessness of the city and started writing her album.

“It was nice to smoke in New York and navigate that hyper-crazy energy because cannabis helps you be the center of your own stillness, even in a kookoo-crazy place,” she said. “I learned how to do that with cannabis in New York, but I think cannabis can also help because it makes you think more, and if you’re watching your thinking rather than always identifying with it, you can have little epiphanies that no one needs to know about.”

After having her son and settling into motherhood, she had the opportunity to help guide the creative direction of Mirayo. Carlos, who doesn’t smoke cannabis anymore, initially wanted to make butterscotch edibles, but over the past year, the team decided to bring more tropical-leaning flavors to market.  

“Everyone working on Mirayo wants to make something cool and great, and it feels like that,” Stella said. “You need to have good synergy to make something really good.”

The process of choosing flavors, Stella explains, was the best part of bringing these products to life. “I had 5 or 6 gummies of each flavor sent to me to try, and I would give them to my friends,” she said. “I was always like, ‘Try this one!’ and I’d keep track of who liked which flavors on my refrigerator.”

Stella explained that most people she introduces edibles to are scared of them. They still think edible experiences are how they used to be prior to legalization: Someone would bake a batch of THC-infused brownies without a clue of how much is in them, and people would inevitably consume WAY too much THC. “Now it’s down to a science in terms of the dosage,” she said. “In the past with edibles, everyone would eat them and start crying or throwing up or something and be high for, like, three days. And then they’d be like ‘I’m never doing an edible again!’ But now it’s not like that, you never get to that place.”

The goal of the Mirayo gummies, Stella said, is to produce something real through cannabis. It’s difficult to do that in an industry stymied by overly stringent regulations, but the relationship Stella and Carlos have with the plant allows for a level of authenticity that many brands, especially celebrity brands, don’t execute well. The best products in the industry are crafted by people who consume cannabis and know what makes a stellar product.

“The things that do the best are the things that are real because you can’t poke holes in it,” Stella said. “Things that are authentic are just as they seem. It sounds simple, but it’s not at all. My dad does that in a  musical space, but it’s cool to do something like that in the cannabis space.”

My family is massively into Santana. My mom has repeatedly told me (an anti-drug) story about when she was 22 years old and saw a person in the crowd at a Santana show snort tequila and act like nothing happened — as if it were any other Tuesday night. My dad saw Santana four times in the ‘70s. Both sides of my family are Latino and love the representation in rock and roll. I was introduced to Abraxis and Moonflower early on in my life. I say all of this because I understand the sonic soundscape Carlos creates with his music. I’ve also been consuming cannabis regularly since 19-years-old — I’m now 33. There are parallels between the environment you step into after smoking weed and the sound globe Carlos locks you into with his music.

“Of course, cannabis is a product, but something happens to you when you consume it. It’s not like alcohol — no one is having a beautiful vision on alcohol. Nobody is actually getting inspired from alcohol,” Stella said. “On cannabis it’s different. It’s another avenue to get you into that space my dad tries to get people into with his music. Cannabis gives you that, it takes you there.”

Thanks to Stella and Carlos, there’s now a cannabis product on the market that’s crafted from the same creative realm the Santanas source their musical magic from.

Some news stories seem to have been created in a lab for stoners. This month, the beakers are bubbling over with strange phenomena, odd facts, and cerebral think pieces that scratch your brain in all the right places. Load up the bong, put your reading glasses on, and become a part of this crazy human experiment called life. 

Linguists have identified a new English dialect that’s emerging in South Florida

So, apparently, language often mutates when either borrowing words directly (called loan words) or through a sort of misheard-lyric-style called calques. The example they use here is the French word for dandelion; called “Löwenzahn” in German, meaning “lion’s tooth”, then translated as “dent de lion” by the French, and voila, it becomes the English word “dandelion.” What’s happening in Miami is a little different. Instead of the straightforward Spanglish we’re familiar with, Spanish phrases are getting direct translations without Anglicization. If you’ve ever met someone whose second language is English laugh at the phrase “take a shower”, you know what we mean. These “literal lexical calques” are becoming “throw a photo” (instead of “take”) from tirar una foto or “get down from the car” (instead of “get out of”) from bajar del carro. It’s exciting to hear language evolving right in front of us!

Millennial and Gen Z economic malaise is creating a ‘treat culture’ as they turn to tiny purchases for a dose of daily escapism

Remember when an Australian millionaire said the reason Millennials couldn’t buy houses was because of avocado toast? Turns out, that’s not the reason why and, even if it were, you can’t take away the one thing keeping us sane: little treats. Treat Culture is the only escape from this capitalist hellscape we call America, so if you need an iced coffee, a pack of pre rolls, a thrift store knick-knack, we say, treat yo’ self. 

Also, if you really want to go down a Treat Culture vortex, check out The Lipstick Index, the theory that in hard economic times, small purchases like lipstick spike and high-price purchases decline.

The seal pup taking surfers’ boards for a spin

In cuter news, a baby seal (though deemed old enough to be out on its own) has been flopping onto surfboards and hanging ten in San Diego. After checking in with marine life experts to make sure the seal wasn’t signaling for help, they learned he was totally healthy, just uniquely curious. Surfers were advised not to touch or interact with the seal, but that didn’t stop the little guy from jumping on board. 

‘Watermelon snow’ piques curiosities in Utah after abnormally wet winter

We’ve been warned about yellow snow, but pink snow is a new one. Now that we’re finally coming out of this long, cold, and rainy winter (and probably entering a very hot summer), it’s strange to imagine a snow headline coming out of June, but here it is–excess water plus sunlight and cold temperatures have given rise to a green algae called chlamydomonas nivalis that turn red to protect itself from sunlight. Other fun fact, a lot of skincare products use red algae for its UV-protective qualities–but don’t ingest watermelon snow, as delicious as it may sound!

