On Friday July 28 Maven Genetics hosted a launch event for Opal, a new strain that is part of their Artist Series. Opal was hunted in collaboration with famed graffiti artist Saber, who uses cannabis medicinally to treat symptoms of epilepsy.
Maven’s co-owner Shane says he’s been friends with Saber since they were teens in the San Fernando Valley, where Maven is based today.
Saber has been a lifelong user of weed, but found that certain strains were better at treating his epilepsy, whereas others caused more harm than good. Saber uses his sensitivity to the plant to seek out strains that have the medicinal benefit he needs.
Saber has been a “writer,” or street artist/graffiti artist for over 25 years, based in Los Angeles but with an international presence (his work was on display at a show in Shanghai during the Opal launch in LA).
Saber’s style shows the elevated, artistic side of graffiti, with its lettering reminiscent of classical styles of calligraphy.
Saber and Shane got to talking one day organically, and Shane mentioned his company. Saber was impressed at the level and quality of Maven’s product. Shane offered to collaborate to bring out a strain that Saber liked, and Saber took the opportunity to be what he calls “a guinea pig” to experiment with the effect that various strains had on his epilepsy symptoms.
Using testing and “spreadsheets,” the two were able to isolate certain combinations of compounds that Saber responded well to. That led them to Opal, a cross that includes Maven’s award-winning Blue Agape strain.
Opal is the name of a work of Saber’s that was then used as the cover art for the mylar bag.
Opal is a true collaboration, not only the art on the bag and the name of the strain, but the way the strain was chosen and the effects it gives were all based on Saber’s input.
This is the second in Maven’s “Artist Series.” Shane says that Maven started the Artist Series to highlight local artists that they loved, and to bring their culture into the brand.
Saber’s work can be found on his Instagram and Twitter. Also check out Saber’s online shop. The Epilepsy Foundation is the primary organization that helps educate and advocate for those with Epilepsy.
