Meet JOHNNY SANTIAGO | Johnny Of Inspired By Cannabis

We had the good fortune of connecting with JOHNNY SANTIAGO and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JOHNNY, how does your business help the community?
I am a true believer that we all have a civic duty to look out for each other and give back our communities when possible.

Inspired by Cannabis is a lifestyle company that focuses on breaking the “Stoner” stigma through clothing and education.

What started with a few of my friends in June of 2020 we initiated a movement of cleaning up our Southern California coasts. Myself and a few cannabis industry leaders host a monthly beach cleanup through out Southern California and on average we bring out 30 + volunteers and on average pick up 100+ pounds of trash.

I am very proud to say we have consistently served our communities on a monthly basis.

Follow @ibccleanups on Instagram for more info on cleanups and @ibcbrand for clothing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since cannabis is federally illegal companies cannot market like typical businesses do. This has created an opportunity for collaboration between creatives specifically content creators to market brands through social media. With the constant boom of different brands and information on social media platforms it can be difficult for new patients to realize which brands they align with. With the emergence of the legal cannabis market in 2019 in California it’s difficult to differentiate brands from the ones that just care about making money vs making an impact. I have been blessed to be invited to private events where I network and educate myself on the newest and hottest companies.. With the information that I learn I share it through the Inspired by Cannabis platform and I collaborate with varies companies I believe are for the culture and not just corporate profit based. Through Instagram I have created a community of advocates that create content to market different brands. At the same time I have my clothing brand that focuses on breaking the stigma through clothing statement pieces. I am proud of each design I have created because my focus is on elegant streetwear that any0ne can rep without focusing on putting cannabis leaves all over. For example ” Low Eyes With Dope Vibes’.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many fun spots in Socal that it would take more than a week to explore everywhere. Being someone that enjoys food I would take them to the grand central market to try out different types of food. I would also take them on a hike to the Griffith observatory. Then We can have a drink at a rooftop bar called the perch. Finally one of my favorite places are beaches and I would take them to Rosies dog beach in Long beach to enjoy a nice beach day and watch the sunset.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to every single person that has bought into the belief that cannabis inspires and its not just something consumed recreationally to get high or lit or faded. Through this journey I have met many amazing and inspiring individuals and creating an amazing community of people that care for the direction and perception of a healing plant.

Website: www.ibcbrand.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbycannabisofficial/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inspiredbycannabis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CFY1nmlqCin2jA7YxJqNg

Image Credits
Cleanup photos @philippedesign The rest @graphicsbyandrew