A company created by Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong—the iconic comedy duo known as Cheech and Chong—filed to hire a lobbyist in order to get involved with the lawmaking process in Sacramento, California. 

Marin, 79, and Chong, 86, are moving their interests into California politics as it impacts businesses they own. CBS News reports that Cheech and Chong’s Global Holdings Company recently registered with the California Secretary of State.

The company filed with the state of California on June 1 to register with Secretary of State Shirley M. Weber to hire a lobbyist. Cheech and Chong’s Global Holdings Company CEO Jonathan Black said the move is both about laws that impact hemp-derived product laws as well as laws that impact the cannabis industry in the state.

“The reason why we hired a lobbyist is because there’s a bill—Assembly Bill 2223—that’s on the floor right now that regards intoxicating hemp products,” Black tells High Times in a phone call. “We’ve had conversations with the CCIA [California Cannabis Industry Association]” Black said, describing the burdens of tax revenue that impacts hemp and cannabis, in comparison to other states like Illinois. AB 2223 would bring hemp-derived products into California’s state compliance system alongside cannabis products. 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, however, interest in active compounds like delta-8 led states to implement laws to either crack down on them or regulate them like cannabis in an age-gated system like you’d see for wine.

“Ultimately we’ll continue to move the cannabis market in California forward,” he said, saying that they’re seeking an amendment that would provide wins for both the hemp and cannabis industries.

“We hired a lobbyist, Kirk Hale from Aaron Reed & Associates, who’s a fantastic lobbyist doing great things for a long time to come,” Black says. “Right now if you look, there’s about 1,000 dispensary licenses in the state of California that are active but you have [around 200] paying taxes on time,” he says.

Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis sells all types of terpene-based products ranging from concentrates to pre-rolls, gummies, and vapes. And they also sell hemp smokables.

The Wild West days of Prop. 215 in California are over in the aftermath of adult-use cannabis. Today,  regulations and taxes are so burdensome they are forcing many cannabis businesses to close.

One factor is the battle for hemp-derived products. In 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 45, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the manufacture and sale of hemp-derived products in the state, including smokable hemp as well as hemp-infused food and drink sales. As an emergency statute, the bill goes into effect immediately.

It allowed hemp-derived products like pre-rolls to thrive, as well as edibles and drinks, however dozens of states are in the process of regulating hemp or banning certain compounds from products. Assembly Bill 45 explicitly allows the sale of hemp-derived extracts that comply with testing and labeling standards.

While CBD products are freely found in stores, they are considered “adulterated” under existing California law, which is defined under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law. What AB-45 did is provide clarity for the hemp industry—more importantly, reassuring hemp consumers that products are independently tested and labeled properly.

There are many other bills moving through Sacramento that impact cannabis and hemp businesses including the companies linked to Cheech and Chong.

Marketing research firms BDSA Analytics and Headset both report that Michigan cannabis businesses sold more products than California’s industry. While California’s cannabis industry sales revenue remains a few billion higher than Michigan’s, cheaper prices in Michigan led to more units being sold in recent years. And it shouldn’t be happening for a state as large as California.

Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Company Forms

Cheech and Chong’s company rebranded back in 2021. Eighth Icon Holdings announced in a press release that it changed its name to Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Company, effective immediately. Consolidating the name with the comedy duo’s iconic brand aligns with the company’s mission.

The company formerly known as Eighth Icon produces Tommy Chong’s Cannabis and Cheech’s Stash wholesale flower brands in California—with plans to continue that momentum. Being in operation for less than a year, the company recently redirected its website to Cheech And Chong’s Cannabis.

“Our team is prepared for the challenge and committed to representing Cheech and Chong’s cannabis across the United States and around the world. This name change allows for clear representation of what our company is executing,” Black said.

The company is also behind other various projects in past years such as Cheech and Chong’s Takeout, as well as Cheech and Chong’s Dispensoria—providing delivery experiences. Cheech and Chong’s Dispensoria was developed by Eight Icon last year, and Cheech and Chong’s Takeout was developed amid a sudden need for more delivery options during the pandemic.

