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, expanding its reach amid growing demand for premium cannabis products. The grand opening promises a full day of community celebrations, highlighting the retailer’s ties to local culture and heritage.
Rapper-Turned-Entrepreneur Builds Cannabis Empire
B Real launched Dr. Greenthumb’s in 2018 with its inaugural store in Sylmar, California. The chain has since grown rapidly, adding outposts in Cathedral City, downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, with a seventh site near LAX in the works. This expansion reflects California’s maturing cannabis market, where legal sales have surged since recreational legalization in 2016, drawing entrepreneurs from entertainment into retail. Dr. Greenthumb’s distinguishes itself through an extensive selection of high-end brands like Insane, Alien Labs, CAM, Cannabiotix, and Wonderbrett, appealing to consumers seeking quality over commodity strains.
La Mesa Debut Celebrates Latin Roots and Community
The October 2 event at 8760 Campo Rd., La Mesa, CA 91941, runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with B Real appearing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Latin theme honors his Mexican and Cuban background, featuring on-site murals by graffiti artists Strive One and MEX, lowriders in the parking lot, and food trucks serving Latin American fare. Highlights include Pan Dulce and tamales from George Lopez’s Chingon Bakery, plus unmedicated churros from cannabis edible maker Big Pete’s. Guest appearances, vendor booths, giveaways, and live activations fill the day, open to all adults 21 and older.
Expansion Signals Broader Cultural Shifts
“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.” These events underscore cannabis’s evolution from underground subculture to mainstream economic driver, fostering community gatherings that blend activism, heritage, and commerce in a post-pandemic landscape.
