Adam D. Grossman founded Papa & Barkley, a medicinal products company operating in the regulated cannabis markets in CA and NY, and nationally in the CBD market. He is a serial entrepreneur with experience building companies in the fields of consumer finance, consumer services, and consumer products. He was a co-founder of Stone Street Capital, a specialty finance company and first mover purchasing lottery winnings and other consumer receivables. He helped build and later sold Northeast Dental Management, a private equity sponsored dental practice management company. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts and his JD and MBA from Georgetown University.

Area Code 420 (AC 420): What is the state of the CBD industry and do you anticipate any positive changes being made by government at the federal level? 

Grossman: The industry is pretty stable, growing slowly as compared to previous estimates and the hyper growth after the passage of the 2018 farm bill, which is still applicable. President Trump recently posted an interesting link suggesting the need for more research on the endocannabinoid system, which is promising for both the CBD and regulated THC markets. I am hopeful this indicates that positive changes may be coming federally. 

AC 420: What do you attribute your company’s success to? 

Grossman: We have an authentic mission and a unique value proposition that I feel people can relate to. I started the company after making a pain balm in my kitchen for my father, who was bedridden with terrible back pain. The product changed our lives and gave me my (and the company’s) mission. Papa & Barkley’s mission is to unlock the power of cannabis to improve people lives, and I think we are doing it. Our products take away people’s pain every day. And we do it using the power of the plant, without any chemicals. 

AC 420: What makes your infusion process unique? 

Grossman: We have a unique, proprietary process to make our products. It’s a lipid infusion that uses no chemicals or solvents, and preserves the plant’s full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients. It’s real plant medicine. We only use healthy plants grown outdoors without pesticides and then cook them in one of three base oils (coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, or MCT) and water. Our process uses only heat, water, pressure, and time — with no chemicals. So, consumers, especially those treating medical problems, can trust that our products are clean and chemical free. 

AC 420: Are your products third-party lab tested? 

Grossman: Absolutely! All of our products undergo rigorous third-party lab testing, done multiple times during the production process, to verify purity, potency, and safety. We provide transparent access to these lab results on every product, so consumers can make informed decisions about what they’re putting into their bodies. Quality assurance and trust are the cornerstones of our brand. 

AC 420: How can people determine what amount of CBD is right for them? 

Grossman: Dosing is an issue that many people get wrong. The reality is that CBD needs to be taken in sufficient quantities and for multiple days to be effective, and many people take too few milligrams and conclude that it doesn’t help. We recommend starting at lower doses but titrating up to the range of 60-90 mg per day. Only then can you tell if it’s working. It all depends on your specific health circumstance, so always check with your doctor. 

AC 420: As CEO, anything keep you up at night? 

Grossman: I am no longer running the company day-to-day, but I posed the question to Nik Patel, our awesome CEO. Nik worries that the lack of movement on regulation at the federal level leaves the market open for competitors that put out products of lower quality that don’t work, so people think CBD is a hoax. We know from third-party clinical trials and our own customers that CBD is safe and powerful medicine that can really change people’s lives.

About the Author: Sheldon Baker is a full-time freelance writer who covers health and wellness and other fun topics for Nutraceuticals World, Rodman Media, and other publications. He’s based in Northern California near Yosemite National Park, and enjoys exploring worldwide destinations, especially New York City, Mumbai, India, and Sydney, AU. He’s also happy to hang out at home with his wife and the many young foster children in their care. Follow him on Twitter @SCB3128 or send him an email at sbaker@bakerdillon.com.