Get your watermelon fix by eating this instead:

One-of-a-Kind Bongs and Pipes for the Creative Tower

Long gone are the days of convincing anyone your acrylic smokeshop bong is actually a vase. Now, in some gorgeously ironic twist of fate, you can have smokeware so beautiful you’ll want it to hold flowers. These boutique, handmade pieces by independent artists deserve the best flower of all. Bring one of these to a summer picnic, display them on your coffee table, gift them to your friends, but most importantly, take one straight to the dome–for art’s sake.

John Quick designed these Daisy Pipes as a “ritual piece.” Wheel thrown, air brushed in a range of colors, and glazed inside out to make your daily ritual that much more special.

Mark and Liv are a father daughter duo who collaborate handmaking ceramic smokeware.

Wheel-thrown, food safe, water tight, and uniquely ornate.

Michigan-based ceramicist Debbie Carlos grew up in California and The Philippines. Travel seems to be innate in this large, minimalist, hand-built knotted pipe as each breath sets off a revolution of smoke.

San Francisco ceramicists Mariana and Mareiwa handmake one-of-a-kind pipes that spark your imagination before you even spark the bowl. You’ll have to DM the artists on Instagram directly so hurry before you end up on a waitlist.

Take a bite of pure nostalgia with Sarah Duyer’s handmade, slab built sculptures, smokeable works of art made-to-order.

Pocket-sized, handmade stoneware pipes that look good enough to eat.

Any ceramic smokeware list would be remiss without Summerland’s ultra-hip “Stonerware”. Handcrafted in Northern California in small batches so each piece has its own unique touch, it’s a ceramic lover’s essential.

Now that you’ve got the coolest smokeware, you’ll need the coolest bud. Here are some crowd-pleasers worthy of your new bong or pipe. 

This 5-star review says it all: “Man this strain hits! Love how strong it is, it’s worth the price.” A deliciously invigorating sativa (and beautifully packaged, might we add).

Say no to boring conversations and get the party started with this cerebral sour sativa.

Maven Genetics Flower - Honey Lemon Hibiscus

This golden art deco packaging is a sign of quality within. Maven really knew what they were doing when they cultivated this refreshingly zesty hybrid.

Leave it to stoners to create a holiday based on words you can spell out on a calculator. July 10th is 710 Day, or Cannabis Oil Day (710 is “OIL” upside down, get it?) Unlike solventless oil, the origin of 710 Day is actually a little murky. We do know that the term surfaced on Urban Dictionary in 2011, Denver was the first to celebrate in 2013, and some even trace it back to TaskRok, a rapper credited with anointing this holiday. Whatever its genesis, it's here and now the second most popular cannabis holiday after 420. 

Oil first started making the rounds in the 1970s by Orange County drug distributors, The Brotherhood of Eternal Love, or as law enforcement called them, “The Hippie Mafia”. Made from Butane Honey Oil imported from Afghanistan, it was 10-30% higher in THC than flower. It regained popularity in the 1980s for the relief it offered to AIDS and cancer patients. In the late 1990s, closed-loop, solventless extraction was created and by the mid-2000s, dabbing hit the market.

Oil, extracts, and concentrates (and dabs, if you dare) are in the spotlight and, preferably, over a really hot flame. Oil is loved by cannabis consumers for its fast-acting, long-lasting, brain-blasting effects. Considered to be “smoke-free”, this method of inhaling is much easier on the lungs and preferred by those with respiratory issues or an aversion to harsh smoke. 

But oil’s true super power is its strength and potency as today’s oils can be up to 90% higher in THC than traditional flower. That’s a major win for those with chronic pain and illness (or those with an affinity to multi-dimensional travel). In the “old days”, meaning just a few years ago, you would need a hefty contraption like a dab rig and torch to partake in oil. Lucky for us, all we need now is a pocket-sized vape.

Don’t know where to start with oil? Allow us to recommend some of our favorites. We love any opportunity to celebrate cannabis culture, so this year from July 7 to July 10, we’re offering 20% off vapes and extracts. Find something you love and join us in commemorating 710 Day–no calculator required.

Cookies Cartridge - Bernie Hana Butter Canna Terp 1g

West Coast Cure Cartridge - Watermelon Sorbet 1g

Wox Extract - Dashmunny Dosi Live Resin 1g

Getting Weird July 4th Weekend with Cruisers' Ride Along Vapes

July 4 weekend is usually about barbeques, fireworks, backyard sprinklers, and sparklers. But if you want to skip the processed meats and gunpowder you’re in the right place. No dog anxiety, no airline stress, and nothing traditional–we’re starting new traditions. Pack the car and pack a vape because we’re going on a wonderfully weird California road trip. Here are four trippy destinations to shake off the mundanity of your day-to-day and the best Cruisers Ride Along vapes to pair them with.

This place stinks. Literally. It used to be a major vacation destination, but now it’s a smelly, landlocked body of toxic saltwater and home of Slab City. So why would you go? There’s something beautiful about wandering through the ruins of a tourist town. You’ve heard of Salvation Mountain? Time to see it for yourself. Get into some hot springs, admire some strange sculpture and art, plug your nose, and thoroughly weird yourself out. If you’re into that kind of thing.

Keep your wits about you with the strain perfect for adventuring. Taking dystopic photos and discovering mid-century Ozymandias has never been more romantic.

HANDS DOWN THE DOPEST DOPE YOU EVER SMOKED

Okay, so this isn’t a big secret, but we couldn’t make this list without it. Opened in 1939, this gravity-defying obstacle course will have you questioning your sobriety and the laws of physics. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a visit. While you’re in town you can visit Capitola or check out the Court of Mysteries and get some “mystic inspiration.” We don’t know what that means, but if you could go and report back, we’d appreciate it. 

