Kindness Through Cannabis

Grinder company gives back with Giveware

It may start with hundreds of pounds of aluminum, but underscoring a day’s work at Herbware is an immeasurable amount of heart.

The company, which was incorporated in September 2013, makes grinders — yes, the kinds of grinders used while partaking in an herbal treat, such as cannabis.

And it’s cannabis, not marijuana.

“People can get frustrated with me when I correct them,” says Sean Lovato, co-founder of Herbware. He explains the change in language is part of a larger movement to destigmatize the use of cannabis.

“We are transitioning from something that is highly illegal and done by the dude in his mom’s basement to something perfectly normal and done by the mom in her kitchen,” he says. “This is a shift from counterculture to proculture.”

Lovato hopes Herbware is contributing to cannabis culture rebranding, while also standing out amongst competition. Colorado’s legalization of cannabis has resulted in something of a new gold rush, or perhaps “green rush,” with dispensaries, cannabis bakeries, and related product-manufacturing businesses popping up on every corner.

“Colorado is at the forefront of this movement, and it is bringing us a lot of economic wellness,” he asserts. “And what is wellness? It is happiness, it is health, and it is an overall ability to function.”

And it’s Herbware’s commitment to wellness that makes this particular company so special in the rat race of reefer. Not only is the team at Herbware dedicated to making remarkably high quality, innovative products, Lovato and his team are passionate about giving back. “Giveware,” a special line of Herbware products, donates all of its proceeds to a 501c3 nonprofit, Realm of Caring.

Realm of Caring is committed to helping individuals with debilitating illnesses find relief through the use of medicinal cannabis oil. The oil, called “Realm Oil,” does not contain the psychoactive properties usually associated with a cannabis high, and is used to treat a number of conditions from HIV/AIDS to multiple sclerosis to seizures. The alternative therapy has proven safe and effective for many adults and children alike, including 2-year-old Coloradan Jonah Allen. Allen was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2013, and his parents, in addition to seeking advice from a traditional oncologist, knew they had to find relief for their son no matter how unconventional or “taboo.”

Thanks to the oil provided by Realm of Caring, Jonah’s tumor has started to shrink and the toddler’s quality of life has improved considerably.

“Jonah used to walk before the tumor, and then he quit walking because of the tumor. He’s starting to take steps again,” says Patrick Allen, Jonah’s father. “He loves playing at his toy kitchen. He got to the point where he couldn’t stand at it by himself anymore, and now he can stand at it everyday with ease. Our hope is to see this tumor completely gone from the use of this oil.”

Jonah’s story also adds a personal layer to Lovato’s Herbware/Giveware: He is an old friend of the Allen family.

“It’s all interrelated, and I was emotionally invested once we connected with the Realm of Caring,” says Lovato.

Lovato is excited to watch the cannabis movement evolve, and is looking to the future with his company successfully launching.

“Herbware, and Giveware, aren’t money making campaigns. They’re about engaging the community, about serving something bigger than myself,” he shares, passionately. “It’s been one heck of a journey!”

For more information on Herbware’s products, keep an eye on the company’s currently-under-construction website, herbware.com. To learn more about Realm of Caring, please visit theroc.us. Contributions can be made to Jonah Allen’s medical expenses through The Jonah Fund, ofcnow.co/jonah.