In a world where cannabis is at the forefront of culture, few stories are as captivating as that of K—an enigmatic figure who’s quietly shaping the industry with his brand Cali X. A name that resonates with connoisseurs and cultivators alike, K’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From humble beginnings in North London to becoming a prominent player in California’s cannabis space, his story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering passion for the plant.

A Londoner’s Introduction to Cannabis

K's story starts in the gritty streets of North London, a place where urban life and cannabis culture intersected long before legalization was a glimmer on the horizon. From the age of 11, he was already well-versed in the world of hash and weed, a product of his environment. The early fascination with the plant grew into a genuine interest, leading him to dive deep into its cultivation. By 15, he was setting up his first grow operation, hiding a makeshift tent in his bedroom, only for it to be swiftly shut down by his mother when the noise of a fan filter betrayed his secret.

That moment didn’t deter him—instead, it sparked the beginning of a journey that would eventually span continents. From humble grow tents in his childhood bedroom to full-fledged warehouses, K's relationship with cannabis was one of constant evolution. And as he honed his cultivation skills, he realized that his passion for the plant wasn’t just about consumption—it was about mastering its art and sharing the experience with others.

The Move to California: Cannabis Meets Business

By 2016, K’s roots in cannabis cultivation were firmly established, but a trip to California changed everything. His friend, a fellow artist and cannabis enthusiast, invited him to Los Angeles for a birthday celebration. What K witnessed there was a booming industry in its infancy—a stark contrast to the underground scene in the UK. The legal cannabis market in California was taking shape, and with it, the promise of legitimacy for growers like him.

"I came to California, saw the prices people were getting for their flowers, and I was intrigued," K recalls. "The $4,000-a-pound flowers? It didn’t make sense to me. I was growing organic, clean cannabis, and here were these high-priced crops full of PGRs (plant growth regulators)."

This experience served as the catalyst for K’s full immersion into the legal cannabis scene. He dove in headfirst, bringing his European know-how and organic cultivation methods to California's blossoming market. It was a game-changer. K, known for his high-quality, clean cannabis, began working with local dispensaries, pumping in his own genetics and refining his craft. His flowers were immediately recognizable for their white ash—an industry hallmark of clean, organic cultivation.

The Birth of Cali X

In 2019, with his roots firmly planted in the American cannabis industry, K and his partner Trilogy (a well-known figure in the concentrate world) launched Cali X. The name was intentional—K wanted something that reflected both his European origins and his new home in California. The goal was clear: to build an IP that would stand the test of time in a rapidly evolving market.

“Cali X was always meant to bridge the gap between my European background and the culture here in California,” K explains. "We wanted a name that represented both worlds—something bold, something memorable."

The brand took off, thanks to K’s impeccable attention to quality. From day one, the emphasis was always on producing clean, organic cannabis. His ability to cultivate consistently high-quality strains like Skittles, a rare indoor variety at the time, made him a respected name in the business.

Despite the business success, K’s journey into the legal cannabis market was not without its challenges. He’d grown up in an environment where discretion was everything—where the street mentality ruled. Now, with multiple licenses under his belt and a rapidly expanding business, K found himself walking a tightrope between street smarts and corporate strategy.

“It’s a difficult transition,” he admits. “I’m from the streets, and that mentality still sticks with me. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it’s time to step away from that life. I’ve got a family now, kids to think about, and I’m building something real—something legit.”

His transition into the legal market wasn’t always smooth. He recounts how, during California’s Prop 215 era, he got into the game by working with a dispensary in downtown LA. He was growing organic cannabis, using his personal genetics to create something truly special for medical patients. The relationship with that dispensary allowed him to gain a foothold in the industry, but it wasn’t long before he realized the full potential of recreational cannabis legalization.

“When Prop 64 hit, I was all in. I wanted to have everything above board, all licenses in check,” K says.

It wasn’t easy. The regulatory landscape was fraught with red tape, but K persevered. Over time, he scaled up from small grows to larger operations. He opened a distribution hub and even ventured into manufacturing. However, the grind took its toll. The constant hustle of managing grows, distribution, and sales began to wear him down.

“I got sick of it,” he admits. “I realized I was spread too thin, doing everything myself. So now I’ve scaled back, keeping only the essential operations. I’ve still got a few key grows and a consumption lounge in West Hollywood that I’m waiting to open, but I’m trying to be more selective about what I take on.”

Quality Over Quantity: The K Approach to Cultivation

One thing that’s never wavered in K’s approach is his commitment to quality. Even as he’s stepped back from the recreational market, his standards have remained the same. K grows with a level of care and attention that’s rare in today’s world of mass cultivation.

“I’m very picky,” he says. “Even though I don’t smoke anymore, I still know what good cannabis should look like, smell like, and feel like. I’ve grown for so long that I can tell exactly how a plant will turn out just by looking at it.”

His growing methods have evolved over time, but his focus has always been on achieving the purest product possible. He prefers using cocoa coir and salt-based nutrients for cultivation, which he believes helps produce a more flavorful smoke. But K’s real secret is in his attention to detail—ensuring that every batch of cannabis is handled with care and respect.

“I don’t have to worry about QC. I know what’s going to come out. I’ve been doing this so long that I can tell just by looking at a plant if it’s going to be good or not,” he says with confidence.

The Future of Cali X and K’s Legacy

Looking ahead, K sees a lot of untapped potential in both the European and American cannabis markets. With his experience in both the underground scene and the legal market, he’s positioned himself as a true industry veteran. As cannabis legalization continues to spread worldwide, K is already making moves to expand his brand internationally.

“I’ve come full circle,” he says with a grin. “From growing on the streets of Europe to running legal operations in California, and now I’m looking back to Europe for medical cannabis. It’s funny how things come around.”

Yuval Soiref, co-founder of PharmaCann and Green Success, explains, “It’s not just about delivering high-quality cannabis; it’s about transferring trust from the streets to the regulated market.” This sentiment rings true for K, whose journey mirrors that shift—evolving from underground operations to a legitimate, globally recognized brand.

Through it all, one thing remains clear: K is in it for the long haul. Whether it’s through his organic growing methods, his focus on quality, or his continued drive to innovate, K’s legacy in the cannabis industry is just beginning.

As the industry matures and expands, Cali X will no doubt continue to be a name to watch.

As Soiref adds, “We want to be everywhere. Whether it’s CBD or new strains, we want to push that culture into the medical market.” K shares this vision for the future, continuously pushing boundaries and shaping the culture of cannabis, one strain at a time.

Read about Cali-X in Honeysuckle's current print edition, found here!

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