Enhance your mystic inspiration and get a boost of energy and positivity so you can trek up hills and prance around these fantastic lifesize optical illusions.

Come for Crystal Cave, stay for the Sky Village Swap Meet. This magical cave, created by the late Bob Carr, is decorated with crystals, seashells, insulation foam, and running water. You can glimpse into this meditative landscape through windows and feel yourself transported to a treasure-trove fantasy land of true imagination. You’ll feel like Augustus Goop viewing the chocolate factory from that giant tube except you get to shopping afterwards. The Sky Village Swap Meet is open every weekend from 6/7AM-2PM.

This strain eases in slowly to take away pain and anxiety and leave you with a happy, breezy, ease-of-mind and social lightness. Perfect for appreciating glittery insulation foam and shopping for kitschy antiques.

Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze: San Francisco 

It only costs $10 to get lost in this psychedelic maze. Just be careful not to run into any mirrors. No, really, be careful. One internet search of this place will teach you walk with your hands in front of you. This strange spectacle is located in a pretty touristy spot, Pier 39, but once you make your way out of the maze you can play around in the Musée Mécanique and get a bowl of clam chowder to acclimate yourself back into the real world. 

We’re gettin’ real weird for this one. This super heavy Gorilla Glue hybrid is going to have you feeling high, and then, eventually, very hungry. Perfect for maze-meandering and chowing down on some touristy food that involves you eating the bowl it’s served in. Just make sure you do it in that order.

Smoking Mindfully for the Summer Solstice

After a long winter without adequate vitamin D, we’re more desperate than ever for a real summer. We want the old summer back–the kind of summer that was full of possibility and adventure. We must admit, our childlike wonder has waned over the years and, if we’re not careful, summers can just come and go like a fly buzzing around as we bury our heads in the hustle. This June 21, let’s remember that it’s not just the first day of summer or just the longest day of the year. It’s an actual celebration historically recognized by just about every ancient civilization. Explore some Summer Solstice traditions and the best strains to pair them with so we can smoke with more intention and welcome in the new season with some panache.  

One of the most famous examples of ancient Summer Solstice observatories is Stonehenge, located in England. Believed to have been built around 2500 BCE, the rising sun aligns with the stones and shines directly into the center of the monument. This ancient wonder has inspired folklore and theories, but no one is certain why (or how) it was built. Its mysterious origin and meaning has led us to a strain that can turn anxieties into an appreciation for the transitory nature of things. 

Embrace the mystery with Grandaddy Purple

Well known for its relaxing and stress-busting effects, Grandaddy Purple is a safe space to ponder the unknown and welcome in the mystifying. This indica will take the tension out of your mind and body so you can face change without expectation.

Almost every recorded history of the summer solstice was done in community. The ancient Mayans, who had a deep understanding of astronomy and celestial events, gathered at ceremonial centers with precise structures to worship the sun. The ancient Egyptians marked this solstice as the beginning of their agricultural year when the Nile River flooded and celebrated with music and dancing. Even modern celebrations are done with family and friends at the beach, in nature, hiking, or with yoga. While there are many strains great for socializing, only one grounds you this joyfully while surrounded by the ones you love.

This shareable sativa is popular for a reason. It vibes well with most everyone–beginners and connoisseurs alike. It boosts energy, causes giggle fits, and sets in with a glittery euphoria. Plus, the sweet berry taste and aroma will draw in new friends like a cartoon pie on a window sill.

STIIIZY 40’s INFUSED PREROLL: BLUE DREAM 5PK

In Scandinavian countries, Midsummer feasts are a significant part of celebrating the solstice. Eating is such an everyday occurrence; feasting, on the other hand, is something to savor. Check out some festivities taking place near you with outdoor music and food pop-ups or pack your own feast for a picnic or barbeque to make mindful eating a pleasure. The best strain for the occasion sounds as delicious as it makes your food taste.

This powerhouse of a strain really packs a punch. Mmm, punch. It’ll also stimulate your appetite. Super relaxing and euphoric, this indica-hybrid will elevate whatever you eat into a true culinary experience.

The solstice can serve as a moment for personal reflection, setting intentions, and embracing positive changes. Some take this time to review their goals, aspirations, and personal growth, using the energy of the solstice to manifest new beginnings and transformation. With the growing concern for the environment, the summer solstice is also a time for raising awareness about ecological issues. Educational events, nature conservation initiatives, and sustainability-focused activities are organized to promote environmental consciousness and stewardship. Set goals for the summer and spend some time in nature with a strain that centers you in the present moment.

Named for the bucket-list natural event, this indica strain is thought to be one of the best for meditation and self-reflection. Give your mind some peace and quiet and welcome in the new season with positivity and an awakened mindfulness. 

HEAVY HITTERS DISPOSABLE VAPE: NORTHERN LIGHTS

Melt away those June gloom blues. From 6/21 - 6/25 you can get

$30 off online orders or $100 or more with code SOLSTICE23 

Commemorating Juneteenth with Cannabis Pioneers

"Juneteenth symbolizes the power of emancipation and the triumph of resilience for me as an African American business owner. It represents the unyielding spirit of my ancestors who overcame unimaginable hardships and fought for freedom, laying the foundation for the opportunities I have today" - Peakz founder, Jessie Grundy

In 1865, a community of enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, received the long-awaited news of their emancipation from the grips of slavery–a staggering two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It marked one of the most pivotal moments of liberation for Black Lives in America, commemorated widely today as Juneteenth. While this day embodies a celebration of freedom, it also serves as a stark reminder of the tragic delay in emancipation for those held enslaved in the deepest corners of the Confederacy. 158 years later, the echoes of that historic holdup reverberates as the fight for racial justice and equality continues. It’s why honoring Juneteenth by reflecting on the struggles and achievements of the Black community and supporting Black-owned businesses is so important.

