Hector “HECZ” Rodriguez launches a cannabis line for gamers. Photo from PinePark.com.
An increasing number of cannabis brands are emerging and making their mark. While most come out of the blue, others carry a background that is recognizable by many.
Pine Park is one of those brands. It’s a premium cannabis and hemp brand rooted in nostalgia and committed to the discovery and development of the industry. Spearheaded by one of the most famous figures in gaming history, Hector “HECZ” Rodriguez, the brand hopes to both expand within the cannabis industry and make a connection between cannabis and the ever growing gaming world.
Who’s loving the Chem Reserve & Chem Driver from Pine Park HQ?
🌲 This was harvest day 🌲 https://t.co/3hkazHJQ4I
— Pine Park (@PinePark) October 18, 2021
Post from @PinePark on Twitter.
Hector “HECZ” Rodriguez
Rodriguez (which many commonly refer to by his gaming alias “HECZ”) is the founder and CEO of OpTic Gaming. OpTic Gaming is a competitive esports organization that he originally formed in 2006.
According to Pine Park’s website, in 2015, Rodriguez received a lifetime achievement award for championing the esports team of the year for OpTic Gaming.
The following year, Rodriguez’s book Optic Gaming made it to the New York Times Bestsellers list. Additionally, Rodriguez has personally racked up over 100 million YouTube views and is behind an award-winning podcast.
His portfolio continues, including top bass fishing brand Googan Squad and his golf media and apparel company Good Good Golf.
Needless to say, Rodriguez is no stranger to success. His heart, passion and excellence drives whatever endeavor he takes on, including his decision to venture into the cannabis industry.
“I’m a builder. I can’t sit around and not do anything. I [originally] wanted to either start a hot sauce/salsa brand or a tequila brand, [but] I got this epiphany — what about cannabis? I’ve been using it for such a long time… name a better duo than weed and gaming?” Rodriguez told Emerald.
“Cannabis has been a central part of my life, and throughout my journey building the esports industry, I’ve developed an incredible community that I’m excited to bring along for the next chapter,” said Rodriguez in a press release.
He launched his cannabis company, Pine Park, this October.
“Pine Park refers to the place in Chicago I used to sneak out to when I was a teenager and smoke weed. Now that cannabis is legalizing nationally and consumption is becoming normalized, I’m thrilled to be pursuing a lifelong dream of working with cannabis,” Rodriguez added.
Ideas Coming to Life
It just hits different. Available now. Cali, welcome to Pine Park#PineParkLaunch $GRAMF pic.twitter.com/BWoixywE7Q
— Pine Park (@PinePark) October 14, 2021
Post from @PinePark on Twitter.
Rodriguez’s ultimate goal is to make a long-term impact through cannabis and hemp. To bring his brand to life, he has partnered with a network of independent cannabis farmers. Those include Jason Morgan, a California native and third-generation strawberry farmer. Morgan’s 9,000 square foot facility serves as the primary research and development center for the Pine Park strains and proprietary genetics.
Additionally, Rodriguez is utilizing two respected farms in the Salinas Valley: Waverider Nursery and Posibl Project.
Pine Park, in partnership with The Parent Company, distributes their own selection of six different premium strains of flower. These include Grapes N Cream, Modified Mintz, Blueberry Haze, Peanut Butter Breath, Chem Reserve, and Chem Driver.
Cultivated in our very own Pine Park HQ. #WhereIsYourPinePark pic.twitter.com/Gx0Z1wdAzA
— Pine Park (@PinePark) November 10, 2021
Post from @PinePark on Twitter.
The company groups the strains into two categories: Pine Park HQ flower ($40/eighth) and Pine Park Evergreen flower ($36/eighth).
It doesn’t stop there however, as Rodriguez has plans to expand Pine Park’s inventory. Rodriguez told Emerald that there are plans to develop and release a cannabis-infused “gamer ointment” for treating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
But, Pine Park’s products aren’t just gamer orientated.
“My wife and I have six dogs that we love dearly… The medicine they take gives them diarrhea. It makes you wonder as parents what is the better option [cannabis or traditional medications for dog illnesses],” Rodriguez explained.
He plans to provide more holistic options for pets, further explaining that consumers “[will] see Pine Bark coming out sometime soon,” Rodriguez said.
Cannabis and Gaming
According to Pine Park, Rodriguez is the first gaming influencer to take a step into the cannabis industry with his premium flower.
But the gaming world is no stranger to cannabis consumption. For instance, Cannabis Business Times states that 54% of cannabis consumers use cannabis while playing video games. They also state that cannabis use while gaming has increased 86% from Q1 of 2020 to Q3.
Cannabis Business Times further explains that “cannabis products positioned for use with video games increased distribution at the end of 2020 and saw increased social chatter, according to Brightfield Group’s Innovation Insights portal.” Additionally, they state, “nearly all the products positioned for video games are inhalables (vapes, flower, and concentrates).”
Additionally, a Pine Park press release states that there are “3.1 billion gamers world wide, amounting to a global market of $162Bn with a CAGR [compound annual growth rate] of 10.5% by 2026 .”
This shows that the gaming industry is growing rapidly and will continue to grow for some time.
Rodriguez was quick to realize this, and by using his gaming history, he was able to come into the industry at the right time.
“I wouldn’t do this five years ago because our fan base wouldn’t be of age as they are today. I wouldn’t do it 10 years ago because my analytics always said that the majority of people who consume my content are 13-21 year olds. Here we are a decade later and these 13 year olds are 23, etc.,” Rodriguez explained.
Bottom line, the gaming market has a ton of potential, and Pine Park is making efforts to fill the gap between cannabis and gaming.
Looking Forward
When asked where he sees the company within 10 years, Rodriguez said “everything changes so fast now that we don’t know. One thing is for sure — the options to have natural medicines are going to be more popular, and I want to be in a position to bring something new to the space in the form of content,” he added. “I want to educate a younger [young adult] audience that they don’t need to drink to have a good time, take Nyquil to go to sleep, etc.”
Just in time for sweater weather, Pine Park merch available now on our website🌲🌲https://t.co/GkhiLgReQ6 pic.twitter.com/imXLhVyDJ7
— Pine Park (@PinePark) October 28, 2021
Post from @PinePark on Twitter.
In the meantime, Pine Park offers six different strains and a line of merchandise with plans on much more to come. Ultimately, Rodriguez hopes to solve a number of problems and provide alternatives for those in need, not necessarily directed towards the gaming industry.
Additionally, only time will tell if the gaming market is truly ready for the cannabis industry.
Why doesnt Hector just invest in a mirror and a jar of vaseline? Much cheeper.