Robust operates from a state-of-the-art 74,000 square-foot positive pressure greenhouse facility in Cuba, Missouri, cultivating over 5,000 plants using living soil and natural sunlight. Their genetic library contains over 100 cultivars, with about 22 mainstays and 14 strains in testing, all selected to thrive in Missouri's unique environment.Their product lineup spans flower, solventless extracts, and innovative offerings like their signature Hashirasen capsule line made from solventless rosin and medical-grade MCT oil. As Missouri's only Clean Green Certified® and Certified Kind™ cultivator, every product is free from harmful pesticides and contaminants. They're also the first Missouri cannabis company offering 100% recyclable packaging.Everything is hand-watered and hand-trimmed, with 95% of employees living within 30 minutes of the facility. Robust serves approximately 120 dispensaries statewide while operating their flagship Feel State Florissant dispensary, one of the highest-reviewed dispensaries in the country.
Robust's journey began in 2018 when two University of Missouri friends, Tyler Hannegan and Brad Rhodes, shared a joint on the outskirts of St. Louis and envisioned creating Missouri's finest cannabis. Tyler brought sharp business acumen from his healthcare executive background, while Brad contributed scientific expertise from his work at Washington University and Noah's Arc Foundation.Brad's cannabis experience traces back to 2016 when he became the sole employee of Noah's Ark Foundation, one of Missouri's first licensed CBD cultivators for intractable epilepsy patients. This medical foundation shaped their mission from day one.Starting with plans for 30 employees, Robust has grown to over 50 full-time staff at their 75,000 square-foot Cuba facility, with plans to reach 70 employees. They became Missouri's first Clean Green Certified® and Certified Kind™ cannabis company, pioneering sustainable practices in the state. By 2023, they were serving about 120 dispensaries statewide while maintaining their commitment to organic, locally-grown cannabis that puts Missouri first.
Robust's core mission is to cultivate the finest cannabis Missouri has ever seen while shattering the plant's stigma. Their medical-first approach guides everything they do, with backgrounds in cancer research and healthcare administration shaping their scientific foundation.They're committed to maximizing robust terpene and cannabinoid profiles through living soil cultivation under natural and supplemental lighting. As a local company, they believe in building good community relations and hiring Missourians who take pride in their work."We believe this plant can change lives, and we're here to grow the best possible version of it, every single day," reflects their daily commitment. Their focus on "medical marijuana" exemplifies cannabis's nearly limitless therapeutic potential, driving their passion for work that truly betters people's lives while maintaining environmental harmony through sustainable practices.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Robust's authentic commitment to Missouri cannabis culture. While many operators chase automation, Robust stays true to hand-watering and hand-trimming - you can taste the difference in their terpene-rich flower.Their Clean Green Certified® and Certified Kind™ status isn't just marketing - they're Missouri's only cultivator with both certifications, proving their dedication to clean medicine. The Hashirasen capsule line showcases their innovation - sugar-free, discreet, and incredibly effective solventless rosin capsules that represent just 1% of the market but deliver premium experiences.Co-founder Brad's background in cancer research at Washington University brings real medical credibility, while their living soil approach creates complex, memorable cannabis experiences. Their recent market climb from 22nd to 15th place in Missouri flower rankings proves customers recognize quality. For deals-seekers wanting premium, locally-grown organic cannabis, Robust delivers authentic Missouri excellence every time.