"Juneteenth to me is an extension of our ancestors' dreamer spirit; that same spirit lives in us Black people today. Juneteenth also opens the door for us to reflect on the sacrifices that our ancestors made and to remind myself of the progress that's been made since,” said CRONJA co-founder, Bryant Bowens. “This monumental date reaffirms my worth as a Black person. The battle for ownership and freedom is still being fought tirelessly to this day, but the dreamer spirit is what gives us Black kings and queens a fighting chance."

The Parent Company’s Social Equity Ventures “Brand Success Program” was created in support of that dreamer spirit. By giving social equity brands like CRONJA, a Los Angeles-based, black and veteran-owned cannabis lifestyle company, the tools and support they need to thrive and help minority-owned brands to grow their business, reach more people, and increase sales, this program hopes to bridge a representation and opportunity gap. The 12-week program is designed to make a difference, providing personalized mentorship and support for sales, marketing, and operations at The Parent Company (TPCo) and its retailers across the country. The initiative has already seen the impact and success of launching innovative brands like CRONJA, and hopes to continue building on this opportunity to support this community in a long-term and meaningful way.

“We know that the status quo is not going to create an even playing field for us Black people. But as the government starts to make strong efforts to end outdated laws that have socially and economically plagued our communities for decades, I see a tremendous opportunity for minority-owned cannabis brands to come together to uplift those communities whose voices and presence were not valued or appreciated before," says Bowens. TPCo encourages you to find and appreciate these brands’ presence here.

Los Angeles-based, black and veteran-owned cannabis lifestyle company and social equity brand known for its connoisseur-focused strain selection and hand-crafted cannabis accessories. 

This Oakland-based company is known for its curated strains, distinctive in-house designs and top-shelf luxury flower.

A celebration of Black and LGBTQ+ culture, Disco Jays is cultivating premium, diamond-infused, THCA-encrusted cannabis to its most potent potential.

In honor of Juneteenth, the Brand Success Program is launching three more new and exciting Black-owned brands: G Putt, BeMore, and Mari y Juana. On June 30th, TPCo is proud to introduce these premium cannabis trailblazers and welcome the opportunity to support Black-owned businesses by empowering the community economically. 

G Putt and Edition X with Mochi Brands

G-Putt has been working in the cannabis space for over 20 years, connecting cannabis, street culture, and conscious consumerism. “It’s not about being relevant,” says G-Putt, “It’s about being real.” That realness reverberates through everything G does, from design to high fashion and now, cannabis. This collaboration with Mochi Brands brings us a rotating curation of flower for the true connoisseur. 

Everyday Dabs and Shaman Extracts by BeMore

BeMore is more than just a cannabis brand; it’s a movement. They mean it when they say, “When it comes to showing up, making an impact, or speaking one’s truth, we all have it in us to BeMore.” They’re leading by example and participating in social equity programs and hiring formerly incarcerated employees. That integrity is a part of everything they make and do, ensuring Higher THC levels and, always, the most potent, premium flower.

Mari y Juana is taking cannabis beverages to a new level. Their mouth-watering flavors like Tamarindo, Pina, and Guava (not to mention a Michelada-esque Mota Mix) are winning the most esteemed edible awards. While they reinvent culinary cannabis, they still maintain everyday drinkability. With 10mg of THC per bottle, real cane sugar, natural flavors, and rapid onset absorption, these beverages are an easy choice for any summer event.

The Father's Day Gift Guide for Cool Dads

What is it about shopping for Father’s Day that’s so difficult? Between avoiding cliché gifts and trying to find something he hasn’t gotten for himself already, we’re left with gift cards and I-O-U coupons. I think we can do better, so this is a gift guide that knows your dad isn’t some 2D guy described on a Hallmark card. He's a dork, but he's also the coolest guy ever. Whether he’s the nostalgic type, a foodie, into the simple pleasures, or a little more difficult to pin down, we’ve got something for everyone and every budget.  

Let’s start with a somewhat cliche gift–the bath robe. It’s a luxury and a necessity, yet few spend the money on one. If his house-lounging needs a reboot since lockdown (or heck, maybe since the 80s), gift him with a stylish and super plush bath robe.

1970s Glass Italian Ash Tray from 1st Dibs

Dad’s smoking parlor is a sacred space–make his toke time a little more luxurious with a trippy vintage ashtray.

For dads who really value decompressing at the end of the day or taking their toke on the road.

Tell him to stop talking about his old records and get him to start collecting again. You’ll hear him say “it sounds so much better on vinyl” at least once (if not, a hundred times.)

If your pops is particularly into the outdoors, Wyld is an obvious choice. These are designed with adventure lovers in mind. He’ll be communing with nature and living out his Walden fantasies in no time.

Dads want flowers, too! If you haven’t gotten flowers for Father’s Day, we highly recommend it. Use BloomNation to support a local florist.

Maybe he doesn’t “remember” the 60s–give him a little reminder, like Heads Together: Weed and the Underground Press Syndicate.

Santana shreds, and now he rips too. Turn on “Oye Cómo Va”, and you’ve got a party.

Goldbelly can bring dad's favorite food from anywhere in the nation to his door. Maybe he’d like a lobster roll from Maine or tacos from California? We’ve already set you up with an easy pick: Bacon.

He talks a lot of game, doesn’t he? Put him to the test and have your own Hot Ones spice contest.

Chatbooks is brilliant–put together photo memory books, as big or small as you’d like, and do it from your phone. It’s affordable, super easy, and may be one of the coolest and most thoughtful gifts possible.

