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November 5, 2026
What Causes the Munchies? The Effects of THC on Appetite
Freedom You Can Taste
We strive to help you feel freer with every product we make. But what does that mean? It means being free from what's holding you back. It's the freedom to feel like yourself again, the freedom from dull moments, the freedom to break molds, and the freedom to live on your own terms every day. That's why we fight for hemp. That's why we've stood with veterans since day one. And that's why we make everything we do with grit, care, and determination. Here's to living free—and tasting it every step of the way.
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Our Story
It all started in Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2015, when two friends, Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer, began crafting and selling handmade products out of Lukas' home. As a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Lukas saw the toll trauma took on fellow service members, which is why from day one, we’ve donated a portion of our profits to support veterans in need. Then in 2019, something big happened—hemp became legal in Texas. Inspired by the stories we heard from the veteran community, we brought our passion for quality to this incredible plant.
Since then, we’ve grown from a two-man crew to a team of growers, chemists, confectioners, and advocates. We've been featured in High Times and The New York Times, won awards at the High Times Hemp Cup, and partnered with organizations like the VFW and DAV. When THC prohibition threatened Texas in 2021, 2023, and 2025, we fought back. Still based in Austin, Lukas and Lewis remain at the helm, leading our mission to craft great products, defend access to hemp, and help people live free.
A Timeline of Us
Here’s a look at everything that shaped us, from breakthroughs to legal battles and everything in between.
2015-2018 – Hometown Hero is Born
First donation: Disabled American Veterans.
On June 10, 2015 Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer launch Hometown Hero in Austin, TX selling smoke shop products.
2018 – Hemp Legalized Nationwide
Congress passes the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids federally.
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2019 – Legal in Texas & First Product Launch
Texas passes HB 1325, legalizing hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids in the Lone Star State
Hometown Hero enters the cannabis industry with Sour Space Express CBD flower.
Hometown Hero ranks No. 72 on the Inc. 5000 list.
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2020 – THC Enters the Chat
First donation to Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars.
We launch our first THC product, Delta-8 Blueberry Gummies (now Blueberry - Relief Delta-8 Gummies)
We win Silver for Zero G CBD Flower and Bronze for its CBD Blunts in the High Times Hemp Cup
2021 – National Spotlight & Innovation
Donations to: Texas VFW Post 1047, Soldiers' Angels & Operation Finally Home
Major legal wins against HB3948, HB2593, and DSHS.
Launch of the first hemp-derived Delta-9 and Live Rosin Gummies (Mango Select Spectrum Gummies).
Featured on the cover of the New York Times, leading to the sale of 401,720 Delta-8 gummies.
2022 – Expanding Impact
First donations: Heroic Hearts Project, Heroes Night Out, K9s for Warriors.
Debut of Caramel and Taffy Products
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2023 – New Era of Advocacy
First donations to: Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home
Injunction granted in Arkansas
Began Hometown Hero Rebrand
ORCA is launched.
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2024 – United Front
First donations to: Chive Charities
Texas Hemp Business Council formed to organize efforts against prohibition
Completed rebrand / new logomark was born
Won 1st place in the High Times Hemp Cup for our Chocolates
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2025 – Leading the Charge
First donation to: Patriotic Kenny Foundation
Led the fight to successfully kill a total THC ban (SB3) in Texas
Prima joins the Hometown Hero family of brands
Featured on CNN nationally
The Road Ahead
We've got big dreams, bold plans, and zero interest in slowing down. From new products to new battles, buckle up—it's gonna be a good time.
Meet the Hometown Hero Team
We're a tight-knight crew of creators, thinkers, and doers all here for the same reason—better products, better access, and helping people live freer lives through cannabis.
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Our Values
We Don't Meet Standards, We Raise Them
We don't cut corners when it comes to flavor, consistency, and effect. Our hemp is grown in the red, sandy loam of the Texas Wine Country with nothing but sun, rain, and lots of care with absolutely no chemical fertilizers or pesticides (as it should be).
Our production house (where we turn hemp into top-shelf products) is Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, which means just like our lab tests, you don't need to take our word on it that our facilities are clean, safe, and damn good at what they do (as it also should be).
Each Batch is 3rd Party Tested
Safety isn't something we cross off on a checklist. It's our promise. We test every single batch we make in-house. And, so you don't have to take our word on it, we'll send it out again to a third-party DEA-certified lab, where it gets tested for potency and contaminants, with test results available on a QR code on our packaging. Why? Because we believe that peace of mind shouldn't be a luxury. It should be standard.
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Supporting Veterans
Giving back to U.S. Veterans is our foundation. From building homes to training service dogs, we've donated to many great organizations, including Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Operation Finally Home, K9s for Warriors, and more.
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Standing Up for Hemp. Standing Up for You.
We didn't get into the cannabis business to play it safe. We're here to ensure it stays safe and legal for adults 21+. No matter which "flavor-of-the-week" special interest group tries to get between you and your right to federally legal hemp, we'll be there to lead the fight. From lobbying in our state capitol to Capitol Hill and establishing the Texas Hemp Business Council, we've built a proud track record of pushing back against prohibition.
The Perks of Community
We don't tell. We show. That's why we show our gratitude to all those who support our passion for top-shelf products, supporting veterans, and standing up for hemp with perks, rewards, and sometimes...complimentary gifts.
Lots of ways to earn and use points!
Explore all of the exciting ways to earn and use points in our rewards program!
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What our customers say
See how our products are delivering real benefits that make a difference.
