Method Man’s small-batch cannabis batch arrives in New York

Method Man’s cannabis brand TICAL (Taking Into Consideration All Lives) announced its entry into the New York adult-use cannabis market on September 15 in collaboration with Central Processors NY – one of New York’s largest processors – and Adirondack Hemp Company.

Central Processors’ prerolls and edibles will launch first, with additional products launching in the coming months. Love Jones prerolls and edibles from TICAL’s official cannabis catalog will be available at select retailers, including Housing Works, Strain Stars, Stage One, Greenery Spot, Flynnstoned and William Jane Herbal IQ, on a first come, served basis first”. from last week.

“The New York State adult products market is important to TICAL – our New York roots run deep,” Joshua “Raz” Rassin, co-founder and COO of TICAL, tells High Times. “Everyone on the TICAL team is either from New York or based in New York. Method Man’s career began on the streets of New York and he has consumed and advocated for cannabis throughout his life and career. There is data that suggests New York is the largest consumer of cannabis in the world, and growing up it always felt that way. Cannabis, culture and hip-hop brought the TICAL founders together, and the fact that we’re all from New York is a big part of that. Ultimately, we are honored to bring adult-use products to our home state.”

While Method Man has sold clothing and merchandise under the TICAL brand, often with a cannabis theme, that name also represents its cannabis ventures. “Tical” is the name of Method Man’s debut studio album, released on November 15, 1994 by Def Jam Recordings. “Tical” is colloquially referred to as a tightly rolled blunt soaked in syrup or honey. The be-all and end-all is producing high-quality herbs in small quantities. That’s why TICAL works with the best manufacturers available in each state’s markets.

“There are so many great producers in the state, but we are excited to partner with Central Processors and the Adirondack Hemp Company,” Rassin continued. “Central Processors are large and very well-equipped cultivators and processors. They have some of the best facilities, equipment and skills in the state. Their team is very strong and everyone from the CEO to the sales and production team is emotionally invested in their products and it shows. They are capable of producing almost any cannabis product imaginable and we plan to bring cutting-edge, industry-leading extracted products to market in the coming months.”

“Adirondack Hemp Company is a family-owned, small-batch, artisanal cannabis factory that prides itself on the highest quality flower,” adds Rassin. “They have a unique controlled environment, mixed light facility that produces some of the best flowers in New York. They had to go through the trials and tribulations of launching adult use in New York, gave it their all and were able to bring it to market. We feel we have two of the best cannabis producers in the state and that the TICAL brand is positioned to dominate the New York adult-use market.”

Method Man’s roots in Staten Island and Long Island make New York City a very special place to launch its cannabis brand. Through the Wu-Tang Clan and as a solo artist, Method Man plays an important role in the New York hip-hop sound.

As a multi-state operator, TICAL products can also be found in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon and Rhode Island.

TICAL partnerships in New Yorkk

On March 31, 2021, former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older in the state – the culmination of several years of false starts and failed efforts.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced in late December 2022 that regulated sales of adult-use cannabis would begin in the state next week with the opening of a licensed retail store in Manhattan. Housing Works, the first pharmacy, is also the largest minority-controlled HIV/AIDS service organization in the country and the largest community-based HIV/AIDS service organization and began serving clients in New York City on December 29, 2022.

Central Processors NY is “the largest processor in Central New York,” the company says, offering the extraction and manufacturing of THC-containing products, including gummies, chocolate, vape pens, vape carts, tinctures, and so on. Central Processors NY sources its genetics, which they cultivate through their High Peaks and Paradigm brands.

“As lifelong New Yorkers and huge Wu-Tang Clan fans, it is a big deal for us to be part of bringing Method Man’s official cannabis brand TICAL to the New York adult-use cannabis market,” said John Vavalo, CEO at Central Processors NY, a licensed adult-use conditional use processor and cultivator (AUCP and AUCC) in New York State. “Working with the team at TICAL Official has been seamless and we look forward to helping them scale across the state.”

The Adirondack Hemp Company, on the other hand, currently offers varieties such as Sherb Cake or Superboof. “It is surreal and a great honor to work with a true legend who helped shape modern cannabis culture in New York and continues to care for his community today,” said Mike Brown, CEO of Adirondack Hemp Company. “Our high-quality, small-batch flowers are a perfect fit for TICAL Official and we’re excited to help bring the brand back home.”

Photo credit Karina Isabel

Method Man and High times are old friends

In the August 1996 issue of High Times, Method Man discussed blunt tips while still a member of Wu-Tang Clan. He also appeared in the magazine several times. “How High” from 2001 with Method Man and Redman is now considered a stoner classic. Chris Simunek and Danny Danko interviewed him again as a solo artist in the January 2007 issue of High Times. Most recently, he plans to attend the 2023 High Times Cannabis Cup New Mexico: People’s Choice Edition with Redman.

Use TICAL’s store locator to find a location near you.