The Origins of Prophet: Raised in California Cannabis Culture

Prophet’s story begins in the California cannabis culture of the 1990s, a time when the plant was deeply woven into music, community, and countercultural identity. Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes grew up sharing a passion for music and cannabis, a bond that would eventually lead them to found one of the nation’s first medical cannabis dispensaries. This was not an era of legal certainty or corporate backing. Opening a dispensary in those early years meant stepping into uncharted territory with conviction and courage as your only safety nets.

Two years after establishing their dispensary, Luke and Ricardo were raided and arrested by federal drug agents. What followed became one of America’s most infamous cannabis cases, drawing national attention to the contradictions between state and federal cannabis law. Luke served fifteen years in federal prison. Ricardo served nine. Together, they endured a combined twenty-five years behind bars for operating a business that is now legal in the majority of American states. Their friendship stood the test of trial and time, and from that crucible of injustice, Prophet was born.

A Mission Rooted in Justice and Freedom

Prophet’s mission is both simple and profound: to elevate humanity and cultivate freedom. For nearly a century, cannabis prohibition transformed once-honorable farmers into outlaws and wise healers into mere dealers. The path of visionaries like Luke and Ricardo, enduring persecution and imprisonment, forged the very bedrock of the legal cannabis industry that exists today. Prophet pays homage to the valiant sacrifice of these pioneers, dedicating the brand to the liberation of those still unjustly imprisoned behind cannabis offenses.

This is not just marketing language. Luke Scarmazzo now serves as a national cannabis justice spokesperson, advocating for clemency and reform at every level. Ricardo Montes operates as a legacy retail operator, equity-qualified and justice-impacted, bringing over a decade of manufacturing experience to the brand. Their advocacy extends to pushing for presidential clemency for cannabis prisoners and speaking publicly about the human cost of the war on drugs. At Urbana, this commitment to justice resonates deeply with our own belief that cannabis retail should be a cultural experience, not just a transaction.

Why Prophet Matters to Our Community

We operate two locations in San Francisco and one in Oakland, each thoughtfully designed with beautiful interiors, a laid-back atmosphere, and a consumption lounge where you can slow down and settle in. Whether you visit our Geary or Mission locations or stop by Oakland, you will find that we curate our offerings with intention. Brands like Prophet earn their place on our shelves not just through quality but through alignment with the values our community cares about. Our staff is passionate about helping every customer understand the stories behind what they are purchasing, and Prophet gives us one of the most powerful stories to share.

Prophet embodies several qualities that matter to both our team and our customers:

• Authenticity rooted in lived experience rather than corporate branding strategy, with founders who sacrificed their freedom for the industry
• Commitment to social justice through active advocacy for cannabis prisoners and reform of outdated prohibition-era policies
• Small-batch, quality-focused cultivation with hand-selected flower chosen for terpene qualities and outstanding flavor profiles
• Community-first values that prioritize connection, education, and cultural engagement over profit margins
• California heritage that honors the state’s pioneering role in cannabis legalization and the sacrifices that made it possible

Wisdom of the Past, Vision for the Future

Prophet describes itself as carrying the wisdom of the past with a vision for the future, and that philosophy mirrors what we strive for at Urbana every single day. As one of the first dispensaries on Geary Blvd in San Francisco, we have grown alongside the city’s cannabis culture, watching it evolve, advocating for it, and helping shape what a great dispensary experience looks like. We did not just enter this industry. We helped define it locally. Brands like Prophet remind us why this work matters beyond commerce.

The cannabis industry is at an inflection point. With ongoing federal reform discussions and increasing mainstream acceptance, it is more important than ever to center the voices of those who paved the way. Luke and Ricardo arose from the ashes with hard-won insight and relentless purpose. Their story is not just inspiration. It is a call to action for everyone in this space to remember the human cost of prohibition and to build an industry that honors those who sacrificed the most. Come visit any of our three locations, connect with our knowledgeable staff, and discover why Prophet’s story is one worth knowing.