The founders of Prophet began cultivating exceptional cannabis decades ago. Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes bonded over their passion and respect for the plant, and with deep legacy roots in the Central Valley, they sought to bring the benefits of the special herb to the people of California. 

In 2004, the partners opened the first medical cannabis dispensary in Modesto under the Medical Marijuana Program Act. They were highly successful and provided a much needed service to the community. However, they faced resistance from local officials and were raided and arrested by federal drug agents in 2006. Undeterred, they stood resolute and fought the archaic U.S. drug laws they were charged with. Like past legendary figures in history, they were martyred in trial and convicted as drug “kingpins”. Ricardo served nine years before being granted clemency by President Obama in 2017. Luke served nearly 15 years in prison and was released in 2023.