Papa & Barkley

Papa & Barkley is an American cannabis company based in California, that develops and markets products derived from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The company uses solventless, whole-plant infusion processes and focuses on pain relief, sleep, and general wellness. Its products are distributed in California's regulated cannabis market, New York's regulated cannabis market, and nationally through hemp-derived CBD lines.[1]

History

Papa & Barkley was founded in 2016 by Adam Grossman in Eureka, California. Grossman developed the company's first product, later branded as Releaf Balm, as a home remedy to ease his father's severe back pain. The formulation, made in a crockpot, became the foundation for the company's wellness product line.[2]

The company's name references Grossman's father ("Papa") and the family dog ("Barkley"), symbolizing its personal origins.[2] Grossman partnered with cannabis formulator Guy Rocourt, who became Chief Product Officer and later CEO, to expand production using solventless methods.[3]

In January 2021, Papa & Barkley appointed Evelyn Wang, a former L'Oréal and Estée Lauder executive, as CEO.[4][5] She led the company through product expansion and brand positioning efforts until early 2022, when Rocourt was promoted to CEO.[3] In 2024, the company was acquired by Mammoth Distribution, one of California's largest cannabis distributors and owner of the Heavy Hitters cannabis brand, marking a significant consolidation in the state's cannabis market.[6]

Products and methods

Papa & Barkley develops two main product categories:

  • THC line – sold in California dispensaries, including topicals, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and concentrates.[2]
  • CBD line – distributed nationally, formulated with hemp-derived CBD under the 2018 Farm Bill. Available online and through national retailers such as Vitamin Shoppe and Thrive Market.[2]

The company uses solventless extraction methods, such as lipid infusion and rosin pressing, avoiding chemical solvents to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes.[1][2]

In 2021, Papa & Barkley launched its Sleep Releaf Collection, a CBN-infused product line including capsules, tinctures, gummies and chocolates. A company-run home-use study with 90 participants reported an 80% improvement in sleep quality.[7]

Leadership

  • Adam Grossman – founder and former CEO, credited with the company's initial product development[2]
  • Guy Rocourt – co-founder, former Chief Product Officer, and CEO (2022–2024), who promotes whole-plant medicine[8][3]
  • Evelyn Wang – CEO (2021–2022), previously an executive in the beauty industry, who positioned Papa & Barkley as a wellness brand while expanding its product lines.[4][5]

Recognition

Forbes described the company as part of the rise of "luxury cannabis" in California.[1] Cannabis Business Times and GreenState have highlighted its leadership transitions and patient-centered ethos.[5][8]

Papa & Barkley has also been featured in industry analyses for its use of customer data to research product efficacy.[9]

The company has also been a multiple-time award winner at the Emerald Cup, recognized for its solventless extracts and edibles.[3] At the 2025 California State Fair, it won the top wellness brand award (the “Golden Bear”), as well as awards for its sleep capsules, tinctures, and the Active Releaf Balm.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Bobrow, Warren (December 17, 2018). "Papa & Barkley: Luxury Cannabis That's Better for You". Forbes.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Pallardy, Carrie (January 13, 2021). "California-Based Papa & Barkley Eyes Expansion Plans for Its Solventless Cannabis Products". New Cannabis Ventures.
  3. ^ a b c d Sandy, Eric (January 27, 2022). "Papa & Barkley Announces Executive Leadership Changes". Cannabis Business Times.
  4. ^ a b Dorbian, Iris (March 19, 2021). "From Beauty To Cannabis: Meet Evelyn Wang, Papa & Barkley's New CEO". Forbes.
  5. ^ a b c "Papa & Barkley CEO Evelyn Wang Talks Heritage, Business". Cannabis Business Times. 2021.
  6. ^ "Mammoth Distribution acquires marijuana company Papa & Barkley". MJBizDaily. September 11, 2024.
  7. ^ Bryant, Jacqueline (August 25, 2021). "Papa & Barkley Releases Cannabis Line Targeted For Better Sleep". Forbes.
  8. ^ a b Gordon, Rachelle (February 8, 2024). "Fast Five Q&A: Guy Rocourt, Co-founder and CEO of Papa & Barkley". GreenState (San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst).
  9. ^ "Papa & Barkley leans on customer database to research marijuana product efficacy". MJBizDaily. 2022.
  10. ^ "2025 Award Winners". Cal Cannabis Awards. Retrieved 2026-02-15.
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