Papa & Barkley operates as California's leading cannabis wellness brand, holding the #1 position in both topicals and tinctures. Based in Humboldt County, California, they partner with small farms in the Emerald Triangle to source sun-grown cannabis using regenerative and organic farming practices. Their dominance is evident in market performance, consistently maintaining the top ranking in California's competitive topical cannabis market with impressive sales growth.Their product portfolio includes full-spectrum Releaf balms, tinctures, patches, capsules, gummies, and an innovative skincare line featuring body lotions, repair creams, and body oils. Unlike most competitors, their skincare products are made from fresh-pressed rosin rather than chemical extracts. All products utilize their proprietary solventless, whole-plant infusion process that preserves the complete spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients.They operate a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Eureka, California, and distribute to over 600 retail partners across California, Nevada, and New York through their Mammoth Distribution partnership. Products range from THC-rich to CBD-rich formulations, addressing various wellness needs from pain relief to sleep support.
Papa & Barkley's origin story began in 2014 with a son's desperate search for relief for his father's debilitating back pain. When conventional treatments failed, founder Adam Grossman turned to cannabis, creating what would become their groundbreaking Releaf Balm in a slow cooker. The homemade balm not only helped his father move again but ultimately helped him get off hospice—a rare occurrence that changed both their lives forever.The company is lovingly named after Adam's father ("Papa") and their loyal red-nosed pit bull, Barkley, who never left Papa's side during his recovery. What started as a passion project quickly gained momentum when family and friends experienced the balm's effectiveness, with everyone wanting more immediately.Adam partnered with Guy Rocourt, described as "a genius at product creation and extraction," to officially launch Papa & Barkley. In September 2024, the company merged with Mammoth Distribution to expand their national reach while maintaining their commitment to quality and clean processes. From those humble kitchen beginnings, Papa & Barkley has grown to approach $1 million in monthly sales.
Papa & Barkley's mission centers on improving people's lives by unlocking the healing power of the cannabis plant. As founder Adam Grossman states, "This is the foundation for how our company operates today—we began by caring for the ones we love. So we offer products to make daily living more comfortable."Their key performance indicator has always been "lives changed," demonstrating their commitment to meaningful impact over pure profit. The company operates as a team of caregivers, scientists, researchers, and advocates committed to producing safe, reliable products using whole plant processes.They prioritize clean, chemical-free processes to create effective, innovative products that maintain the plant's natural integrity. Their values emphasize caring for communities, supporting small farmers, and building relationships based on trust and quality. Papa & Barkley believes in transparency, education, and breaking down cannabis misinformation to help patients and consumers make informed decisions.
At Calm Effect, we're genuinely impressed by Papa & Barkley's authentic story and unwavering commitment to quality. Their consistent #1 ranking in California's topical market isn't just marketing—it's backed by real performance and consumer trust. What sets them apart is their refusal to compromise on their solventless extraction process, even when chemical methods would be cheaper and faster.Their innovation with fresh-pressed rosin in skincare products shows they're not just following trends—they're setting them. The fact they've won multiple Emerald Cup and High Times Cannabis Cup awards proves their products deliver real results. For deal-seekers, Papa & Barkley represents exceptional value because you're getting premium quality at competitive prices.Most importantly, every product carries the genuine care and attention that comes from a brand born out of love, not corporate boardrooms. When you choose Papa & Barkley, you're supporting a company that truly understands cannabis as medicine, not just business.