Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
Cannabis culture has come a long way since the turn of the century. Sure, weed is still relatively taboo for plenty of folks. But, the rise of medicinal and recreational cannabis has opened the plant to mainstream popularity. Dispensaries have popped up all around the country. CBD is in just about everything. Stoner culture is highbrow now.
But, for an outsider, the world of weed is still intimidating. Walking into a dispensary can feel like a sensory overload. Where do you even start? And with the ubiquity of CBD, it’s hard to separate the quality from the bullshit. Like most subcultures, there are folks in the cannabis industry who will gladly guide you through the experience. But, that doesn’t mean it isn’t overwhelming. So, it’s a good idea to start simple.
Dad Grass is a simple cannabis brand. The California-based company produces high-quality CBD pre-rolled joints, flower, and, just recently, tincture -- and that’s it. No bonkers THC strains, no gimmicky products, just a good, old fashioned, mellow smoke. Like dad used to enjoy.
What is Dad Grass?
Dad Grass, founded by Ben Starmer and Joshua Katz, launched in early 2020 and simply offered pre-rolled CBD joints packaged with a thoughtful nostalgia that echoed classic Americana style. The idea behind Dad Grass was that this was what your dad might have been smoking back in the day. Today’s weed is too damn strong. And Katz and Starmer wanted to offer customers a more casual, accessible alternative that still delivered a buzz.
Dad Grass’ current lineup has expanded beyond just pre-rolled CBD joints. The brand has helped bring CBG to the mainstream with its line of Mom Grass, a nod to CBG being the “mother of all cannabinoids.” Both Mom and Dad Grass are available as single joints ($10) or in 2-, 5-, and 10-packs. A 2-pack will set you back $14 while the 5- and 10-pack cost $35 and $70, respectively. Dad Grass has also released limited edition “stash boxes” which mimic some potential hiding spots dad would use like a box of screws, sardine tin, a box of butter. It’s that charming nostalgia and discreet playfulness that earned Dad Grass so many fans early on.
Dad Grass has also started to offer actual CBD hemp flower ($48+) in attractive tin cases for those that would prefer to roll their own joints. But launching the CBD flower was its own wild journey. “It was fucking six months to figure out how to do flower right,” shares Katz with a laugh. “And part of it was because with joints, whether you're an avid smoker or you're new to the game, you know, it's kind of like the great equalizer. Everybody can pick up pre-rolled joints smoking, right? But we always knew we wanted to do the flower because the flower inside the joints is good looking flower.” And the end result was a huge success. Plus, Katz and Starmer have been working on R&D for some possible new ways of bringing their low-dose, quality CBD hemp to the modern smoker.
Plus, Dad Grass just announced its latest CBD product: a Dad Grass tincture. Made from organic hemp flower, the Dad Grass Classic Formula CBD Tincture is a full spectrum hemp oil blended with organic MCT oil. Packaged in a small vial, you can enjoy Dad Grass by placing a few drops under your tongue and waiting before swallowing or even adding some to a beverage or food item.
It’s Legal and Won’t Get You So High
When I first encountered Dad Grass I must admit to a slight cognitive dissonance. A CBD joint? What does it do? I’ve engaged in recreational cannabis consumption and I regularly use CBD to manage headaches. But, this was a joint -- looks like a joint, smells like weed, won’t get me high? I don’t buy it.
Well, let’s backup a bit. We actually discussed CBD (and CBG) in another article, but let’s review this hemp-derived compound. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of a myriad of cannabinoid, active compounds found in the marijuana plant. When isolated, it possesses none of the psychoactive properties that THC does but it can offer a mild physical “high,” potentially relieving pain, aiding sleep, and reducing anxiety.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of a myriad of cannabinoid, active compounds found in the marijuana plant. When isolated, it possesses none of the psychoactive properties that THC does but it can offer a mild physical “high,” potentially relieving pain, aiding sleep, and reducing anxiety.
When the FDA passed the 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp plant was removed from the category of “marijuana.” So, CBD-derived hemp (plants with less than 0.3 percent THC) was deemed federally legal. Brands like Dad Grass could now use hemp to craft products that were authentic and genuine cannabis -- and still legal. In fact, Dad Grass includes a little post card in each order to alert you to the fact that the 2018 Farm Bill is what allows them to sell and ship these joints that very much look like full-on weed.
The skeptic’s first question, then, is likely “does it work?” The answer is a resounding yes. The countless 5-star reviews of Dad Grass customers, the glowing critical reception, and personal anecdotes attest that smoking Dad Grass feels “real” and still delivers a mild buzz without the mind-melding side effects of THC-laden cannabis.
A Beginner’s Guide to Enjoying Dad Grass
After all that, you’re sold. You want to give it a try. But, where to start?
Surprisingly, Starmer and Katz have found that cannabis newbies and stoney baloneys alike regularly consume and enjoy Dad Grass.
“We see kind of this newbie, you know, who might have read all the blogs and all these news reports that CBD or cannabis is good for you, or there's some health benefits and they're kind of curious, and Dad Grass is the perfect way for them to kind of experience the culture and the product without the fear of getting stoned,” explains Starmer. “One of the most surprising and delightful segments is the “red-eyed jedis.” Like these major stoners that are really into THC weed, but they can't smoke all day long every day. Maybe they've got to work, be on a Zoom meeting, or whatever. And Dad Grass allows them to.”
If you happen to be a newcomer to cannabis, the newly released tincture might be a solid way to ease yourself into the category. I personally used CBD in tincture form to relieve chronic headaches and just generally manage anxiety. The standard Dad or Mom Grass joints are also extremely user-friendly. From my own experience, they deliver a feeling of completely mellow calm. Plus, they’re great in social settings. Sub a pack of Dad Grass for your favorite low-ABV beer and you’ll find that same casual, comfortable conversation flows between friends. If joints aren’t your thing, Dad Grass also has a line of gummies, which they refer to as “dependable, not fancy or complicated.” If your furry friend could use a little lift alongside you, the brand also has a line of CBD dog treats.
From my own experience, they deliver a feeling of completely mellow calm. Plus, they’re great in social settings. Sub a pack of Dad Grass for your favorite low-ABV beer and you’ll find that same casual, comfortable conversation flows between friends.
And, for those more experienced smokers, Dad Grass Flower allows you to tailor your smoke to your preferences. Pick up a vintage pipe or roll your own joint.
As with anything, ease yourself into the Dad Grass experience. Sample just a few drops of the tincture to start, take a few puffs before rushing to polish off that joint.
5 More Reasons to Love Dad Grass
- Looking to get your Dad Grass on a regular basis? Sign up for a subscription and get your CBD joints, flower, and tincture delivered on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.
- The high-quality Dad Grass branding extends beyond the charming stash boxes. Dad Grass offers some spectacular merch, homegoods, and cannabis accessories. Get yourself a handsome ashtray, bucket hat, and tank top and rep the brand.
- Dad Grass regularly partners with charitable organizations and nonprofits to donate proceeds or match dollars spent. You can learn more about active campaigns in their blog.
- Because Dad Grass is perfectly legal, there’s a good chance your local coffee shop, book store, or boutique hotel might be a Dad Grass “dealer.”
- Dad Grass has a “reefer” program: Earn $10 when a friend makes a purchase - and they’ll get $10 offer, too!