Getting old sucks. This 1:3 (CBD:THC) oil from Papa & Barkley rules. The reviews about this oil’s pain-relieving capabilities make it a no-brainer for dads dealing with aches and pains.

Puff, Puff, Pride: Legal Cannabis and its LGBTQ+ Origins

Whether you know it or not, the history of LGBTQ+ activism and cannabis are deeply intertwined. As attitudes have evolved, so has its growing visibility and acceptance. Pride Month originated with the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969 and is now a global, annual celebration, yet even today, 53 years later, it faces backlash–headlines about Target’s Pride products, the Bud Light fiasco, not to mention anti-LGBTQ legislation climbing to an astonishing high. This one-step-forward-two-steps-back dance is familiar to the cannabis industry, but it owes the blueprints of its activism, and its success, directly to the LGBTQ community. 

Cannabis legislation itself was led by gay activist Dennis Peron, who moved to San Francisco’s Castro district from New York, supported Harvey Milk, and eventually won an elected seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He witnessed the medicinal benefits of cannabis in AIDS patients and organized ways to make it more accessible to the public. In 1996, after years of pushback, violence, and raids, Peron co-authored California Proposition 215 which legalized the medicinal use of cannabis (but not before being arrested and raided yet again, first). His vocal support for decriminalization changed the nation’s perspective on cannabis and the industry continues his legacy to this day.

LGBTQ+ activism has forever influenced cannabis legalization efforts by building coalitions, highlighting historical connections, addressing disproportionate impacts, promoting intersectionality, engaging in grassroots advocacy, and shaping the emerging cannabis industry. By leveraging their platforms and experiences, LGBTQ+ activists and queer-owned brands have played a crucial role in advancing the cause of cannabis reform and advocating for a more just and inclusive approach to drug policy.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a US state with legal cannabis, thanks to activists like Peron, you may also have the privilege to partake in some of the most innovative, potent, and community-empowering queer-owned brands. Cannabis and the queer community’s shared spirit of resistance, freedom, and self-expression have fostered a world of powerful products to benefit mental health challenges, minority stress, and a true sense of community. 

The Parent Company is proud to present some of our favorite queer-owned brands:

Wyld, founded in 2016, has rapidly become America's best-selling cannabis gummy brand, renowned for its commitment to quality, natural flavors, and real fruit ingredients. What started as three college friends in Central Oregon has grown into an international industry leader. With unwavering integrity, Wyld maintains stringent standards for product quality and business practices, remaining true to its origins. While Wyld's success lies in its flavorful products, high-quality ingredients, consistent dosing, and team of food scientists and experts, it remains actively engaged in social justice initiatives, partnering with organizations dedicated to racial justice, community health, rectifying the impacts of the War on Drugs, and environmental stewardship. Through these collaborations, Wyld is leveraging its success to drive positive outcomes for both people and the planet.

Since Cann’s co-founders Luke Anderson and Jake Bullock suggested we “give up the booze, not the buzz”, their low-dose, THC & CBD-infused social tonics have garnered a buzz of their own.Their delicious, refreshing, and bubbly fruit flavors are never from concentrate, naturally sweetened, and made with international ingredients. Beyond these quaffable cans of cannabis lies a deeper purpose; donating money to BIPOC cannabis organizations, fighting for those most harmed by the War on Drugs, and making diversity and inclusivity a major tenant of their employment practices. Building a space of belonging is deeply baked into Cann’s ethos so, even though it was created as an alternative to alcohol, it can be enjoyed by anyone–cali sober, or not. And, unlike a lot of other cannabis edibles, at 2mg to 5mg a can, you can actually enjoy more than one.

Inspired by the queer spaces of the disco era, MAKR House’s Disco Jays symbolize a burgeoning time of safe spaces and freedom of identity. These pre-rolls are diamond-infused, THCA diamond encrusted, indoor grown cannabis for solo smoke sessions (1mg pre-roll) or sharable party joints (.5g pre-roll packs). “Disco Jays is a true celebration of Black and LGBTQ+ culture, mirroring our mission to bring people together through culturally relevant, authentic products," said Amber Senter, Founder/CEO of MAKR House. 

Join Calma for WeHo Pride along Santa Monica Blvd, in Los Angeles, June 3 to June 4. We’ll be celebrating with Pride merch, games, tons of giveaways from Cann, WYLD, Heavy Hitters, Disco Jays, and more.

June 2nd we’ll be popping up at Friday Night @ OUTLOUD with goodies and good vibes. We’ll be the booth dancing hardest to Tolliver.

Meet us June 6, 5pm-7pm at the Calma Mixer for Emerald Village West Hollywood Presents: Come Out for Cannabis to hear some amazing aforementioned queer-owned cannabis entrepreneurs speak (not to mention giveaways, games, food & drinks, and more.)

June 1-5 we’re offering major deals in-store on all your favorite brands. Get up to 30% off the good stuff plus $30 off delivery + online orders of $100 or more.

TSUMo Snacks’ “Good Fortune Bundle” is an AAPI Powerhouse of Premium Cannabis

TSUMo Snacks is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a “Good Fortune Bundle” Program, but it’s offering much more than luck ever could. The THC-infused edibles company that recently collaborated with renowned Chef Roy Choi on elevated culinary snacks has curated an initiative to amplify the diversity and importance of AAPI cannabis culture through the new “Good Fortune Bundle.” Their exclusive collection brings together an array of leading California AAPI-owned brands in which all sales will be directed toward supporting Asian Americans for Cannabis Education (AACE).

AAPI representation in cannabis culture has never been more crucial. While Asian culture has utilized cannabis for medicinal purposes for millenia, only a mere 2.4 percent of cannabis businesses in the United States are led by Asian Americans. That said, post-legalization, the community still faces taboo, misconceptions, and discriminatory challenges–exactly what AACE aims to change.

