Our Story

Nikki & Swami:
The Cannabis
Conscious Couple

Nikki Lastreto and Swami Chaitanya are well known and respected across the globe for their knowledge of mindfully cultivated craft cannabis as well as spiritual guidance. For many years they have been growing cannabis in native Mendocino soil under the full sun, moon, and stars in the heart of Northern California’s famed Emerald Triangle. Through their commitment to regenerative, responsible farming methods, combined with ancient sacred geometry and practices, they have shared their very special flowers with conscious connoisseurs in search of true inspiration.

Follow Swami and Nikki on an insider’s journey through California’s craft cannabis community including insights into thoughtful cannabis cultivation and consumption, updates from the front lines of the global cannabis reform movement, and insider tips from experienced farmers, producers, and industry leaders.

In the eternal search of Soma, which in the ancient vedic tradition is the elixir that provides higher consciousness, joy, courage, strength, and is above all considered to be the bestower of wisdom, understanding, and creativity, Nikki and Swami welcome you to explore our educational outlets as well as consider a visit to our ranch for your own personal exploration.

Our Team

Nikki Lastreto

Nikki Lastreto was born in the right place at the right time to be a flower child in San Francisco in the Sixties. After years of being the Ultimate City Girl, working at The San Francisco Chronicle and KRON/NBC-TV, Nikki dropped out and traveled the world, living primarily in India. After several years, she returned to San Francisco, where she worked at the California Institute of Integral Studies with psychedelic and spiritual gurus of the day. She also produced psy-trance raves complete with elaborate altars. In her quest for places to have weekend parties and her search for a sanctuary to hold sacred space, she migrated north to the hills of Mendocino County. Along with Swami, they have created a true haven for consciousness expansion among the tall trees and deep nature. Nikki is a co-founder of Swami Select and Club Swami, and a member of the prestigious Ganjier Council. Through education and events, she fosters the growth of sustainable craft cannabis that is cultivated in living soil using regenerative, organic methods.

Swami Chaitanya

Called “The Swami of Pot” by Rolling Stone Magazine, Swami Chaitanya is a radical human being. Having started life as an East Coast academic and now an Emerald Triangle homesteader in his eighties, Swami has helped shape both cannabis culture and policy over the years, making the transition from a rebellious outlaw to a respected thought leader. A self-described “original hippie,” Swami moved to San Francisco in 1967. From there, he traveled the world, living in South America, Europe and India for many years. He was initiated into the Jana Yoga branch of Hinduism in 1998 when he officially became “Swami Chaitanya Vishwakarna”. In 2003 he settled in Northern California’s Mendocino County where he has continued his spiritual pursuits and regenerative cannabis cultivation. Swami is a co-founder of Swami Select and Club Swami, and a member of the prestigious Ganjier Council. Also a well-known figure in the music festival scene, Swami speaks and teaches publicly on meditation, spirituality, and more.