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JARS ROUNDTABLE RECAP: AL HARRINGTON INTERVIEW WITH VIOLA LABS

by JARS | December 11, 2024

Recap the insightful JARS Roundtable: Al Harrington Interview with Viola Labs. Gain valuable insights into the cannabis industry as Al Harrington discusses Viola's mission, accomplishments, and future vision. Explore the dynamic conversation about social equity, entrepreneurship, and Viola's role in shaping the cannabis landscape, brought to you by JARS.
From star NBA player to the founder of a cannabis empire, Viola, Al Harrington shares his story with JARS in a candid roundtable discussion with We Are Culture Creators co-founder Reyes. In this interview, Harrington breaks down how he got introduced to cannabis and his transition from professional athlete to a cannabis entrepreneur.
Read on for an up-close and personal look into his incredible story and his all-star cannabis brand, Viola.
Al Harrington’s Introduction to Cannabis
Growing up in New Jersey, Al Harrington was never into cannabis as he watched his community ravaged by The War on Drugs. While weed was definitely around, he recalls seeing friends locked up by police for having a simple a nickel-bag of weed. Harrington knew to stay away from weed while it was illegal in order to stay out of trouble.
That being said, when Harrington was drafted to play with the Denver Nuggets in 2010 he began to hear about the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis. Denver had legalized medical marijuana nearly a decade prior and had a robust legal market in place. He still was not tempted to try weed himself, but when his Grandma came to visit him, everything changed.
The first thing she did when she arrived at Harrington’s home was to pull out her massive bag of prescription pills. She suffered from a number of ailments including glaucoma, a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. Seeing his Grandmother in pain, Harrington felt compelled to do something.
He remembered a newspaper article that detailed medical marijuana’s potential to improve the symptoms of glaucoma. After doing a little of his own research, Harrington suggested that his grandmother try it and was met with a less than warm reception.
She told him, “Boy, I ain’t smoking no reefer!”
Despite her initial disapproval, Harrington got some medical marijuana in the hopes that she would change her mind. He found the perfect opportunity when she was in an unbearable amount of pain one day and was willing to try anything to improve her situation. Harrington gave her the bud, and went upstairs to take a nap so that she could try the weed in private.
After a short while, he came downstairs to find his Grandmother reading her Bible in tears.
“I’m healed,” she said to him through teary eyes.
She had not been able to read her Bible in years, and here she was, enjoying The Good Book. They shared a tearful embrace, both feeling completely moved by this newfound miracle — and his Grandmother’s name? Viola. Harrington went on to give his brand her namesake to pay homage to her legacy.
While Harrington now felt with all certainty the true healing power of cannabis, he had yet to try it for himself. It was not until after a botched knee surgery in 2012 that nearly cost him his life, did he decide to turn to weed instead of the plethora of opiods that doctors prescribed him — but he wasn’t puffing on flower like you might expect.
Instead, he chose to try cannabidiol, CBD for short, to get the relief he so desperately needed. The pain-relieving properties of CBD did the trick and continued to pave the way for his foray into marijuana entrepreneurship. The rest you might say, is history.
About Viola Brands
Founded in 2011 and named after his beloved Grandmother, Viola Brands has gone on to truly elevate the cannabis arena as one of the largest and most successful Black-owned cannabis brands. Built on a strong foundation of wellness, Harrington’s flagship cannabis brand produces some of the finest flower and concentrates on the market today.
With products sold in California, Oregon, Colorado, and Michigan, it is clear to see that Harrington and Viola Brands are here to stay. If you are curious to try this already infamous brand for yourself, come into JARS today where we proudly stock an array of Viola products.
What’s Next for Viola Brands and Al Harrington?
Since its inception, Viola has taken a loud and proud stance on increasing minority owenership in cannabis, reinvesting in Black and brown communities that have been hit the hardest by The War on Drugs, and creating more social equity opportunities across the board — and to put things lightly, Viola has been killing the game.
To date, Viola has committed over $500,000 to partner with, fund and guide six applicants through Phase 1 as well as 20 applicants through Phase 2 of their Social Equity Program in Los Angeles. On top of that, Viola has fed over 20,000 people across four different markets with a series of events, key partnerships, and food drives.
Harrington also recently started his own CBD brand in 2018 called Harringtown Wellness with a focus on creating products for athletes, by athletes. Its line of CBD products called re+PLAY, include CBD-infused topicals, tinctures, and capsules that are designed to provide relief to hardworking athletes and beyond.
While Harrington may be the founder of a nearly billion dollar cannabis empire, his most important job is creating a legacy for his 3-year-old son — cue the tears.