Founded by award-winning creative and activist Ophelia Chong, AACE intends to empower, inspire, and provoke conversations around cannabis within the Asian community. After challenging her own misconceptions about “stoners,” she realized the harm of stereotypes that were keeping people from accessing medicinal cannabis and has since worked to destigmatize it. As more people are acknowledging that the stigmatization of cannabis is rooted in racism and politically-driven propaganda, Chong and AAPI-led brands are rediscovering and embracing a heritage of 10,000 years of its medicinal use. 

Caroline Yeh, CEO and co-founder of TSUMo Snacks shares, “As individuals with an AAPI background, we were raised to follow a set path in life, and cannabis was not considered a part of that journey.” As for the inspiration for the “Good Fortune Bundle” she says, “This program seeks to honor innovative AAPI brands by curating products that highlight their distinct offerings and connections to AAPI culture.”

This curation exemplifies an impressive community collaboration and Calma's “Good Fortune Bundle” will feature participating AAPI-led brands. Bloom, the immigrant and BIPOC-founded concentrate cultivators are known for a meticulous solventless extraction process that doesn't disturb the complexity and terpene profile of their strains. Pure Beauty offers sustainably grown premium cannabis in their highly sought after pre-rolled joints and award-winning live resin beverages. And, of course, TSUMo Snacks, the innovative, women-led edibles brand elevating everyday cannabis experiences with inventive, unexpected flavors like Chef Roy Choi’s Spicy Cheesy Ramen and Spaghetti & Meatballs.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Calma and experience this limited time assortment. The “Good Fortune Bundle” is available until May 31.

It's difficult to know what to gift your mom, especially on a day like Mother's Day. The holiday is like a birthday but less intimate, yet still somehow turbocharged with pressure to demonstrate your love for the person who shepherded you through your youngest days. The pressure is enough to want to get high and forget about it altogether, but cannabis consumers are expected to be more than a lyric in an AfroMan song in 2023. 

The expectation is justified. Stoners are some of the most creative and brilliant problem solvers on the planet. These superpowers can easily be applied to finding a gift for the matriarch in your family. Plus, it's a fortuitous gift from the Universe if you have a mom — or any parent, for that matter — who consumes cannabis and is open with you about it. I love my mom, but she is decidedly not 420-friendly. (Perhaps that's why I've made cannabis an essential facet of my life?) She says it makes her paranoid and sends her into an anxious spiral. Aren't these the exact issues cannabis is supposed to address? What's the deal?

That answer isn't black and white. For one, cannabis isn't for everyone. Secondly, it's not my mom's fault she plunges into the pits of mania after taking a few puffs. Coming of age in the '70s, my mom absorbed roughly 40 years of Drug War propaganda that specifically targeted cannabis. There's no denying that tarnished her perception and relationship with the plant.

All of this is to say: You hit the jackpot if you and the mother figure in your life get to enjoy cannabis together. Despite the increasingly 420-friendly world in which we live, there are millions of parents out there who don't or can't consume cannabis. Living in a place where you can purchase your parent a legal weed gift on Mother's Day is a privilege. And it's an even bigger blessing to light one up with them. 

So if you're having difficulty figuring out what to get your mom — look no further. Here are the most blissful products we're celebrating with this year.

With everything happening in the world, getting a solid eight hours of sleep has never been more challenging. If your mom experiences symptoms of insomnia or has a difficult time winding down before bed, Kiva's CBN gummies — either Midnight Blueberry or Sour Blackberry Dream — are the perfect addition to any sleep time routine. Taking one gummy several hours before bed will leave you ready to float in the clouds from your bed. And because you're reading this, you can get an extra 25% off any Kiva CBN edible product by clicking below.

$15 (Originally $20) / 5mg THC & 1mg CBN per serving / 20 servings per container

While Mother's Day is about celebrating moms, it should also be about supporting other women and women-owned brands. High Gorgeous is a successful women-owned brand and perfect for those who are into beauty brands, lotions, and skincare. High Gorgeous gifts are also ideal for those who don't ingest cannabis, but are interested in how it can help them topically. All High Gorgeous products are 50% off!

$15 (Originally $30) / 100mg CBD/ 300mg THC / 100mg THCA

Branding can change how a person thinks and feels about something. That's one of Pure Beauty's superpowers. The branding is clean, sharp, and elevated. They offer packs of mini joints, "slim" menthol-style joints, CBD joints, drinks, jars of flower, and more. These products will make your mom feel like she acquired herbal remedies from Nordstom rather than a dispensary. Plus, you can get 25% off all Pure Beauty products, too!

$31.50 (Originally $42) / Contains 10 prerolls and 3.5g total

Papa & Barkley has some of the best topicals, tinctures, and softgels around. They've consistently provided tasteful products designed for mature consumers who use cannabis medicinally. Whether the person you're celebrating this Mother's Day enjoys massages, has arthritis in their hands, or likes to feel the effects of cannabis, Papa & Barkley has products for everyone. If you're looking for a no-frills medicinal brand designed for the health and wellness of your loved one, look no further than Papa & Barkley. Plus, you get 25% off!

$60 (Originally $80) / A full dropper contains 16mgs of CBD, 14mgs of THCA, and 6.5mgs of THC

Vaping is one of the best ways to consume cannabis if you need to do so covertly. Many landlords prohibit cannabis use outright on their properties — even in legal weed states. That's why vapes as a consumption format are essential! STIIIZY has been around forever and continues to pump out reliable and quality cannabis oil. So, if your mom's living situation doesn't permit her cannabis use, this could be a top-tier gift because she can imbibe without emitting a strong, skunky odor. Plus, you can get 20% off all STIIIZY vapes before Mother's Day!

