Cheech Chong &

Curated cannabis products from a couple of icons

In the world of cannabis there is not a more iconic duo than Cheech and Chong.

They first met 55 years ago in 1968. By 1971 they had released their first record, ‘Cheech and Chong,’ which introduced the world to the fun side of pot. The next release in 1972, ‘Big Bambu’ became the biggest selling comedy record ever. And the one after that in 1973, ‘Los Cochinos’ won a Grammy Award.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of their film ‘Up in Smoke’, which was the highest grossing comedy of 1978. Written, directed and produced by Tommy and Cheech, Up in Smoke fast became the gold standard of socalled stoner comedies.

Arguably, no other body of work—comedy albums and films— did more to take a counterculture lifestyle into the mainstream.

Through their works, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong (now 76 and 84, respectively) destigmatized marijuana use and paved the way for its wider acceptance. Today, as legal cannabis markets grow and expand, it’s fitting that the two are now enjoying a renaissance.

For more than 50 years, they say they both dreamed of curating a line of cannabis products that do justice to the plant and the culture. In August of 2022, they came together to launch their first collaborative cannabis product ever in their long-time home state of California.

Since that initial product launch, Cheech and Chong have continued to further their commitment to creating fair access to the plant in each market they participate.

“It’s a trip man! It wasn’t that long ago that I was serving prison time for selling bongs,” Tommy recently told Cannabis Inc Magazine.

Today, Cheech & Chong’s Cannabis Co. serves consumers directly with a range of products, but others can also apply to become licensees and/or buy wholesale products.

The partners explained that the mission is — and has always been — to provide responsible access to the plant whether that be THC, Delta 9, or non-psychoactive hemp products. They cater to every type of cannabis user and the depth of their product catalog reflects that.

They also seek partners who share that same passion. And they are currently working with a number of licensees and are active in eight U.S. states with a launch in Germany underway.

So, what’s the plan for other areas and is the New York market in their sights?

“World domination??? Kidding.” Tommy said. “We are a global brand and this is a global company. We have plans to roll out in several states as well as markets in Europe and Asia.”

As far as New York is concerned, he said: “You never know where Cheech and Chong will strike next, but we were recently in NYC to help launch The House of Cannabis and we do love The Big Apple!”

Given that their brand is so engrained in the culture, are knockoffs a threat?

“A threat? No. Annoying? Yes,” said Tommy. “As it always is when you have something as unique and as iconic as Cheech and Chong, bad operators will try to capitalize with cheap knockoffs… especially true with the direct-to-consumer.”

He added that they create high-quality products that their customers love. “That is what we focus on. We leave the rest to the lawyers and encourage all customers to buy directly from us and our partners,” Tommy said.

Among the available product lines are flower and pre-roll products dubbed Love Machine, Ahhberry, StaDankOhhh, Yesca, Drooler and Lowrider. Cosmic is a concentrated THC product offered as a sugar, badder,

Officer; Danny Keith, Chief Revenue Officer/Chairman; Brooke Mangum, Chief Marketing Officer; and Aaron Silverman, Chief Brand Officer.

Bowlmates launches

In late March, Cheech and Chong launched an online cannabis community called Bowlmates, which in a matter of days had thousands of members.

“’Bowlmates’ is a place for people to come, connect, laugh, and explore,” Tommy said. “This community provides members with live events, contests, giveaways, exclusive cannabis and diamond, sauce and disposable cart. For gummies, there’s Cheech & Chong’s Cruise Chews.

When Tommy mentions ‘we’, he’s not only referencing Cheech. He’s also acknowledging the Cheech & Chong Cannabis Co.’s full team, which happens to include several family members.

Cheech and Chong both serve as CCI (Chief Cannabis Icons). Joey Marin is Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Jasmine Marin is Creative Director. Paris Chong serves as an advisor to the CEO -- Jonathan Black.

“Cheech and Chong has always been a family affair even before we formed the cannabis company,” Tommy explained. “Our kids grew up in and around this business. It is in their DNA.”

He explained that their children have served as tour managers, art directors, graphic designers and in many other roles over the years.

“When we made the decision to reunite for this cannabis company,” Tommy noted, “having our families be an integral part of it was never a question. Their creativity, vision and expertise have been invaluable to this company; plus family members come cheap.”

Rounding out the company’s leadership team are: Jonathan Black, CEO; Jace Bueno, Chief Operating comedy content, and most importantly, access to the plant.”

The focus is simple and straightforward: “Building a culture of community by spreading joy and sharing love,” he added. “The community is growing rapidly—it’s a very organic process, the way a cannabis community should be.”

“With other social media platforms censoring cannabis posts and content, it was time to build our own community that is inclusive for all cannabis enthusiasts and content without the fear of unwanted and improper censorship,” said CEO Jonathan Black.

A visit to bowlmates.com affords immediate access to exclusive content, livestreams and interaction with the legendary duo across a variety of online activities to be rewarded with virtual tokens. These tokens can then be exchanged on the platform for authorized merchandise, memorabilia, in-person and digital events connecting with Cheech and Chong.

“We have been spreading love and connecting people through our movies, albums and live shows for decades. Creating somewhere online where we can continue that mission — it’s been a long time coming, man,” said Tommy.

“It’s true! Finally, a place where we can unite on a deeper level with our Bowlmates from around the world than we ever have before,” added Cheech.

As pioneers of cannabis counterculture, Cheech and Chong have faced their fair share of censorship throughout their careers and with the launch of Bowlmates, they’re breaking free from the constraints of major social media platforms and delivering authentic content.

Brooke Mangum, CMO, added: “Our mission with

Bowlmates is to bring the entire cannabis community together so we can democratize access and align advocacy and action through humor. If it works, federal legalization will be just around the corner.”

As both Cheech and Chong have said: their records and movies weren’t first, but they were different. Today, their cannabis company isn’t the first, but it’s unique.

And as Tommy put it: “To see where we have come, where we are going… and to be a part of that journey has been a great honor.”

For more information, visit: cheechandchong.com or cheechandchongscannabis.com

Reported by L.A. Rivera