High Times is just a small part of your larger role in the weed world.
I do have my hand in a lot of different pots. No pun intended.
The activist?
It’s my main passion and a full-time thing for me. I’m a board member for Americans for Safe Access, which advocates safe and legal access to medical cannabis across the country. I go to Washington D.C. a few times a year for their National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference and host a lobby day with patients from all over. My nephew lives in Indiana and my sister is in Arizona. They are both affected by medical conditions where I know they would benefit from cannabis, but they have no way to access it legally or safely. I am honored to be a part of this civil rights movement…it makes my suffering and sickness worth it in a way.
My favorite project in development is #SparkTheConversation campaign. The goal is to educate the masses about the drug war using social media and pop culture. We’re working with a powerful group of celebrities and hoping to launch our first series of PSAs this summer. I honestly feel like we’re at the same place as gay marriage was just a few years ago. So many people know it needs to become legal even those who don’t use it are supporting it because of the injustice. But they don’t know how the hell to get involved. #SparkTheConversation gives people the opportunity to donate money, spread awareness and education to create a social revolution.
The producer?
I’m an executive producer of “The Culture High,” a documentary project from Brett Harvey with interviews from Sir Richard Branson, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, BReal and many more. It’s a follow-up to his award-winning film “The Union: The Business Behind Getting High.” We’re planning on making our premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and will be in theaters soon after (hopefully in Denver). It’s a really exciting vehicle to help spread the message. I love the team I worked with on this film.
The entrepreneur?
Media is my thing. I love creating content, telling stories and creating lifestyles. I am developing a new lifestyle outlet called IVXX that will launch in the spring of 2015 for the “higher conscious.” Where High Times is a magazine about marijuana, IVXX will be geared toward the cannabis consumer but not about pot. The focus is on philosophy, spirituality and wellness and will grow into lounges, concerts and hotels. We are launching with a magazine, podcasts and a web series to build the brand in a legal space.
You mentioned you have also been developing your own strain “IVXX” (see “Sesh” above), what are your other ganja go-to’s?
I use cannabis like vitamins and medicine, so I like to change it up. I love Buds & Roses in Studio City – they’ve won multiple awards at the Cup and cultivate “Kushman Veganics,” which are completely vegan and organic. I like Blue Dream for when I’m getting creative and Headband to start off my day. My strain is a hybrid with maybe about 60/40 sativa to indica. It’s a perfect “couture” strain because you can’t overmedicate with it and good for the occasional smoker. And like me, it’s very social.
Last but not least: what are your style and smoking staples for us to covet?
IVXX iPhone Case
Brian Atwood heels
Jaquie Aiche Sweet Leaf clutch
“Chronic” sweatshirt
Ashley Paige pot leaf crystal bikini
Living The High Life tee
Manon Sweet Leaf necklace in rose gold
Cloud vaporizer in “Tiffany Blue”
Timberado “Peace Pipe” with jade inlay
Updated May 17 at 1:13 p.m.The following corrected information has been added to this article: Barnhill’s family relatives at High Times magazine were misreported. One uncle runs the publication.