$32 (Originally $40) / 1g premium THC pod

Hollywood Nights: Dinner with Carlos Santana at the Chateau Marmont

It's not every day you find yourself enclosed by the same four walls as a legend. That's mainly because "legends" only earn that status after they die. But Carlos Santana is among the mythical figures who've unlocked another level of what is to be a legend — and it's because he's more than simply living. He's thriving…and launching a line of hash edibles.

I know he's thriving because I was with him last Thursday, April 27th. Just as the clock struck 4:20pm, Santana beamed out from the back seat of an Escalade with his stunning wife Cindy Blackman Santana — both of whom wore striking marigold yellow garments — and entered through the glass doors of Calma dispensary in West Hollywood. The storefront is one of a dozen owned by The Parent Company that boasts well-known cannabis brands, including Monogram by Jay-Z, Pure Beauty, Caliva, and more. 

But Santana wasn't there to buy legal weed. He was there to celebrate the release of his new edibles product — the latest edition to his cannabis line, Mirayo. The treats are shaped like a heart adorned in flames, a symbol central to the rich musical tapestry of Santana's legacy. 10 blazing hearts come in a tin and are dosed at 10mg each. Depending on your palate, you can choose from three flavors: Raspberry, guava, and prickly pear. And while many cannabis edibles are made with distillate (or pure THC extract), Santana's edibles are made with hash rosin to ensure consumers experience a high vibrational intoxicant. According to sources close to the rocker, Santana loves hash. It's his preferred way to consume cannabis, like many from the '60s Counterculture generation.

While at Calma, he gathered the dispensary's employees to share words of wisdom with them. They looked like they were in a team huddle. "God made the world round so we can all have center stage," Santana told the starry-eyed dispensary professionals. "If we want to utilize this energy, we have to raise our vibration, which is what the plant does. [Cannabis] is a mystical plant that can raise the consciousness of all the people on the planet and change the world."

Before leaving, he graciously autographed an employee's vinyl record and another's t-shirt. Then he and his wife beamed back into their SUV and were chauffeured to the Chateau Marmont for a dinner party commemorating the launch of his blazing heart weed gummies. The Chateau is a quintessential LA landmark in many ways, signifying the glamorous mystique of celebrityhood in La-La Land. Everything about it is distinctly vintage now, but the Chateau was once the current benchmark of luxury and a sure sign that you had made it. Of course, it still is luxurious and A-list celebrities still frequent the hotel for its exclusivity and discretion, but the hotel feels like a museum, or a sarcophagus, of Hollywood's fabled past.

Santana's dinner party was in the Chateau penthouse on the 6th floor. Upon walking through the entrance, we were greeted by servers carrying trays with crystal flutes of Crémant de Bourgogne brut. Dozens of guests gathered on the spacious patio that overlooked the traffic on Sunset Blvd, where a long table adorned with elaborate floral centerpieces was set up. As soon as everyone took a seat, servers walked around the table pouring pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. Santana took the mic.

"I want to celebrate life with everyone and have fun," Santana said. "If you're not having fun, your yoga, your bible study and mindful practices will not work. But if you're having fun and helping people and being of service to people and transforming for the highest good, you'll get the most out of life."

Santana is spiritual. Some people from the Counterculture Revolution era believe hashish opens your heart and soul to a more pronounced connection with source. I didn't get to talk to Santana about this, but he's on that vibe. He's a portal to the realm of soundwaves and euphoria. He's on a wavelength most people will never understand. But his nugget of wisdom about "fun" is the most practical piece of advice I've possibly ever received. Fun is the secret sauce to longevity because it prioritizes happiness. And if your happiness is a focus, your mental health will also be in decent shape. 

Few people can talk about others raising their frequency or vibration without sounding like A) a lunatic or B) a hypocrite. Santana walks the walk, though; you can tell by his radiant, youthful energy. His energy feels the way his music sounds — which is also the way his hash edibles feel. But the true indicator is his daughter, Stella, who also boasts a similar effervescent energy that shines through her bright smile. Her high-vibe soulful charm became especially apparent when she and her two-piece band played a few songs, one of which was her latest single Highways available on Spotify now. Her three-song set was a teaser for an album of new music she has in her canon. I’m already fantasizing about listening to her music while high on Mirayo guava edibles.

As she wrapped up, the servers brought out the dinner's first course consisting of garden salads and risotto cheese balls. For the main courses, the servers brought out branzino a la meuniere, or Mediterranean sea bass with asparagus in lemon caper butter; and herb roasted chicken with pomme pureé, rapini, and au jus. For dessert, guests were served berries and whipped cream. I didn't need to ask how people enjoyed the food — all of it was devoured. Between silence and the clanking of silverware on plates, accented by the occasional laugh, it was clear everyone was in love with the spring Hollywood evening. 

Spending a night with Santana and his family at the Chateau to celebrate the launch of his latest product felt very apropos. Santana said that when he was younger, he decided he was going to grow into a "happy old man" instead of a "grumpy curmudgeon." His secret, he said, is to keep having fun. This is why he's 75 years old and thriving. I'm sure eating hash rosin edibles has something to do with it, too.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Troy Datcher, CEO & Chairman of the Board, The Parent Company, and Carlos Santana attend as Mirayo by Santana Celebrates the Launch of the New Hash Rosin Gummies, Hosted by Carlos Santana and The Parent Company at Chateau Marmont on April 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Mirayo by Santana)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Place setting is seen as Mirayo by Santana Celebrates the Launch of the New Hash Rosin Gummies, Hosted by Carlos Santana and The Parent Company at Chateau Marmont on April 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Mirayo by Santana)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Yoel Bibas, Stella Santana, and Tim Vickers attend as Mirayo by Santana Celebrates the Launch of the New Hash Rosin Gummies, Hosted by Carlos Santana and The Parent Company at Chateau Marmont on April 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Mirayo by Santana)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Elsa Collins, Brandon Guzman, Cristina Rodlo, and Rudy Lopez Negrete attend as Mirayo by Santana Celebrates the Launch of the New Hash Rosin Gummies, Hosted by Carlos Santana and The Parent Company at Chateau Marmont on April 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Mirayo by Santana)

$18 / 10 Hash Rosin Gummies with 10mg THC each

Mirayo gummies are artisanal edibles infused with solventless hash rosin for a potent and flavorful experience. Made with natural ingredients and created in collaboration with Carlos Santana, the gummy shape is an homage to the sacred heart, a symbol with deep meaning to Santana.

