The cannabis industry welcomes another legendary rapper to its ranks.
Jay-Z, a 22-time Grammy award winner whose full name is Shawn Carter, announced today that he is launching Monogram, a cannabis brand made in partnership with the California brand Caliva. Jay-Z has served as Chief Brand Strategist for Caliva since July of 2019. Monogram marks the rapper’s inaugural foray into the cannabis marketplace with his own brand.
The brand will launch with another innovation: its own e-commerce platform dedicated exclusively to its singular product line. The cannabis line Monogram to be available in California, to start, and distributed through Caliva’s channels as well as through Monogram’s e-commerce platform. Caliva has three dispensary storefronts in California: Caliva in San Jose, Deli by Caliva also in San Jose, and Deli by Caliva in Bellflower, Los Angeles.
“Redefining standards, redefining growth,” are the mottos founds on the Monogram logos and website. Mysteries yet to unfold include when the brand will extend beyond the California marketplace, as well as the exact strains and products that consumers will be able to try once it hits the market.
Photos from the brand include flower as well as pre-rolled joints, offering clues to product offerings, but an exact product list has not yet been made public. The brand takes a craft approach as the flower is grown in “small batch,” its website explains. The growing process also includes, “extended humidity control, post-harvest care, trimming and flushing that guarantees our finished product is the best in can be.”
Caliva representatives say this is the “maiden brand” from Jay-Z, so consumers can may see more brands come online from Mr. Carter in the future. Jay-Z has not replied to requests for comment at this time.