Papa & Barkley
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cannabis |
| Founded | January 1, 2016 in Eureka, California, United States |
| Founder | Adam Grossman |
| Headquarters | Pasadena, California , United States |
Key people | Adam Grossman (Founder), Guy Rocourt (Co-founder, former CEO), Evelyn Wang (former CEO) |
| Products | THC-based products (topicals, tinctures, capsules, edibles, concentrates); CBD-based products (capsules, tinctures, gummies, chocolates) |
| Owner | Mammoth Distribution (since 2024) |
| Website | papaandbarkley |
Papa & Barkley is an American cannabis enterprise headquartered in California, specializing in products formulated from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The company emphasizes solventless, whole-plant infusion methods, targeting pain management, sleep enhancement, and overall wellness. Its offerings are available within California's regulated cannabis framework and nationwide through hemp-derived CBD product lines.
History
Established in 2016 by Adam Grossman in Eureka, California, Papa & Barkley originated with the development of Releaf Balm, a natural remedy crafted to alleviate his father's back discomfort. This product laid the foundation for the brand’s wellness portfolio.
The company’s name honors Grossman’s father ("Papa") alongside their family dog ("Barkley"), underscoring its intimate beginnings. Grossman collaborated with cannabis formulator Guy Rocourt, who assumed the roles of Chief Product Officer and subsequently CEO, to expand production utilizing solventless techniques.
In January 2021, Evelyn Wang, a former executive at L'Oréal and Estée Lauder, was appointed CEO to drive product diversification and enhance brand positioning. Rocourt returned as CEO in early 2022. In 2024, Mammoth Distribution, a prominent cannabis distributor in California, acquired Papa & Barkley, representing a significant consolidation within the state's cannabis sector.
Products and methods
Papa & Barkley markets two principal categories:
- THC-based products—sold through California dispensaries—including topicals, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and concentrates.
- CBD-based products—distributed nationally under provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill—available online and via retailers such as Vitamin Shoppe and Thrive Market.
The firm employs solventless extraction processes like lipid infusion and rosin pressing to maintain the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes.
In 2021, it launched the Sleep Releaf Collection, a CBN-enhanced range comprising capsules, tinctures, gummies, and chocolates. A company-conducted home study involving 90 participants indicated an 80% improvement in sleep quality.
Leadership
- Adam Grossman – founder and former CEO; creator of the initial product line.
- Guy Rocourt – co-founder; served as Chief Product Officer and CEO (2022–2024); proponent of whole-plant medicine.
- Evelyn Wang – CEO (2021–2022); former beauty industry executive who expanded the product assortment and elevated brand wellness positioning.
Recognition
Forbes featured Papa & Barkley among California’s emerging "luxury cannabis" brands. Cannabis Business Times and GreenState have spotlighted its executive transitions and patient-centered philosophy.
Industry reports commend the company for utilizing consumer data to assess product effectiveness. Additionally, it has received numerous Emerald Cup accolades for its solventless extracts and edible products.