In 2020, Drew Martin launched his eponymous line of pre-rolls in California, seeking to perfectly balance cannabis with natural botanicals. This new take on an age-old ritual was inspired by founder Drew Martin’s study of herbalism, a decade of world travel, and a refined palate from his time as an award-winning mixologist.
This month the brand, known for their iconic box and eye-popping artwork, brings their line of botanically blended pre-rolls to New York’s burgeoning legal cannabis market with launches at Housing Works Cannabis Co. (750 Broadway), Union Square Travel Agency (62 E 13th St), Gotham (3 E. 3rd St – Opens May 11) and statewide delivery via Legacy Dispensers, New York’s first licensed cannabis delivery service, based in Albany.
“Bringing together botanicals and cannabis, and the interplay between their terpenes and cannabinoids, is the true definition of plant magic. It’s a connection to the ancient practice of harnessing the power of plants, which for me, is at the heart of everything I do,” said Drew Martin.
Each blend starts with the terpene profile of the flower, which is complemented by the naturally occurring terpenes in the botanicals to create the blend’s flavor and function. Rather than a prescribed effect for each blend, Drew suggests a mindspace that complements the natural qualities of the terpenes and botanicals, e.g. “Be Still” is the intention assigned to a calming blend of Indica cannabis cultivar with soothing lavender and passionflower.
All of the cannabis used in the pre-rolls is sun-grown utilizing organic practices in the Hudson Valley on a licensed woman-owned farm, HPI Canna. The botanicals are all certified organic and sourced directly from farmers where possible. The dried rose petals used in the “Be Open” blend are sourced from a woman-run cooperative in India, and the lemon balm in the “Be Bright” blend is wildcrafted by Friends of the Trees in Washington state.
Not only is Drew Martin one of the first California brands to make it on to New York shelves, the brand is also one of very few queer owned companies in the cannabis industry. Drew Martin founded the brand alongside his partner in business and in life Andrew Freeman and their best friend Nicholas Pritzker. Inspired by the radical resistance of queer people that fought for cannabis legalization, the 100% queer-owned company is committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and beautiful industry.
“To me, being queer in the cannabis industry means that we have a unique responsibility to fight for cannabis justice,” said Drew Martin. “We must recognize that the fight for decriminalization and legalization that queer activists fought for is inextricably linked to the struggle to repair the damage that the war on drugs has caused to Black and brown communities.”
For Pride this year, the brand will introduce “One Queer Pre-Roll” with proceeds benefiting Housing Works’ lifesaving services targeting homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Drew Martin’s launch in New York coincides with the international premiere of their fragrance collaboration with acclaimed natural perfumer Heretic Parfum, “The Herbalist,” available online via www.hereticparfum.com and at Blue Mercury locations later this summer. Named one of the “100 Best Fragrances of All Time” by WWD, Drew Martin x Heretic “The Herbalist” features non-psychoactive cannabis essential oils expertly layered with a relaxing blend of lavender, hinoki, and vetiver.