By the end of the month, Cheech and Chong Global Holdings is expected to file more paperwork with the state showing how much money they have spent and on exactly what issues in order to follow through with the plan.

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced in a press release that $5.5 million in cannabis tax funds will be going toward New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (NJHVIP).

The money comes directly from the state’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund. According to state law, cannabis tax funds consist of money that comes from cannabis taxes and fees to fund a variety of community services and programs.

The NJHVIP is managed by the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) by way of the Office of Violence Intervention and Prevention. VIVA was initially established by Platkin in September 2022 “with the goal of elevating and formalizing violence intervention and victim services work within the Department of Law and Public Safety.”

“Through the New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program, our Administration is making progress on our commitment to creating a safer state for all New Jerseyans,” said Murphy in a press release. “These innovative violence intervention programs allow providers to tend to vulnerable victims of violent crimes in the early days of their road to recovery in order to break the patterns of violence that have tragically taken the lives of too many New Jerseyans. We will continue to do what we can to support this work to prevent and overcome violence in our communities across the state.” 

“New Jersey’s Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs are essential aspects of our comprehensive approach to public safety, and they empower communities to interrupt cycles of victimization and violence,” said Platkin. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we are continuing our historic investment in NJHVIPs by making available $5.5 million for these innovative services. Through this funding, we are making clear that we will use every tool and resource available to combat gun violence and violent crime that affects too many of our communities.”

VIVA executive director, Patricia Teffenhart, also expressed the importance of the NJHVIP. “Our NJHVIP partners are a key part of Attorney General Platkin’s trauma-informed, survivor-centered commitment to building safer, more resilient communities in New Jersey,” Teffenhart said. “By bringing together medical and community-based violence intervention teams that put victims at the center of service, their work supports the kind of healing that helps put victims on the road to recovery and a path to safety.”

The press release explained that hospital-based violence intervention programs like NJHVIP help support victims of crime through unified teams of “hospital clinicians, social workers, case managers, violence interventionists, and community health workers.” Services such as crisis intervention, victim compensation, and more, all serve people in need, and the $5.5 million being granted will help fund these services.

The New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program began in January 2020 with funds from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program. New Jersey was one of the first states to implement a program with VOCA funds.

It began with nine hospital partnerships, including Center for Family Services, Trinitas Health Foundation, AtlantiCare, Capital Health, Jersey City Medical Center, RWJ University Hospital, University Hospital, Jersey Shore University Medical Center/Hackensack Meridian, and St. Joseph’s Health. By January 2023, the number increased to 11.

During his time as governor since 2018, Murphy has helped send $45 million in federal and state funding to various NJHVIP sites. In August 2023, the NJHVIP’s third year of operation, $15 million was earmarked for violence prevention services through the use of the same cannabis fund, including guidance for at-risk youth as well as street intervention services. “For far too long, pockets of our state have been scarred by violence. And, since day one of our Administration, we have been committed to solving this problem,” Murphy said last month. “Through initiatives such as the [CBVI] Programs, we have made great strides on that pledge. I am incredibly grateful for Attorney General Platkin and his team’s steadfast dedication to reducing violence in our state and creating a safer community for all.”

The $5.5 million from the cannabis tax fund for this year will be granted starting in 2024. Organizations that seek to apply for NJHVIP grants can do so by Oct. 18, 2023. According to the Notice of Availability of Funds, applicants may apply for no more than $995,000 per project. A webinar was held on Sept. 29 for interested applicants, but those who did not originally attend on that day can check out a recording of the meeting when it’s published online on Oct. 3.

In news of other community services, three New Jersey attorneys (Andrew Cooper, Michael Hoffman, and John Williams) recently held an expungement service event at the 420 Expo, which was held between Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The “stigma-free celebration of the legal cannabis lifestyle” was host to more than 100 vendors, and also included educational seminars and appearances from celebrity Cheech Marin. “The so-called war on drugs has been particularly hard on minority and low-income communities, and although studies show white, brown, and Black people use cannabis equally, Black and brown people were nearly four times as likely to be arrested for cannabis violations,” Cooper explained. “Despite laws designed to assist these communities, the individuals affected most are also least able to benefit due to a lack of access to information and support. The Expungement Clinics at 420 Expo are intended to provide the kind of meaningful access to information otherwise sorely lacking in society.”

