Today we’d like to introduce you to Shagwhelin “Shaggy” Bullock.
Shagwhelin “Shaggy”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved out to San Diego from Virginia eight years ago to follow my passion for the cannabis industry—and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Like many people breaking into a new field, I started wherever I could. I worked at the PB Bike Shop and in local bars like Taproom, Hoboken, and Shore Club, but on my days off, I was biking 30 miles to hand-deliver my resume to the six dispensaries that existed at the time.
Once I got a car, I ramped things up—applying to over 60 cannabis jobs while continuing to work. My first opportunity in the industry came with a cannabis tour company. Although that job was short-lived, it opened the door to a dispensary role, where I really started learning the ins and outs of the industry. Those early experiences gave me the foundation to understand where I could make an impact.
Everything started to come together when I joined Therapy Tonics, a company that made cannabis-infused coffees and teas. They were vegan, all-natural, and some of the most effective products I’ve seen on the market. I started there brewing the drinks and eventually became the Brand Manager, which allowed me to represent the company, speak publicly, and connect with people about a product I truly believed in. That’s when I found my voice.
One major turning point was when I was interviewed by JM Balbuena, who at the time was launching ‘Cannabis Synergy’—a live audience cannabis show that sold out for three straight months. That experience confirmed what I already felt deep down: I belonged in cannabis media.
Since then, I’ve been building my own platform—‘A Trip Down Stoner Drive’—to explore and showcase the culture, community, and possibilities within cannabis. My content includes interviews with patients and brands, educational insights into different roles within the industry, and unique demonstrations of how cannabis can enhance life rather than limit it.
Last June, I ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon here in San Diego after consuming 1,500mg of THC, including a pit stop with a friend holding a bong. I finished in 5.5 hours and placed 4,420th—meant to be! That race was a way to challenge the lazy stoner stereotype and celebrate the importance of knowing your tolerance and how cannabis works with your body.
My videos also highlight San Diego’s natural beauty—whether it’s paying respects to veterans at Mt. Soledad, hiking and paragliding at Black’s Beach, or just showing off scenic smoke spots. My goal is to show how cannabis can be a meaningful, positive part of everyday life.
Right now, I’m focused on San Diego, but I’ve also been converting my RV into my own version of the Mystery Machine. Soon, my dogs and I will hit the road to spotlight cannabis culture in cities across the country
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a ‘smooth’ road—and honestly, I don’t think any meaningful journey should be. I’ve experienced my fair share of failures, but each one has taught me something valuable. From businesses closing unexpectedly to learning when to take risks and when to pause and listen, every setback has helped shape who I am today.
One of my biggest strengths is my work ethic, and while that’s helped me go far, it’s also caused me to miss certain opportunities. For example, during COVID, I stayed working full-time to make sure I could cover my bills. Looking back, I wish I had taken that time to really focus on growing my channel and creating content, especially with the support that was available through unemployment. That was a tough lesson in balancing survival with long-term vision.
Another challenge has been the RV build-out. It’s been just me and one handyman—Jeremy Rhoden, who I always shout out because he’s honest, fair, and extremely skilled. Like any renovation project, it started with one task and turned into ten more. But once we got the inside repainted, people really started to see the vision come to life. That transformation, like so much of this journey, has been about persistence and patience.
There will always be roadblocks and moments you’re not prepared for. My biggest piece of advice—and a quote I live by—is: ‘The only thing in life you can control is how you react to it.’ So when things go wrong, take a deep breath—maybe a bong rip—and then focus on what you can control. Once the dust settles, reflect on what you learned. That mindset has helped me navigate both life and business
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart from other creators in the cannabis space is my creativity, positivity, and a touch of nostalgia that brings people in. I don’t chase trends just for the sake of views. Every video I create comes from genuine inspiration—whether it’s sparked by someone I met, a question someone asked, or an idea that just hit me.
One series I’m especially proud of is my ‘365 Days of Smoking with Shaggy’—inspired by Bearded Larry, a creator I met who was doing a year-long daily dab series (and is now past 500 days!). My version highlights a new strain, device, location, or person every day. It’s allowed me to showcase a wide range of cannabis brands, emerging tech, industry professionals, and beautiful spots around the city—all while keeping it fresh, educational, and fun.
Another series I love is my cannabis mocktail videos. I used to bartend, and that love for making drinks never left me. Now, I get to combine that creativity with cannabis to offer people fun, alcohol-free alternatives that don’t come with a hangover.
What I hear most from people is that my energy stands out. I’m proud of the positivity I bring into my content. You can feel my passion and love for the plant in every video. Social media—especially in the cannabis world—can sometimes get caught up in drama and division. I try to be the opposite of that. The industry still has so much growing to do, and I believe collaboration and mutual support are the keys to making sure the culture stays in the hands of the people who truly love and understand it. Debating things like flower vs. wax or rosin vs. BHO is cool—but it shouldn’t divide us.
Lastly, there’s a nostalgic vibe to what I do. The name ‘Shaggy’ brings people back—he was many people’s first introduction to a lovable, goofy stoner. That familiarity breaks the ice and makes people feel safe, even if they’re new to cannabis. Whether you’re a long-time consumer or just curious, I try to create a space where everyone feels welcome, informed, and entertained
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is connecting with people.
When I was nine, I lost my mom to breast cancer. It was a heartbreaking experience, and even though I had my dad, siblings, and close friends, I often felt alone. I found comfort in things like sports and school groups, which gave me a sense of community—but only temporarily.
When I discovered cannabis, I didn’t realize it at the time, but it became more than just a plant. It became a bridge to real connection and community. Sharing a joint, having a meaningful conversation, or simply being present with someone in those moments—some of the strongest bonds I’ve ever formed started that way.
As much as I joke about people sometimes being frustrating, the truth is I love people. I think life is about the connections we make and the impact we leave behind after we’re gone. The cannabis industry has not only allowed me to explore that passion, but it’s also given me the chance to travel, meet incredible people, and continue building that sense of belonging that I craved as a kid. That’s what fills me up—and that’s why I keep doing what I do
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shagwhelinsway/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
Image Credits
JM Balbuena