Watch the Full Interview Here
With such an incredible journey from professional NBA player to mega successful cannabis entrepreneur, you do not want to miss this JARS roundtable interview. Simply click here to watch the entire discussion and be sure to tune in for the next one!

How To Elevate Your Next Smoke Sesh?
Are you looking for something new to elevate your next smoke session? Are you stuck in a smoke session rut and want to take your cannabis experience to new heights? We're here to help, down below are some surefire ways to help take your smoke sesh to the next level.
How To Elevate Your Next Smoke Sesh
Are you looking for something new to elevate your next smoke session? Are you stuck in a smoke session rut and want to take your cannabis experience to new heights? We're here to help, down below are some surefire ways to help take your smoke sesh to the next level.
Investing in quality cannabis
First and foremost, let's talk about the importance of quality cannabis. You know how they say, "you get what you pay for"? Well, the same goes for cannabis. Investing in craft cannabis, also known as premium cannabis, is the key to taking your smoke session to the next level.
Not only is the quality and consistency top-notch, but finding a reputable dispensary that genuinely cares about and connects with its customers is a surefire way to ensure that you're getting the best of the best. Trust us, there's nothing like walking into a dispensary and having the staff help you pick out the perfect product for your lifestyle. So, don't skimp on the good stuff, and elevate your smoke session.
Let our staff find you the perfect products here:
Alternate the strains you are using
Now, let's talk about switching up the strains. Of course, we all know that different strains of cannabis can have different effects - some are more relaxing, like Indica strains, while others are more uplifting, like Sativa strains. But did you know that different strains can also have different tastes and aromas?
By alternating the strains you use, you'll not only experience a wider variety of effects, but you'll also be able to enjoy a more diverse taste and aroma experience. Plus, switching things up can prevent tolerance and allow you to experiment with new strains and discover the different effects and flavors they have to offer. And let's be real, who doesn't love a little variety in their life?
Food pairings
Let's talk about the fun stuff - amplifying the taste, aroma, and effects of cannabis. One way to do this is by pairing your cannabis with certain foods. For example, chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and caffeine that can enhance the effects of THC and create a more euphoric experience. So, grab a bar of high-percentage cocoa dark chocolate next time you plan a smoke session, and thank us later.
Cheese is another great option - it contains compounds like casein and tyramine that can enhance the effects of THC and create a more relaxing experience. Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar and gouda are perfect options.
Spicy foods, like those containing capsaicin, can also enhance the effects of THC and create a more intense experience. And let's not forget about fruits - mangoes, pineapples, and berries contain terpenes that can enhance the taste and aroma of the cannabis and create a more enjoyable experience. Herbs and spices, like peppermint, rosemary, and basil, also contain terpenes that can enhance the taste and aroma of the cannabis.
And last but not least, nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds contain healthy fats and oils that can enhance the effects of cannabis.
Aromatherapy
When enhancing your cannabis experience, why settle for the same old routine? Instead, take your next smoke session to new heights with the power of aromatherapy.
Imagine lighting a few scented candles, like lavender, which promotes relaxation, or peppermint, which can help to clear the mind. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser or simply apply it to a cloth and inhale the refreshing aroma. Not only will it mask any unwanted odors, but it'll transport you to a relaxing spa-like paradise.
Ever tried a cannabis-infused bath bomb? Check out how to make one here.
Switching up your methods
The kind of marijuana you smoke is just one way to make your experience more attractive. Your high will fluctuate significantly depending on how you smoke. If you've only recently started smoking joints, it might be time to upgrade to a bong or vaporizer. If you're having trouble getting high while using cannabis as you now do, try switching up your strategy.
With a bong, you can enjoy a smoother hit and a cooler smoke that's easier on the lungs, allowing you to inhale more deeply and fully appreciate the unique flavor profile of each strain. With a vaporizer, you can enjoy the full range of flavors and aromas without the harshness of smoke while also being considered a healthier option. So why not give your lungs a break and treat them to a smoother, cooler hit while treating your taste buds to a flavor explosion. Elevate your smoking game and take your cannabis experience to a next level high.
This is a foolproof guide to elevate your smoke session. By investing in quality cannabis, switching up the strains, and experimenting with foods and fruits that can enhance the taste, aroma, and effects of the cannabis, you'll be well on your way to taking your cannabis experience to new heights. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride! Because let's face it, life's too short to settle for a dull smoke session.
