Travis Barker Discusses Transition to Adult-Use Market, Touring, and His Barker Canna Company

In anticipation of the eagerly awaited global reunion tour of Blink-182, Travis Barker, the renowned drummer of the iconic punk rock band, has embarked on a new venture by inaugurating the Barker Canna Co. in the state of California. This strategic initiation not only represents Barker’s entry into the burgeoning cannabis industry but also mirrors the growing trend of celebrities utilizing their influence to explore entrepreneurial opportunities within the legalized cannabis market. Situated in a jurisdiction renowned for its progressive cannabis policies, Barker Canna Co. aims to carve out a niche within the competitive landscape of California’s cannabis industry, offering a range of premium cannabis products that reflect Barker’s personal ethos and commitment to quality. This venture is set against the backdrop of the much-anticipated reunion of Blink-182, which is poised to captivate audiences around the world, further amplifying the visibility and potential success of Barker’s latest business undertaking.

Travis Barker, the esteemed percussionist renowned for his electrifying performances with the recently reformed Blink-182, as well as his contributions to bands such as Transplants and Goldfinger, has unveiled his latest entrepreneurial venture with the launch of Barker Canna Co. This announcement follows his successful entry into the wellness industry with the establishment of Barker Wellness, a CBD brand, in April of the preceding year.

The genesis of Barker Canna Co. is deeply rooted in Barker’s visionary pursuit to provide discerning consumers with premium cannabis products meticulously crafted to foster creativity and promote wellness. The rigorous demands and physical rigors inherent in the life of a touring musician sparked Barker’s exploration into the potent realm of the cannabis industry, ultimately leading to the conception of this innovative enterprise.

Making its debut in California, Barker Canna Co. strategically chose The Syndicate dispensary locations as its inaugural points of sale, with ambitious plans to expand its footprint across the state. Looking forward, the company is poised for further expansion into additional states that have embraced legalized cannabis markets, with a comprehensive expansion strategy slated for execution in 2024. The product portfolio is expansive and diverse, encompassing a range of offerings from live rosin and full-gram vapes to delectable gummies and conveniently sized mini-infused pre-rolls, all meticulously crafted to cater to a variety of consumer preferences. Notably, the vape hardware, purposefully engineered for the live rosin and full-gram vape selections, is the result of a collaboration with Jupiter Research, a distinguished firm renowned for its expertise in vape technology.

Navigating the regulatory landscape of California, Barker Canna Co. strategically acknowledges the clear distinction between hemp-derived and adult-use cannabis products, a consideration that significantly influenced Barker’s strategic pivot from CBD to the broader cannabis market. In a candid conversation with High Times, Barker articulated that this strategic transition was driven by a desire to align with the evolving trends within the cannabis sector and to effectively address the dynamic demands of discerning consumers.

In the realm of personal achievements, Barker has notched a series of notable milestones. Recently, he had the esteemed privilege of opening the Emmys, a moment he had long aspired to, delivering a stirring rendition of Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight” alongside Anthony Anderson and a choir hailing from Compton, California. Furthermore, Blink-182’s iconic hit “All the Small Things” reached a significant milestone by surpassing one billion streams on Spotify, firmly securing its place in the coveted “Billion Club.” The release of the band’s latest album, “One More Time,” on October 20, 2023, has set the stage for an extensive world tour, further cementing Blink-182’s enduring legacy in the annals of the music world.

Travis Barker expounded upon how the demanding and relentless pace of life on tour with Blink-182, traversing continents from Madrid to Melbourne, served as the catalyst for his embrace of cannabis as a cornerstone of his personal recovery and wellness regimen. The expansive breadth of the reunion tour, encompassing nearly 100 performances across diverse global stages, including over 40 shows in North America and an array of engagements throughout Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, imposes an unimaginable strain on the physical and mental resilience of any individual.

Confronted with such relentless demands, Barker found solace and equilibrium in the therapeutic embrace of cannabis. “Initially seeking balance amid a chaotic lifestyle, cannabis, especially edibles, became my recovery go-to,” Barker articulates. His journey towards incorporating cannabis into his lifestyle transcended mere coping with the physical exertions of touring; it was about attaining a harmonious mental and physical alignment with the demands of his highly active and public lifestyle.

