When Chronicler Cannabis was founded in 2023, it wasn’t just the start of a business—it was the culmination of years of inspiration drawn from the trailblazers and innovators within the Cannacommunity. Our roots run deep here in Modesto, CA, where our small-town community values self-determination, public safety, and, most crucially, agricultural heritage.
Seeing Luke Scarmazzo & Ricardo Montes build the Modesto Healthcare Collective lit a spark in those of us who had for so long been treated as second-class citizens; those of us who had gotten nothing but eye-rolling, sarcasm, and smugness out of our so-called community leaders for so many years.
Today, that spark has lit a wildfire! Cannabis is rising, and it is standing on the backs of guys like Luke and Ricardo, among others. This is why Chronicler believes. . .
Prophet’s story is one that deserves to be told. The Prodigal Son Returns.
Luke’s Journey: Personal and Professional History
Luke Scarmazzo is no stranger to the challenges of the cannabis industry. Having been involved since the early 2000s, he co-founded one of the first dispensaries in the United States, pushing the boundaries of what legal cannabis could become. However, his success came with a price. More on that in a minute, keep reading.
Prophet Brands: The Legacy Continues
Prophet Brands is more than just a cannabis company—it’s a movement. Scarmazzo’s experiences in the cannabis industry and the criminal justice system have shaped the ethos behind the brand. Prophet focuses on producing high-quality cannabis products sourced from legacy cultivators, while simultaneously championing social justice initiatives.
Scarmazzo’s ambition soon led him into turbulent waters. In 2006, federal agents raided his dispensary, claiming violations of federal law despite compliance with California regulations. Scarmazzo and his partner, Ricardo Montes, faced severe repercussions: in 2008, Scarmazzo was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. This landmark case highlighted the disarray between state and federal cannabis laws, igniting outrage among activists and advocates nationwide.
“The cannabis plant was then, and still is now, a Schedule I substance at the federal level. If the Feds start sniffing around your weed operation, the script can get flipped real quick.” — Luke Scarmazzo, High Price
After a decade of fighting for his freedom, Scarmazzo was released in 2023, a testament to the evolving conversation surrounding cannabis reform and clemency.
This vision strongly parallels the mission of Budtenders Ethos (BTE). Both Prophet and BTE hold justice, transparency, and professionalism as core values. At BTE, we believe that the cannabis industry must work for everyone, and that includes repairing the injustices of the past. Luke’s story is a reminder that the fight for cannabis justice is ongoing, and it’s our responsibility to continue pushing the industry toward ethical practices and reform. There is no reason why this should be delayed another year. Elections matter in a nation where the will of the People is real.
“Prophet Brands began after they successfully established one of the pioneering medical cannabis dispensaries in the country. Thats right, the whole country. Scarmazzo’s experiences, including his time in the cannabis industry and the criminal justice system, shaped the ethos behind the brand, which focuses on justice reform and quality cannabis products sourced from legacy cultivators.” – BudtenderJack on Prophet’s History
Did You Know?
There are still people in prison today for nonviolent cannabis/drug offenses, some stemming back decades, all artifacts of the failed War on Drugs.
In 2006, Luke and his business partner Ricardo Montes were targeted by federal authorities, ultimately serving over a decade in prison for their involvement in the cannabis trade. Scarmazzo was released in 2023, and soon after, he launched Prophet Brands, a cannabis brand rooted in his lifelong passion for the plant and the culture around it.
The situation with nonviolent cannabis convictions in California is deeply troubling. It is part of the ongoing legacy of the War on Drugs. Cannabis is now legal. Significant reforms have aimed at addressing past injustices. Yet, there are still individuals behind bars for selling or possessing cannabis. These actions are often no longer considered criminal.
The Modesto Cannabis Scene
As we covered in a previous article, “Cannabis History. . .”, Modesto is a small city rich with agricultural history, and as such it has become a unique hub for cannabis culture in California’s Central Valley. We have produced some of the biggest names and products in all of Cannadom, one in particular being the focus of this article, Mr. Luke Scarmazzo.
With its proximity to Sacramento, Fresno, and San Francisco, and a deep-rooted community of growers, it’s no surprise that pioneers like Scarmazzo have used this city as the base for their ventures. As Modestans, we are inundated with agricultural associations and perceptions from the moment we’re born.
“My dad grew weed, my aunts and uncles grew… Cannabis is part of who I am. It’s always been a vision to bring this brand to life.”
Legal Troubles & the Fight for Justice
Todays industry is a total fiasco when it comes to legal enforcement and justice.
Scarmazzo’s incarceration serves as a symbol of the injustices that many faced before cannabis legalization. His case has been championed by advocates and media as an example of the need for reform. Upon release, he has dedicated his time not only to Prophet Brands but also to educating people about the struggles faced by those who were unjustly punished under outdated drug laws. This is an incredibly important issue to those of us who have spent the last 20 years advocating, protesting, learning, and being punished for our commitment to a beautifully crafted, God-given plant. And that’s what it all comes down to, the punitive ways of the State and Federal government.
.
Did You Know?
There is a Compassionate Release Act that allows prisoners with nonviolent drug offenses to be released under extreme circumstances, called The Compassionate Release Law, or CA Penal Code § 1170(e)).
Prophet Brands: A New Chapter
Prophet Brands stands as more than just a cannabis company; it’s a reflection of Scarmazzo’s experiences, sacrifices, and vision for the future. With the goal of merging quality cannabis products with a commitment to social justice, Prophet Brands is positioned to become a leading voice in the cannabis industry, especially as it draws on Luke’s rich history with the plant.
So What Are We Doing About It?
Chronicler strives to support the exposure of this issue. We support specific brands like Prophet Brands, Farmer & The Felon, and others. Moreover, we lobby Washington and Sacramento often, pushing legalization and descheduling.
If you would like to know more about this act, check out prophetbrands.com
*Restorative Justice includes clemency, restitution, and resources. We believe money alone is insufficient to repay their overpayment. These folks should be paid back with 100% interest.
Contributions to the Industry
Luke’s contributions go beyond his business ventures. By sharing his story, he has become an advocate for change within the legal system, reminding the industry of the people who paved the way during times of prohibition. Through Prophet Brands, he continues to push for innovation, high-quality products, and greater awareness of the social issues that intertwine with cannabis culture.
Chronicler Cannabis Historians 
Leave a comment