Supporting Veterans Through Cannabis

Our Story
In 2015, two friends, Lukas Gilkey (a U.S. Coast Guard veteran) and Lewis Hamer, launched a business selling handcrafted products to shops in Austin, Texas. Their mission? To help veterans in need with donations made from every purchase.
Since then, Hometown Hero jumped into the hemp industry, becoming a full-fledged cannabusiness. We've landed in both High Times and the New York Times, made it to the Inc. 5000 and launched the first THC product to be legal in all 50 states.
And when prohibition rears its ugly head, you can surely bet that we don't back down. We've led the fight against Delta-8 bans, and we've won multiple times. Because we believe cannabis should be accessible to veterans and all who seek its relief.
Though a bit has changed since those two friends started a business out of a home in North Austin, some things remain the same. Both Lukas and Lewis are still here as CEO and Vice President, and we're still committed to supporting our veterans, our hometown heroes.
The Hometown Hero Difference
"Relief never tasted so damn good." - John W., Customer (Texas)
We aim to ensure that the name "Hometown Hero" is seen as a mark of quality, craftsmanship, and care.
And here's how we go about doing that:
Donations

Many veterans are left either underserved or abandoned while facing PTSD, homelessness, physical disability, and other issues. But luckily, there are amazing organizations out there providing our heroes with the help they need and deserve. From building homes to benefits advocacy, the work they do changes and even saves lives.
A portion of proceeds from every product we offer gets donated to such organizations. Every gummy, cereal treat, tincture, or other products purchased help make a difference.
Over the years, we've donated to several nonprofits that help veterans in need, including:




Hometown Hero By The Numbers
As Featured In





Timeline
Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer launch Hometown Hero. Working out of Lukas' home in North Austin, the two donate a portion of proceeds from every product sold to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

$8,500 donated to veterans charities during first year in business.
The 2018 Farm Bill is passed, legalizing hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids on a federal level.

Texas Legislature passes H.B. No. 1325, legalizing hemp in the Lone Star State.
Entered the hemp industry with our Sour Space Express CBD Flower.

Won second place for our Zero G CBD flower and third place for our CBD Blunts at the 2020 High Times Hemp Cup.

Delta-8 Blueberry Gummies, our first Delta-8 product, is launched.

$12,500 donation to the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and $12,500 donation to the DAV.

We start Delta-8 Day (12/8 or "D8") and, of course, celebrate it.

Featured in New York Times "What Is Delta-8-THC: the Hemp Derivative That's a Hot Seller," prompts the sale of 401,720 Delta-8 gummies.
$10,000 donation to Soldiers' Angels.

Our Blueberry Delta-8 Gummies and Berry Tincture take home silver medals at the High Times Hemp Cup.

We led a coalition and succeeded in stopping HB 3948 and an amendment to HB 2593, which would have outlawed Delta-8 in Texas.
Select Spectrum Mango Gummies, the first-ever hemp-derived Delta-9 THC product and the first THC product legal in all 50 states, is launched.

$25,000 donation to Operation Finally Home.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) declares Delta-8 illegal in Texas without warning, sending small businesses and the hemp industry into disarray.
We spearheaded a lawsuit against the state of Texas, and got a temporary injunction granted to allow for the sale of Delta-8 to continue in Texas.

Sativa and Indica Live Rosin Gummies are launched, the first hemp-derived Delta-9 edibles made with live rosin concentrate.
$55,000 donation towards the Texas VFW and $10,000 donation for VFW Post 10427.

$15,000 sponsorship of a Sacred Warrior Community trip for female veterans and partners of veterans in Buchanan Dam, Texas.
Accreditations & Memberships