Today, Barker’s relationship with cannabis transcends mere utility, evolving into a sophisticated symbiosis that prioritizes balance, creativity, well-being, and the cultivation of positive energies. “For me, it’s about aligning mentally and physically with my chosen lifestyle. Today, my relationship with cannabis is sophisticated, focusing on balance, creativity, well-being, and positive vibes,” he shares. This refined approach to cannabis consumption has imbued the ethos behind Barker Canna Co., a venture that encapsulates the lessons Barker has gleaned from his odyssey with cannabis. The company aspires to offer premium-quality products that encapsulate the virtues of balance, creativity, and wellness that Barker himself has experienced, thereby extending an invitation to consumers to partake in the positive lifestyle enhancements that cannabis can provide. Through Barker Canna Co., Travis Barker aims to disseminate his experiences and findings in the realm of cannabis, providing products that epitomize top-tier quality while also embodying a lifestyle that promotes wellness, creative expression, and positivity.

Barker Canna Co. Debuts in California

The Barker Canna Co. brand sets itself apart with an outstanding selection of products carefully curated to meet a wide range of preferences and dietary requirements. Among its offerings are vegan and gluten-free Mini Peanut Butter Cups and potent Live Rosin All-In-One Vapes, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and quality across its product lineup. However, one particularly remarkable innovation that has garnered significant attention is the introduction of Barkies—convenient packs of five mini pre-rolls meticulously dipped in kief, promising an elevated smoking experience. These Barkies come in a variety of strains, including the enticing Rainbow OG Popsicle and the robust Blackberry Diesel, underscoring the brand’s dedication to diversity and excellence.

Travis Barker has articulated ambitious plans for expanding Barker Canna Co.’s product range into other markets where cannabis enjoys legal sanction. This strategic initiative is set to unfold meticulously, state by state, in contrast to the broader distribution channels available for hemp-derived products governed by the regulatory framework of the 2018 Farm Bill.

“California serves as the inaugural launchpad for Barker Canna Co., where we are laying the foundational stones for what we anticipate will become a widely recognized and esteemed brand,” Barker elucidated. “Our expansion strategy is poised to extend our presence throughout California and into additional states where cannabis legalization has been established, with plans already in motion for 2024. We are adopting a flexible and adaptable approach, prepared to navigate the dynamic and evolving cannabis market landscape.”

In an intriguing collaboration, staff members from High Times have made occasional visits to The Syndicate, a dispensary renowned for its distinctive ambiance. Some locations boast a clandestine library wall, evoking a retro speakeasy setting reminiscent of the Roaring ’20s. The opulent, velvet-lined walls of the speakeasy create an immersive atmosphere that transports visitors back a century, offering a distinctly nostalgic and captivating experience for those new to such ambiance.

Reflecting on his longstanding patronage of The Syndicate, Barker reminisced, “I have frequented The Syndicate for years and have consistently been impressed by their exceptional team and the breadth of their product selection. Their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified them as my preferred cannabis retailer. The unique vibe of their stores, coupled with the consistently positive experiences I have enjoyed during my visits, underscores the synergy between our brands and the shared dedication to cultivating a distinctive and enjoyable cannabis culture.”

Blink-182 Reunion, Maturing, and Beyond

Travis Barker, alongside the iconic ensemble Blink-182, currently finds himself navigating the Australian leg of their extensive world tour, signaling a demanding schedule that requires significant effort in both performance and subsequent recovery. Barker’s journey with Blink-182 traces back to his adolescence, around the tender age of 17, a period during which he was already recognized as a stoner within his educational community. This was well before his rise to fame, his matrimonial union with a member of the Kardashian family, and his ventures into the realm of reality television. Notably, the last time the original members of Blink-182 shared a stage was in 2014, marking a hiatus of a full decade. Against this backdrop of reunion and renewal, Barker shares insights into his preparatory regimen for the demanding tour schedule.

Reflecting on his current approach to tour preparation, Barker, now aged 48, offers a candid perspective, highlighting a significant evolution in his preparatory practices. “My prep work for touring looks a lot different than it used to!” he remarks, with a sense of amusement. Emphasizing the importance of physical activity, Barker delineates his commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle, coupled with a conscientious focus on self-care and recuperation during periods of respite. Integral to his regimen are the products from Barker Wellness and Barker Canna Co., which he credits with facilitating his recovery process, whether through alleviating muscle discomfort or enhancing his creative faculties. Barker underscores the paramount importance of stamina and strength in his profession, dedicating himself to continual practice to ensure peak performance capabilities. “Maintaining stamina and strength is crucial for what I do, so I’m constantly practicing so I can perform at my best,” he affirms.

This meticulous preparation and dedication to physical and mental well-being underscore Barker’s holistic approach to meeting the demands of touring. Through the integration of wellness and cannabis-based products into his routine, Barker exemplifies a balanced strategy for managing the rigors associated with his musical endeavors, thereby setting a precedent for sustained excellence and resilience in the face of a challenging and dynamic career landscape.