Cannabis in San Antonio

"Really our mission is to teach people that cannabis is more than just CBD and THC products, that it's also a leafy green vegetable that's very nutrient dense that you should be consuming raw in your juices and smoothies and salads," Lozano tells MySA.

"That's a cornerstone of our brand now is integrating raw hemp leafs into our recipes and teaching people about the benefits of raw cannabis." 

The company and Lozano's devotion to alternative healing began after he found success in abating unexplained fibromyalgia-like symptoms through juice fasting. Lozano first started operating out of his parents' kitchen, and gradually moved around to different spaces, from a rock climbing gym on Broadway to various co-ops. 

What is hempcrete?

Finally able to execute a cohesive vision, Lozano, who has grown to be a loyal hemp disciple, contracted the 250-square-feet shop to be constructed using "hempcrete," a concrete alternative made of dried woody hemp stalks and lime-based binder. While weaker than its cement-based cousin, the substance is known for its superior insulation and biodegradability. The hemp theme doesn't end there — in one corner of the shop's exterior, you can even spot on-the-nose impressions of raw hemp leaves. 

The shop will offer juice, smoothie, and acai options, as well as various grab-and-go vegan eats and on occasion, offerings from vegan food vendors. It will also be completely plastic free, with all juices sold in returnable glass bottles. 

Notably, Famous Juice Company will only sell hemp products, and their neighbors on the San-A-Canna farm only sell CBD-based goods. Though it is subject to change in the future, recreational THC products are still illegal in Texas. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp and allowed states to begin administering hemp programs. In June of 2019, House Bill 1325 was signed into law, which authorizes the production, manufacturing, retail, and inspection of industrial hemp crops and products in the state of Texas. 

Over the phone, Lozano expressed intentions to build upon the community he has helped develop through monthly "Cannabis and Coffee" meet-ups at Shotgun House Coffee Roasters. 

Once fully open, Famous Juice Company and the folks at San-A-Canna farms are planning on collaborating on hemp-themed events in the future, from comedy showcases, cannabis and painting nights, to live music sets. 

With luck, Lozano says he hopes to expand the company and the future, with more shops operating across Texas.