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Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin of the iconic comedy duo Cheech and Chong announced their company’s entrance into the New Mexico cannabis market with a statewide partnership. According to a Sept. 14 press release, Dreamz Dispensary is partnering with Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Co. to enter the New Mexico market.

The duo celebrated the partnership in a new state market, while remembering what is most important to most consumers. “Our partnership with Dreamz is all about making folks’ lives better through cannabis,” said Chong. “New Mexico deserves the best, and that’s what we’re here to offer.” 

Cheech agreed, as both recently toured dispensaries in the state in recent months to get a closer look. “Together with Dreamz Dispensary, we’re weaving our story into the fabric of New Mexico,” said Marin. “This partnership is about embracing and celebrating local culture.”

Dreamz Dispensary locations span the full length of the state, and you can find them using the company’s dispensary locator. It’s another strategic move by the rapidly-growing company that’s operating in multiple states.

“The Dreamz Partnership with Cheech and Chong brings two powerhouses together,” Dreamz Dispensary CEO John Fisher told High Times. “This collaboration will allow Dreamz Dispensaries to deliver the highest quality cannabis products to the state of New Mexico with the most iconic name in cannabis culture. Together we are creating a unique and memorable experience for all cannabis enthusiasts, ensuring that every visit to Dream Dispensary is an unforgettable journey into the world of Cheech and Chong.”

The company formerly known as Eighth Icon Holdings rebranded as Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Co. in 2021. Part of the plan was to develop better and more potent products. Bringing in Dreamz Dispensary will put it into the hands of more consumers. The duo has been in the game a lot longer than most, company representatives remind us.

“While some celebrity brands just stick their label on products and call it a day, we’re all about true partnerships,” said Brooke Mangum, CMO of Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Co. “Our goal is simple: empower outstanding cultivators and retailers with the digital and social credibility they need to stand out against competitors and succeed.” 

The state’s cannabis industry is off to a blazing hot start: Adult-use cannabis sales in New Mexico totaled more than $300 million in the first year of regulated sales, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced last April 3.

Lujan Grisham signed the Cannabis Regulation Act into law two years ago in April 2021, legalizing the use of cannabis for adults and creating a framework for regulated sales. Then one year later, in April 2022, licensed sales of adult-use cannabis began at retail locations across the state. 

As of last April, New Mexico regulators have issued around 2,000 cannabis licenses across New Mexico, including 633 cannabis retailers, 351 producers, 415 micro producers, and 507 manufacturers, the governor’s office reported.

Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Co. is a Family-Run Business

Cheech and Chong Cannabis Co. is a family-run business, with numerous brands and product lines. The brands include Cheech & Chong’s, Cheech’s Stash, Tommy Chong’s Cannabis, and their delivery service Cheech & Chong’s Takeout, featuring THC and CBD products delivered to your door.

That includes flower lines like Lowrider, Yesca, Ahhberry, and Love Machine. On the website, you can read about the terpene profiles. Love Machine, for instance, is loaded with myrcene and ocimene, while Ahhberry is loaded with terpinolene and linalool.

Cosmic, Cheech and Chong Cannabis Co.’s concentrate line, features sugar, badder, diamonds, sauce, and disposable carts.

The company also operates with many partnerships. Last July, High Times reviewed the Cheech & Chong Mambo Herb Stick from XVape. They also partnered with Z2 Comics to release their own comic book line. Cheech and Chong’s Chronicles: A Brief History of Weed was released in a soft and hardcover editions in finer comic shops and bookstores on April 20, 2022. 

Chong has appeared in High Times numerous times, most recently in 2021, and you map their growth as artists throughout old interviews, when their fame first exploded. (You can read this scintillating interview of both comedians with former editor Ed Dwyer from the August, 1980 issue of High Times magazine, for instance, or Chong’s vivid 2020 account of Operation Pipe Dreams and unjust prison time with the real Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belafonte.)

Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Co. and Dreamz Dispensary’s partnership marks a new shift into the state of New Mexico, which holds high potential for economic rewards as its industry unfolds.

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