Sluggers New York: From Berner’s Vision to a National Movement

A Brand That Swings for More Than Sales

When Sluggers hit the market, it wasn’t just another cannabis brand—it was a cultural play. Rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community, Sluggers quickly became one of the most talked-about names in modern cannabis.

With an origin story tied to hip-hop icon and industry mogul Berner, the brand embodies nostalgia, innovation, and a fanatical love for both cannabis and sports—a crossover that instantly resonated with fans and collectors alike.

From Berner’s Vision to the Fans

“Berner always wanted to do a brand called Sluggers,” explains Josh Schmidt, co-creator of the concept.
“The name came from Berner himself. We wanted something beyond the plant that creates loyalty and desire—something fans could connect with. People are fanatics about sports, and the idea of collectible strain cards just made sense. So we leaned into it: every strain, every collab, comes in a baseball card–style pack.”

That sense of nostalgia and collectibility became Sluggers’ signature. Each release feels like opening a pack of trading cards—except what’s inside redefines quality cannabis.

The Product That Took Off

From concept to market, Sluggers New York struck a chord. Its collectible packaging gave the brand personality, but the product inside cemented its reputation.

“In reality, Sluggers just really took off,” says Seth Sznapstajler.
“It’s a great combo. You can slice it down the middle, open it up—we’re putting premium flower with solventless pressed hash inside. Think incense: pressed powder that burns slow and smooth, plus extracts on the outside for flavor and power.”

The result? A smoking experience as exclusive as the collaborations Sluggers continues to stack across markets.

The Headiest of Heady

For Schmidt, the mission was always about bringing together the most respected names in the game and making them accessible.
“We want it to stay relevant with the headiest of Heady—Cams, Fidel’s, Champs, Viola, Gas House, Pluto. There aren’t many places you can walk into a dispensary and find that lineup. Through Sluggers, we made it possible.”

By curating collaborations that feel like all-star rosters, Sluggers positioned itself as the brand collectors and connoisseurs trust—the kind that transcends regions and trends.

Bigger Than the Brand

Despite the attention, both Schmidt and Sznapstajler emphasize a deeper mission.
“It’s bigger than us,” says Seth. “It’s medicine, it’s sanity, it’s therapy—it’s so many things to so many people. Our job is to stay humble, to keep producing something we’d give to our loved ones in a heartbeat. If you grow it right, they’ll come.”

That authenticity—equal parts craftsmanship and care—is what’s carried Sluggers from California fame to national recognition.

Sluggers Expands to New York

Now, Sluggers New York is taking its swing at the East Coast. The move marks a major expansion for the California-born brand and signals its arrival in one of the world’s most influential cannabis markets.

“We’re excited here at Nature in Sacramento because our baby Sluggers is expanding to a new state,” Schmidt says.
“New York is one of our favorite places in the country—and New York City has the highest per-capita consumption of cannabis in the world. The stigma’s been gone here for years. It’s the perfect canvas to paint our next picture on.”

The team sees New York as both a challenge and an opportunity—a proving ground for craft, culture, and communityin equal measure.

✨ Today, Sluggers New York stands at the intersection of culture and cannabis—born from Berner’s vision, built by innovators like Josh Schmidt and Seth Sznapstajler, and driven by a belief that great product and community go hand-in-hand.

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