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.
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Ag venture group TechAccel invests $250K in research partnership
A new partnership will advance agricultural innovation in the state of Missouri. TechAccel, a Kansas City-based technology and venture development firm, recently announced it will work with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, a St. Louis-based nonprofit research institute. TechAccel will provide $250,000 in grants to the Danforth Center to help it demonstrate proof of…
Kansas City Chief Dontari Poe challenges students, startups with new contest
Veteran Kansas City Chief Dontari Poe is hosting a competition that bridges young Kansas Citians and entrepreneurship. Set for Dec. 13 at Think Big Coworking, Poe Man’s Challenge will pair nine local startups with 30 Kansas City high school students and pitch the companies to a panel of celebrity judges, including Poe and his teammates.…
Router Ventures plans to make more KC startup investments
Led by regional startup champion Jeff Slobotski, Omaha-based Router Ventures is hoping to grow its early-stage investment portfolio with more Kansas City firms. With seven startups in its roster, the $1.1 million seed fund plans to accelerate its dealmaking in 2017 and Slobotski said Kansas City is key to the strategy. “I strongly believe that…
Gary Fish invests $4M in Virginia security firm Haystax Technology
Kansas City-based technology accelerator Fishtech Labs announced its second investment Thursday. Just four months after the firm invested $3 million in Overland Park’s Foresite, Fishtech injected $4 million in security analytics provider Haystax Technology. “Once I became aware of their technology platform, there was never a second thought as to whether or not I should…