In Death, Nipsey Hussle’s Cannabis Dreams Come True

Long before he became one of the biggest influences in West Coast rap, Nipsey Hussle was known for slanging some of the best weed in South Los Angeles. He called it Marathon. People would line up to buy the “top flight” California kush from Nipsey and his partner-brother, Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, at the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson. This was a time when small amounts of weed were routinely landing young men of color in California jails.

Nipsey used the money he made dealing weed to launch his music career. But cannabis was more than just a stepping stone. He longed to break into the newly legal cannabis industry and make a name for himself and the Marathon brand.

Now it’s happening. Three years after Nipsey’s Life was tragically taken, his brother is getting ready to open The Marathon (Collective) at 7011 Canoga Ave. in Los Angeles, CA. Opening day is June 18.

“This is something we always spoke about,” Asghedom told Afro Tech. “Nipsey, Fatts, Adam, and I had a goal to get a legitimately licensed store and have our brand in other stores across the state. We’re so honored to be able to fulfill the dream.”

Ahead of the launch, a documentary has been made available on YouTube that chronicles Nipsey’s love for cannabis and the early days of his Marathon brand. The Marathon (Cultivation) is 35 minutes long and can be viewed here.

Caution: Video includes profanity (NSFW)