Calexo Origin Story

by Brandon Andrew

Once upon a lively November evening in 2018, I found myself at a delightful dinner party with my dear friends Ken and Maritza, who were hosting Maritza's Colombian parents, Mary and Ernesto. The excitement was high, and laughter filled the air as we all enjoyed each other's company. However, there was a slight challenge for me – I had given up drinking, and it was hard to keep up with Mary, who was joyfully sipping wine and sharing her amazing stories.

Feeling the need for something to level the playing field and enjoy the evening together, I turned to Ken, and suggested we smoke some cannabis. To my surprise, Ken explained that it might not be suitable as Ernesto and Mary had grown up in Colombia, where cannabis was still a sensitive topic due to the country's historical association with the U.S.'s war on drugs. It was essential to respect their feelings and avoid any potential triggers.

But Ken, being the resourceful friend that he is, had another idea. He offered me some THC oil he had cured from cannabis plants he had grown on his rooftop. He mentioned that it might not taste great, but taking it like medicine could provide a positive experience that would help me keep up with the lively conversation.

Curious and open to the idea, I tasted the oil and wondered, "Could we turn this into a cocktail?" Ken shrugged and replied, "Why not give it a try?" And so, with a sense of excitement and a touch of bartending magic, I raided Ken and Maritza's fridge and cabinets, gathering ingredients to transform that gnarly oil into something wonderful.

In no time, we were raising a toast with Ernesto and Mary, who enjoyed their wine, while Ken and I savored our cannabis-infused cocktails. Surprisingly, ten minutes later, we were buzzing with big grins, realizing we had concocted something truly spectacular.

The next day, we embarked on a quest to find a ready-made, delicious, and low-dose cannabis drink at dispensaries. To our disappointment, there wasn’t an approachable low dose, refreshing option. Everything we encountered was high in potency, designed to be taken like a quick shot of medicine, not a leisurely and enjoyable social drink.

But instead of feeling defeated, we felt inspired. Ken and I returned home determined to create what we couldn't find elsewhere. We immersed ourselves in the world of flavors, experimenting with different combinations, and, by January 2019, we had crafted two unique flavors, a fitting name, and set our course on the path that has led us to the wonderful journey of Calexo today.

From that magical evening to now, we have combined the vibrancy of California's rich culture and its history with both drinking and cannabis. Through dedication, creativity, and the pursuit of creating something truly special, we developed a line of drinks that are not only delicious but also designed to provide a leisurely and controlled experience – something to be enjoyed at any celebration, large or small.

At Calexo, we believe in crafting moments that matter, connecting friends, and embracing a lifestyle where good vibes and uplifting experiences are at the heart of it all. So, the next time you reach for a Calexo, know that it's more than just a drink – it's a story of friendship, innovation, and a passion for creating something unique and enjoyable for everyone to savor. Cheers to a brighter, tastier, and more delightful future together!





In Control

Growing up in the 80s, I was bombarded with the anti-drug propaganda of the era. "Reefer Madness," the DARE program, and the "war on drugs" painted cannabis as a dangerous gateway to failure and a life of poor decisions. This narrative was relentlessly pushed on millions of Americans, including myself, from a very young age. As a result, I never tried cannabis until I turned 34.

On my 34th birthday, my girlfriend offered me a 5mg cannabis edible. With a mix of curiosity and trepidation, I decided to give it a try. I remember thinking, "If I can survive cancer, I can survive cannabis." Little did I know that this decision would open the door to a new level of relaxation and clarity I had never experienced before.

For years, anxiety had been my constant companion, filtering everything through a lens of stress. But with cannabis, something changed. An hour after taking the edible, I felt a gentle buzz that washed away my intense anxiety. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and for the first time, I felt truly calm and in control. Cannabis had debunked the negative propaganda, revealing its potential as a tool for enhancing well-being.

When I started developing Calexo, I knew that many people like me had been misled about cannabis. We were made to believe that using cannabis would leave us feeling out of control, unsure of the effects, and potentially overwhelmed. This misunderstanding had to be addressed, and that's why punctuality was at the core of our mission.

Calexo is not about getting high and losing control. It's about finding a more sustainable way to drink and socialize, one that alleviates stress, promotes presence, and leaves no hangover. We wanted to create a line of drinks that allowed people to feel in control of their experience, just like I did that memorable birthday night.

Our fast-acting, nano-emulsified THC technology is a game-changer. The THC hits within ten minutes, enabling you to manage your consumption and pace yourself. With Calexo, you'll never drink enough to feel overwhelmingly high because the amount of juice and water in each drink determines the speed of consumption.

Calexo is not designed for regular cannabis smokers or those accustomed to edibles. It's designed for individuals seeking an alternative to alcohol, one that uplifts their mood and puts them in the driver's seat of their social experience.

Imagine a world where we can toast to special moments, unwind with friends, and celebrate without the baggage of anxiety or the fear of a hangover. Calexo is a drink that opens the door to such a world, where being present and feeling in control is at the heart of every gathering.

If you have someone in your life who is looking for a drink that isn't alcohol, introduce them to Calexo and invite them to explore a new way of drinking. Let's challenge the outdated narratives, embrace cannabis for its potential, and toast to a future where we can all raise a glass in celebration, knowing we're in control of our experiences. Cheers to Calexo, to feeling in control, and to a brighter, more empowered future!