Franklin’s Stash House is a cannabis manufacturer based in Missouri that is making waves in the industry for its focus on diversity and inclusion. Co-owner Ronald Rice, who was previously convicted on a marijuana charge, is pushing to change the narrative for black and brown people who are still incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses. In this article, we will explore how Franklin’s Stash House is breaking barriers and changing the cannabis industry for the better.
Sourcing from Missouri’s Top Five Cultivators:
Franklin’s Stash House began as a two-person team rolling hemp blunts by hand in the corner of a warehouse. Now, three years later, the company is sourcing from Missouri’s top five cultivators and selling to dispensaries across the state. This growth is a testament to the quality of their product, but it is also due to their commitment to representation and inclusivity.
Less Than Two Percent Black Representation in the Industry:
According to co-owner Ronald Rice, “across the whole industry, it’s less than two percent blacks in the business.” This statistic highlights the need for more diversity and representation in the cannabis industry. Rice’s priority is to ensure that minority representation does not start and stop with him. The goal is not just Black customers, but it is Black owners as well.
Helping Others and Changing the Narrative:
“Success to me means helping others,” said Rice. “Marijuana has been around me the whole time, so to have an opportunity to participate in this industry was big for me because I’m an example of what the possibilities can be.” As someone who has been incarcerated for a non-violent drug offense, Rice is pushing to change the narrative for the thousands of people who look like him still behind bars.
The Importance of Representation:
Rice says the ability to relate to their customers in a way that invites them to see themselves valued in the industry is what sets them apart. “It’s the feel, it’s the vibe, it’s the energy that we project, and it all goes into the product,” said Rice. “That culture is what we cater to because they can recognize the product.” Representation is important because it allows people to see themselves in positions of power and success. It gives them hope and inspiration that they too can achieve their dreams.
Breeding a Cross-Culture Environment:
Another unique aspect of Franklin’s Stash House is their cross-cultural environment. Rice’s business partner, Mike Wilson, is Caucasian, which helps them reach a broader audience and breed a cross-culture environment. “That’s what makes us dynamic,” said Rice. “That gives us authenticity, and you can see the transparency because he’s in places, ‘Who is that?’ and same with me when I get to the boardroom, ‘Why is this guy here?’ That gives us an edge. It allows us to see both sides of the table and merge that together. That’s why we call it a cross-culture.”
In a world where the cannabis industry is still dominated by white business owners, Franklin’s Stash House is a beacon of hope for minorities who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. By sourcing from Missouri’s top five cultivators and catering to a diverse customer base, the company is setting an example for the rest of the industry to follow. Co-owner Ronald Rice’s commitment to helping others and changing the narrative for minorities behind bars is not just inspiring, but it is also socially responsible. Franklin’s Stash House is proof that representation matters and that cross-cultural environments can breed success. As the company continues to grow, we can only hope that other cannabis businesses will follow in their footsteps and prioritize diversity and inclusivity in everything they do.
