San Diego-based licensed weed company Gelato Canna Co. recently launched two new cannabis products that will raise money to Greg Browning, a professional surfer, surfing coach, filmmaker and friend of the company who was diagnosed with the debilitating disease ALS last year. Consisting of a new cannabis edible gummy and an infused pre-rolled joint, the mini line of products has been dubbed Geebs in honor of Browning’s nickname.
Known for his surfing work both in front of and behind the camera, Browning is best-known for his FUEL TV surfer series Drive Thru, which has featured pros including Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore and Tatiana Weston-Webb. Browning’s surfing career took off while he was a competitive amateur surfer and went on to become a nationally recognized free surfer. He transitioned out of pro surfing into cinematography and eventually went on to create Drive Thru combining his passion for the waves and filmmaking.
Professional surfer and filmmaker Greg Browning, aka Geebs.
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a neurodegenerative disease that weakens muscles and impairs physical functioning. The disease leads to a loss of connection between the brain and the muscles, impairing the ability to talk, walk, eat and eventually breathe. The cause of ALS is unknown, although about 10% of cases are related to an inherited gene, and there is no known cure for the disease, but available treatments can help slow its progression. The disease can progress rapidly, with an average life expectancy of only two to five years, according to information from the ALS Foundation.
Gelato CEO George Sadler explained in an interview that he met Browning six years ago and they have been friends ever since. After Browning was diagnosed with ALS last year, a mutual friend suggested to Sadler that he create a product to help their friend and his family. The Gelato team went to work and quickly had a marketing concept nailed down for the launch.
“Once we understood we were doing it took us maybe a couple of weeks to get everything lined out and then went into full production,” Sadler says.
Packaging Reflects Browning’s Passions
The packaging for the Geebs line is representative of Browning’s passions in life, including his love of Star Wars, surfing and the ocean and his proficiency as a filmmaker and drone pilot. The Geebs products feature the cannabis strain Island Punch Sativa and include a pack of 10 gummies dosed at 10mg THC each as well as a pre-roll containing 1.2 grams of diamond-infused flower and a dusting of kief.
Gelato's Geebs line includes cannabis gummies and an infused pre-rolled joint.
Sadler unveiled the Geebs line of weed at a recent party at a California inland surf camp attended by Browning, Sadler and friends from the Southern California professional surfing community.
“I was completely taken by surprise when George presented the Geebs products to me in front of our friends,” Browning said in a press release from Gelato. “It’s not easy to navigate a diagnosis like this, but knowing I have so much support in the surfing community, film community and now the cannabis community truly makes me realize how lucky I am. I hope anyone dealing with their own health struggles can find comfort with cannabis, including Geebs.”
Since the Geebs launch, the two products quickly sold out the first production run, with all proceeds going to Browning and his family. A new batch of the products currently being manufactured at will be available next week at participating licensed cannabis retailers in California, including Gelato’s eponymous Lake Elsinore dispensary.
“Despite the adversity, Greg’s resilience and determination continue to inspire many in the surfing community and beyond,” said Sadler. “This collaboration not only showcases the power of community support but also highlights the role of innovative solutions, such as cannabis, in contributing to the well-being of individuals facing health struggles like ALS.”
