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
Techstars KC alum Grit Virtual posts $840K oversubscribed seed round
Reality is starting to sink in for Grit Virtual, said co-founder Chris Callen. “It’s exciting to finally be able to talk about our funding rounds and the successes we have had,” Callen said. “It’s been an exciting ride so far, and we’re kind of gearing up to make it a real company, not just an R&D…
State of Entrepreneurship Address: Redefine ‘entrepreneur’ through inclusion
Entrepreneurship rates are half of what they were a generation ago, and although the U.S. population is increasingly diverse, educated and older, the nation’s entrepreneurial population isn’t changing at the same pace, Wendy Guillies said. Founders face too many barriers, said Guillies, president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Wednesday morning…
Photos: Innovation Exchange returns with Top KC Startups to Watch celebration
So … What’s your spirit animal? Eleven startup founders and leaders joined Startland News and the Kansas City Startup Foundation on stage Tuesday for a rebooted Innovation Exchange experience — complete with casual conversation, jazz and few unexpected queries. Saluting the Top Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2018, the rapid-fire, Q&A-style event showcased the…
City gave into fear, failed the test on innovation with Airbnb vote, councilman says
Kansas City’s move Thursday to prohibit short-term rentals in large portions of the city sent a clear message to entrepreneurs with disruptive ideas and technology, Quinton Lucas said: “Not In My Backyard.” “I don’t know why a city that has so many innovators and that’s buzzing, that’s exciting — and frankly doesn’t always have…