If you're looking for a great place to find quality cannabis, be sure to check out our dispensary here, where we offer a wide variety of premium strains and knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect product for your lifestyle. So, grab some friends, some quality cannabis, and a bag of dark chocolate, and get ready to elevate your next smoke sesh to new heights.
JARS
December 10, 2024

The Edible Effect
Welcome, fellow cannabis connoisseurs! Today, we're embarking on a wild journey into the world of edible highs. If you've ever wondered what the fuss is about with THC-infused treats, then get ready to unlock all secrets of the edible effect because JARS is here to enlighten and entertain. Grab a snack (non-infused, for now), and let's dive in!
The Edible Effect: Decoding the Differences of an Edible High - A Guide by JARS Cannabis
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Munchies – One Bite at a Time
Welcome, fellow cannabis connoisseurs! Today, we're embarking on a wild journey into the world of edible highs. If you've ever wondered what the fuss is about with THC-infused treats, then get ready to unlock all secrets of the edible effect because JARS is here to enlighten and entertain. Grab a snack (non-infused, for now), and let's dive in!
Why Edibles Pack a Punch
First, let’s talk about why consuming cannabis in edible form creates a different experience than smoking or vaping. When you munch on a THC-infused brownie, your body processes the cannabinoids through the digestive system, slowly releasing THC into your bloodstream. With inhalation, the THC rapidly enters your system, creating a faster, more intense high.
So, in short: edibles are like a slow-cooked pot roast, while smoking is like a quick-sear steak. Both are delicious, but each offers a unique experience.
The Liver Factor
Did you know that the liver is critical to the edible effect? When you consume cannabis-infused edibles, your liver transforms the THC into 11-hydroxy-THC – a more potent, longer-lasting version of its cousin, delta-9-THC. This chemical transformation contributes to the intensity and longevity of an edible high. Who knew that our livers were such skilled cannabis chefs?
The Sneaky Onset of the Edible Effect
We've all heard those cautionary tales of unsuspecting users gobbling down a whole batch of THC-infused cookies only to find themselves orbiting Jupiter hours later. What gives? Well, my friends, this is due to the slow onset of edibles. The effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for the results to kick in. And when they do, oh boy, strap in for a ride!
This delayed reaction often leads to having one too many, – and, consequently, a particularly "stellar" adventure.
Remember: patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to edibles. So start low, go slow, and listen to JARS Budtenders – we're here to ensure your experience is one that is both safe and enjoyable..
Edible Highs – A Body-Centered Experience
So, what sets an edible high apart from other forms of cannabis consumption? Well, to start, it's a more body-centered experience. Users often describe an edible high as a warm, enveloping sensation that spreads from head to toe, making it ideal for relaxation and stress relief. It's not uncommon for edible aficionados to feel as if they've been swaddled in a cozy, THC-infused blanket. Sounds delightful, right? Just remember to keep an eye on the dosage – we don't want that blanket turning into a restrictive suit!
Duration of the Edible Effect – Going the Distance
Edibles have your back if you're in it for the long haul. Depending on individual metabolism, dosage, and tolerance, the edible effect can typically last anywhere between 4 to 8 hours. This vast experience makes edibles popular for those looking to manage chronic pain or enjoy a leisurely journey through the cannabis cosmos.
So, if you're planning an evening of Netflix and chill (emphasis on the chill part), why not swing by JARS to pick up a tasty THC treat?
Edibles – A World of Flavors and Options
At JARS Cannabis, the world of edibles offers an incredible variety of flavors and options to satisfy every palate. From gummies and chocolates to beverages and baked goods, there's an edible for everyone, whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or gluten-free.
But it's important to note that edibles aren't just about getting high. While THC-infused edibles may provide a psychoactive experience, CBD-infused edibles have become increasingly popular for those seeking relief or looking to improve their sleep without intoxication.
At JARS Cannabis, we offer a diverse selection of CBD edibles, so you can experience the soothing benefits of CBD without worrying about meeting any celestial beings along the way. Indulge your taste buds while exploring the fascinating world of edibles, which now includes non-intoxicating options.
Embarking on Your Edible Adventure with JARS Cannabis
Now that we've decoded the delightful mysteries of the edible effect, you're ready to embark on your munch-worthy marijuana adventure. From a gentle, body-centered high to an extended journey through cannabis-infused relaxation, edibles offer a unique experience perfect for newbies and seasoned consumers alike.
Ready to take the plunge? Visit JARS Cannabis to explore our extensive menu of THC and CBD edibles, and don't hesitate to ask our knowledgeable staff for guidance on finding the perfect treat to suit your needs. And remember: start low, go slow, and enjoy the ride!
JARS
December 10, 2024
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