Guy’s THC-infused potato chips hitting shelves soon; first bite of cannabis collaborations to come
April 20, 2023 | Tommy Felts
A months-long wait is over for fans of Guy’s Snacks — and recreational cannabis — as rumors of a THC-infused crossover officially take potato chip shape, just in time for Kansas City’s first 4/20 celebration since legalization.
Franklin’s Stash House — a premier manufacturer of high-quality cannabis products and one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 — announced Thursday an expanded partnership with Kansas City-based Guy’s Snacks to “create two unique offerings set to revolutionize the cannabis-infused snacking market.”
THC-infused Guy’s Potato Chips and Guy’s THC-infused Root Beer will be available for dispensary orders starting April 20, said Michael Wilson, co-founder of Franklin’s.
Guy’s THC-Infused Chips; photo courtesy of Franklin’s Stash House
“The THC chip reflects where we’re going as a business. People know Guy’s Chips, and there’s way more coming with it,” he told Startland News. “We’re going to have tons of products that you’re just going to fall in love with. But that’s the point; We can take brands that you know and trust, then show you how the cannabis side can come in and build even stronger products that you know and trust. That kind of brand equity crossover is the start of the blueprint for our entire plan.”
Click here to explore Franklin’s Stash House products or here to follow the brand on Instagram.
Guy’s THC-Infused Chips are infused with high-quality THC and provide a satisfying and elevated snacking experience, according to Franklin’s. Each bag of chips contains 10 chips, dosed at 2mg/chip, for a total of 20mg of THC per container — a dosing method that allows for a potent and enjoyable snacking experience, Wilson said.
Guys THC-infused Root Beer; photo courtesy of Franklin’s Stash House
The THC-infused root beer offers a balance of relaxation and euphoria, he continued, with 10mg of THC per can.
Interest in THC-infused products from Franklin’s and Guy’s flared up this fall as Kansas City prepared to vote on legalizing recreational marijuana (the measure ultimately passed). When the companies responded to rumors of a cannabis potato chip, they confirmed the potential for a snack collaboration.
“It became such a big thing,” said Wilson. “And any time your customers make such a big deal — clearly demanding a product — we’re not going to deny the people the opportunity to give them a Guy’s infused chip.”
High demand for a product that didn’t yet exist provided the companies with a challenge — and measured urgency, he said.
Michael Wilson, Franklin’s Stash House, speaks during Startland News and the KU School of Business’ entrepreneurial lunch and learn series; photo by Austin Barnes, Startland News
“We’re playing into that. But before putting anything out, we knew we had to get our partners in place; we knew we had to do it well — not just rush it to market,” Wilson said. “I don’t like making novelties, so I’m not here to make one version, one variety, have a cool story in the press, and then run away from it.”
So while THC-infused chips and root beer are the first in the new product rollout, they aren’t just hitting the shelves to get quick headlines, he said, emphasizing the intense and costly research and development that goes into pushing out a Franklin’s line.
“Novelties are a waste of everyone’s time and money,” Wilson said. “They’re typically not nearly to the quality of what I would call a mainstream product. If we are going to make this work, we have to build a quality product that requires way more refinement.”
The launch of the two unique offerings from Franklin’s and Guy’s is a game-changer for the cannabis-infused snacking market, he added, noting they provide an innovative way for people to enjoy their favorite snacks and beverages.
“While I like to sound confident, it’s up to the customer to tell us that our products are a hit,” Wilson said. “Until then, our work isn’t done. Our team understands that. You’re just catching us at the start of the game.”
Watch a video below from Startland News, featuring Franklin’s Stash House co-founders Ronald Rice and Michael Wilson.
Tommy Felts
Tommy is editor-in-chief for Startland News, a Kansas City-based nonprofit newsroom that uses storytelling to elevate the region’s startup community of entrepreneurs, innovators, hustlers, creatives and risk-takers.
Under Tommy’s leadership, Startland News has expanded its coverage from a primarily high-tech, high-growth focus to a more wide-ranging and inclusive look at the faces of entrepreneurism, innovation and business.
Before joining Startland News in 2017, Tommy worked for 12 years as an award-winning newspaper journalist, designer, editor and publisher. He was named one of Editor & Publisher magazine’s top “25 Under 35” in 2014.
Related Posts on Startland News
Let’s be blunt: MO cannabis culture is a great niche, founder says a year after legalization vote
A year after Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana at the ballot box, demand for high-quality cannabis products has exceeded expectations, said Michael Wilson, whose Kansas City-based operation quickly became a best-selling Show-Me State brand. “The past year has been a wild ride as anyone can suspect from an early emerging market like cannabis,” said Wilson,…
Guy’s THC-infused potato chips hitting shelves soon; first bite of cannabis collaborations to come
A months-long wait is over for fans of Guy’s Snacks — and recreational cannabis — as rumors of a THC-infused crossover officially take potato chip shape, just in time for Kansas City’s first 4/20 celebration since legalization. Franklin’s Stash House — a premier manufacturer of high-quality cannabis products and one of Startland News’ Kansas City…
2023 Startups to Watch: Franklin’s infuses lyrics from tech, Hip Hop expertise into craft cannabis as market ignites
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City scaling businesses to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. Now in its eighth year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2023’s companies. Click here to…
10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023
A new startup community has emerged in a post-pandemic world — and 10 scaling players are on the front lines, ready to redefine what startup success looks like in the Heartland. The newsmakers featured in Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 list are no strangers to our readers or their fellow entrepreneurs….