In the heart of Los Angeles, a unique story of healing, creativity, and community has blossomed into one of the most distinctive jewelry brands in the cannabis space. Nancy Chains, founded by artist Gal Bar El, transforms cannabis into wearable art pieces that carry deep meaning and foster connections within the community.
For Gal, cannabis has always been more than just a plant -it’s been a source of healing. After serving in the army, Gal struggled with PTSD and found solace in cannabis, using it as medicine to gain mental clarity and much-needed rest.
A Serendipitous Start
Her journey into cannabis-inspired art began unexpectedly on Melrose Avenue. While exploring the iconic shopping street with her mom, they stumbled upon a store showcasing local artists. When the shop owner mentioned they were looking for new artists to feature, Gal’s mom proudly said, “My daughter is an artist.” This serendipitous moment led to an invitation to sell her art in the store and create new pieces to fit the next theme of what the shop would be selling -‘all things furry.’
Inspired by the theme, Gal's creative wheels started turning. Her unique vision? “Making things furry that shouldn't be furry, and making furry things smooth.” The resulting collection included innovative pieces like Vans shoes with furry soles and what would become her signature creation – clear resin keychains containing cannabis nugs. These pieces perfectly captured the contrast between smooth resin and the natural texture of cannabis, representing Gal's deep connection to the plant.
When she brought her keychains and other art pieces to the store, the response was immediate and enthusiastic. The store owner and cashier purchased four of her ten keychains on the spot, each filled with meaning: a clear heart, one saying "High It's Me", another reading "Good Rx", and one promoting "Self Care."
Expanding the Business
This initial success prompted Gal to create the Nancy Chains Instagram account. While she steadily built her community over the years, there was an early surge of interest when she first launched it, thanks to her strategic use of hashtags. Her growing online presence helped her connect with other creatives, leading to unique collaborations. One standout moment was when her earrings appeared in a photoshoot with cannabis influencer and YouTube creator Joya Ride, all thanks to a photographer who had received her jewelry.
Touched by their mission, Gal began attending compassion care events with This is Jane Project—a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the lives of women and non-binary trauma survivors. Inspired by the work they do, she evolved Nancy Chains beyond accessories by designing pieces with a purpose. Profits from these creations are donated to the nonprofit, and through workshops like Beads & Buds, Gal has been creating physical community spaces. Today, her jewelry carries meaning far beyond aesthetics, serving as symbols of healing, empowerment, and connection within the cannabis community.
Her work soon caught the attention of event organizers, and she received a major commission to create keychains for nominees at the Budtenders Awards in Las Vegas. Each nominee was gifted a clear heart filled with a nug, and the words "♥️Bud.”
Energized by her growing community and success, Gal took a bold step to expand her retail presence. One day, she walked into a dispensary with nothing more than a keychain hooked on her wallet and her ID. The security guard noticed the keychain, was impressed by it, and shared it with the store staff, who showed it to their boss. This fortuitous encounter led to a significant order that prompted Gal to create larger molds and put in long hours to ramp up production to meet the demand.
The Name Behind the Brand
Like her art, the name Nancy Chains carries deep meaning. As Gal explains on her website:
“The name Nancy Chains was chosen carefully. Nancy— inspired by Nancy Botwin, the lead character from the show Weeds. Nancy’s character is based on a real-life cannabis trailblazer, Dr. Dina Browner, who was the first in Southern California to open a medical cannabis clinic and dispensary. She’s known as the ‘Mother Teresa of Marijuana.’ Chains represents the connection—each piece of my art links people to cannabis and to one another.”
This meaningful choice has even led to a connection with Dr. Browner herself, who now follows the brand on Instagram. A collaboration between the two seems destined to be!
Beads and Buds: Creating Spaces for Connection
Expanding beyond retail, Gal launched Beads & Buds, a series of cannabis-friendly jewelry-making classes, to further build community among her Baked Goods - her affectionate name for her supporters. These events provide a space where attendees can disconnect from their phones, embrace creativity, and leave with functional pieces of jewelry. Our E10 Labs team recently sponsored and participated in a Beads & Buds class and experienced firsthand the special atmosphere and sense of community that Gal has cultivated. Complete with goodie bags, sweet treats, and a dab bar provided by sponsors, these classes embody the community-focused spirit of Nancy Chains.
As Gal notes, "This event is possible because of all the sponsors, the amazing people I work with, all the cool people who buy my art, and the community who makes it possible to be in a fun space." This collaborative spirit and appreciation for community support exemplifies the Nancy Chains ethos.
Why the Nug?
In a departure from traditional cannabis imagery centered on the leaf, Gal chose to highlight what is truly used—the nug. Unlike regular flowers, each nug is uniquely shaped, making it distinct from the rest. Instead of symbolizing cannabis through the leaf, every piece in her collection pays respect to the plant by transforming it into jewelry.
A Community Effort
Gal emphasizes that her success stems from a collective effort— amazing, loyal customers, her sponsors, and the broader cannabis community. But just as importantly, it’s been built on hard work, consistency, research, and a deep love for what she does. This dedication and a collaborative spirit continue to drive Nancy Chains forward, creating beautiful pieces that connect people through art, healing, and a shared appreciation for cannabis.
For those interested in joining the Nancy Chains community, follow Gal's social media accounts and subscribe to her newsletter to stay updated on new designs and upcoming Beads & Buds classes. Experience firsthand how cannabis-inspired jewelry can create meaningful connections and celebrate the healing power of plant medicine.
