Dark Horse Medicinals

Summary
Arkansas's first cannabis processor crafting premium edibles, concentrates & vapes.
Description

Dark Horse Cannabis operates across Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi, with both wholesale manufacturing and retail dispensary operations. As a specialized processor, they transform raw cannabis materials from cultivators into finished products including gummies, concentrates, chocolates, and vape cartridges. Their products appear on shelves in 36 of Arkansas's 38 dispensaries, and they work with four of the state's eight cultivators.The company offers an extensive product portfolio including their signature Dark Horse edibles, pre-rolls, vaporizer cartridges, and premium concentrates like The CLEAR distillate. They also partner with renowned national brands like Big Pete's Treats, Smokiez fruit chews, and Cannadips smokeless pouches to bring premium products to their markets.Their retail operations include Speakeasy Dispensary locations in Pine Bluff and the recently acquired West Helena location (relocating to Brinkley). Dark Horse employs a team of classically trained chemists, material engineers, lab technicians, and professional chefs, all led by Chief Scientific Officer Lucas Haley, who holds a master's degree in chemical engineering. They utilize advanced extraction methods including butane and ethanol-based processes with pharmaceutical-grade technology.

Our story

Dark Horse Cannabis was founded in 2021 by lifelong best friends Casey Flippo (CEO) and Sean Clarkson (Chief Strategy Officer), who met during their college years at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The duo actually began planning their cannabis business before Arkansas had even legalized medical marijuana, starting with hemp processing in a small town near Stuttgart called Roe.As Arkansas's first cannabis processor, Dark Horse received their license in 2021 and became operational in early 2022. The company quickly grew from a 3,500 square foot facility to a $1.5 million expansion bringing them to 10,000 square feet, with monthly revenues reaching up to $500,000.In 2024, Dark Horse expanded significantly through strategic acquisitions, including the rebranding of COCO Labs in Missouri, which brought invaluable expertise in cannabis extraction and pharmaceutical-grade technology. The company established a new headquarters in Rogers, Arkansas, in the Pinnacle Hills district, consolidating their management functions across multiple states. Most recently, they acquired Greenlight Dispensary in West Helena, transitioning it to their Speakeasy by Dark Horse retail brand.

Mission

Dark Horse Cannabis is dedicated to promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness, moving away from traditional medicine towards more natural, cannabis-based solutions. Their mission centers on creating a welcoming and stigma-free community where stories and experiences are shared, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among consumers.The company ensures transparency in all processes, from product sourcing to usage guidelines, building trust with customers through clear communication and reliable information. They embrace a team-oriented approach that values diverse perspectives and collective creativity to improve and transform the cannabis experience.With a mission to be one of the most reputable cannabis brands coming out of the mid-South, Dark Horse is committed to setting new benchmarks in quality and consumer engagement. Every step they take, every product they curate, and every interaction they have is dedicated to helping customers achieve a happier, healthier, and more holistic life with cannabis.

Why we love this brand

Dark Horse Medicinals represents everything we value in a cannabis partner at Calm Effect. As Arkansas's first cannabis processor, they've consistently demonstrated innovation and quality leadership in the industry. Their strategy of filling market gaps and focusing on value-added products rather than just competing on volume shows their commitment to excellence over quantity.What sets them apart is their impressive scientific approach – utilizing advanced extraction methods with a team led by a chemical engineer, ensuring consistently clean and potent products. Their diverse product portfolio means there's something for every consumer preference, from traditional gummies to innovative smokeless pouches.We especially appreciate their inclusive, welcoming approach that makes cannabis accessible to newcomers while satisfying experienced consumers. The fact that their products are available in 36 of Arkansas's 38 dispensaries speaks to their reliability and quality consistency – exactly what deal-seekers need when they want to trust they're getting premium products at great prices. Their transparent, science-driven approach makes them a brand we confidently recommend to our community.

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