Dr. Greenthumb’s, the cannabis dispensary chain founded by Cypress Hill rapper B Real, launches its sixth California location in La Mesa on October 2. This marks the brand’s first entry into San Diego County, bringing its premium cannabis selections to a new market. The grand opening promises a full day of community-focused events, highlighting B Real’s heritage and the retailer’s rapid growth since 2018.
Rap Legend Builds Cannabis Empire from Sylmar Roots
B Real, born Louis Freese, established Dr. Greenthumb’s in Sylmar in 2018, channeling his status as a cannabis activist and Cypress Hill frontman into retail. The chain stocks high-end brands like Insane, Alien Labs, CAM, Cannabiotix, and Wonderbrett, drawing crowds with consistent quality amid California’s competitive legal market. Expansion followed swiftly: Cathedral City, downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and a forthcoming site near LAX. La Mesa at 8760 Campo Rd. fills a gap in San Diego, where demand for top-shelf products outpaces supply in many areas.
Grand Opening Honors Latin Heritage and Local Community
The October 2 event runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring guest appearances, cannabis vendors, food trucks, on-site murals by graffiti artists Strive One and MEX, and giveaways. B Real appears from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Latin theme celebrates his Mexican and Cuban background, with local street artists painting murals, lowriders in the parking lot, and cuisine from George Lopez’s Chingon Bakery offering pan dulce and tamales. Big Pete’s provides unmedicated churros. Open to adults 21 and older, the celebration emphasizes safe gathering after last year’s challenges.
B Real Champions Community Resilience in Expansion
“I’m so excited to bring the Dr. Greenthumb’s experience to San Diego,” B Real said. “The community here loves high-quality cannabis and I feel honored not only to be able to deliver top-shelf product, but to celebrate the community that has shaped who I am as an artist, entrepreneur, activist and person.” He added, “After all of the uncertainty of last year and the terrible effects it had on the community, I want to bring everyone together safely for a day of celebration... This grand opening marks a new era for La Mesa and all of San Diego metro.”
Broader Rise of Celebrity-Driven Cannabis Retail
Dr. Greenthumb’s expansion reflects California’s maturing cannabis industry, where legalization since 2016 has spurred chains offering curated experiences over commodity sales. Celebrity founders like B Real blend cultural authenticity with business savvy, fostering loyalty in diverse communities. La Mesa’s debut signals potential for further Southern California growth, as retailers prioritize events that build local ties and counter past economic disruptions.