CALLING ALL CANNABIS ENTREPRENEURS: LEVEL UP WITH THE PARENT COMPANY’S BRAND SUCCESS PROGRAM

In a rapidly changing industry like cannabis, evergreen novices tend to occupy the same level playing field as legacy veterans.  

Like most industries however, certain newcomers tend to have “better luck” than others—which is to say, generational wealth, an extensive network of professional contacts, and rap sheets that are virtually nonexistent. 

In the absence of readily available capital and adequate support, entrepreneurs from traditionally marginalized groups have rarely gained the upper hand in most industries—let alone one that was built on nearly a century of their mass incarceration. 

Here at The Parent Company, we know that the path to a more equitable future takes more than just consciousness-raising.

It takes a commitment to giving historically underrepresented communities the tools they need to realize their potential, as well as the resources to ensure their continued success.  

To support promising Black and underrepresented minority talent as they carve their own path through the industry, TPCO invites budding entrepreneurs to take part in its Brand Success Program, a new Social Equity Venture for the next generation of cannabis leaders. 

If you are a Black or underrepresented minority business owner who is eager to take your project to the next level, read on for more information about the program and how to apply. 

The Brand Success Program pairs representatives from Black and underrepresented minority owned businesses with mentors across The Parent Company’s Sales, Marketing, and Retail Divisions.



TPCO team members will work closely with each brand to develop the best practices and operational procedures for their brand to not only grow but thrive in the legal cannabis industry. 

Over the course of 12 weeks, we will walk participants through each stage of product development and identify the best practices for their operation. 

Through BSP, participants gain access to The Parent Company’s top-tier professional marketing services, consumer database, team of marketing experts, and promotion through blog posts, SMS ads, website banners, content development, and robust social media presence. 

We commit to helping each participant scale their business with opportunity for permanent placement on TPCO retail shelves and consideration for investment by SEV.

Importantly, even after the Brand Success Program’s twelve weeks are up, brands will be able to count on The Parent Company for auxiliary support from coordinating social media pre-launches to organizing activation events around California. 

Individualized mentorship in product, from pricing and sourcing to quality control

Financial advice and legal counsel for all matters related to the brand’s day-to-day operations 

Retail marketing: Unlocking PADs (Product Attention Display); budtender education and appreciation; strategic swag

Digital marketing: Navigating 3rd-party listings, SMS, email, site

Creative marketing: photography, video, content generation

Virtual Focus Groups to measure monthly employee and customer feedback, as well as monthly on-site demo/activation feedback 

Sales Forecasting 101, monthly review of sales, sales plan consultation and determining the number of retail stores and locations based on product/market fit.


By the time your brand delivers the goods to our retail shelves, you’ll have the skills and resources to approach any retailer and take on any challenge the industry throws your way. 

While brands at every stage of development are welcome to apply, those with a compelling story, high quality products, and some knowledge of how their brand fits into the cannabis market will be in the best position to distinguish themselves as candidates. 

1. Confirm that your brand meets the Program’s eligibility requirements.


2. Submit your application to: BSPSubmission@theparent.co. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and should include:

Catalog with SKU descriptions and pricing

3. Coordinate product sample delivery with Josh Shlenker, our Director of Merchandising. 

Our Product and Retail Teams will conduct a thorough review of each application and evaluate the products on quality, market fit, compliant packaging and price point. 

Quality of product is the most important factor out of all. We will only accept products with manufacturing dates less than 3 months old. 

For an idea of what we’re looking for, check out BSP’s inaugural cohort:

A Black- and veteran-owned cannabis lifestyle company and social equity brand based in Los Angeles. CRONJA offers exceptional-quality packaged indoor flower in premium packaging with fair pricing. The cannabis accessories are hand-crafted from premium leather and designed to complement the connoisseur-focused strain selection. 

CRONJA launched in select The Parent Company's stores on January 19th.    

Plaid America’s SUBSTANCE and SKEWVILLE

Based out of Venice, CA, both Substance and Skewville are art-centric brands known for 12-packs of premium prerolls that each have a unique donation model designed to propel racial equity. 

For each 12 pack of Substance prerolls sold, Plaid America donates $8.46 to help end mass incarceration, in homage to the last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of George Floyd's life. $2 per pack of Skewville goes toward prison art programs. 

Substance and Skewville will launch products at select stores on January 30th.

After winning a distribution license via Oakland's Social Equity Program in 2018, The Peakz Company has been delivering luxury flower to premium dispensary shelves across California. Peakz is known for its curated strains; unique in-house designs; and high-level partnerships and creative collaborations. 

Peakz is scheduled to re-launch on February 3rd at select stores.

Founded in Oakland, CA, MAKR is the creation of Amber Senter, a former medical cannabis patient who utilized the plant to cope with symptoms of a health condition. A house of brands creating accessible, high-quality cannabis products, MAKR House works to build inclusive supply chains. 

MAKR House will launch products in early February at select stores.

For more information on the Brand Success Program and application process, please contact BSPSubmission@theparent.co. 

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