From 'Tiger King' To Kingmaker: Inside Producer JT Barnett's Cannabis And Entertainment Projects

The expanding landscape of cannabis culture is growing richer by the day, and one name appearing frequently in the nexus of this ever-evolving scene is JT Barnett. A versatile producer and director, and a staunch advocate of cannabis, Barnett is venturing into uncharted territories, intertwining the worlds of cannabis, television and hip-hop, much to the delight of fans and the industry alike.

Barnett is no stranger to the mainstream spotlight. He is known for his work with the infamous Joe Exotic, leading the Tiger King Cannabis initiative alongside Kingmaker Cannabis. This venture aims to introduce a range of cannabis strains with distinct characteristics and therapeutic potential. In what can be seen as a nod to the show's eccentric personality, the initiative promises to bring a touch of the exotic to the rapidly growing cannabis market.

In an interview with Benzinga Cannabis, Barnett expressed his hope that this project will usher in a new era of cannabis reform in the U.S. "Our unique strains are more than just products. They are a symbol of the changing perception of cannabis, and our hopes for a more inclusive and understanding future."

Unknown to many, the original "Tiger King" pilot was born out of a collaboration with Danny Cotton from WorldStarHipHop, the current COO of Worldstar. Prior to the global popularity of the Netflix docuseries, Cotton was already working closely with Joe Exotic.

"Danny put me right there in front of Diddy, and put me in rooms with legends such as Waka Flocka, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Scarface, Styles P and so on," Barnett revealed, attributing much of his success to the opportunities from those endeavors.

Barnett's creative repertoire extends beyond the world of cannabis and controversial tiger handlers. He is currently developing "House Invasion," a true-crime docuseries in collaboration with renowned Eric B. & Rakim producer Jonathan Hay. The series is based on a violent home invasion incident involving Hay during a crisis management situation with Drake.

In parallel, he is also producing "The Hart Legacy" featuring pro-wrestling star Teddy Hart, who Barnett described as "the next Tiger King." This project aims to clear the air around the wrestler while shedding light on the history and secrets of the industry.

His first commercial feature, "Scarecrow Bandits," a film based on a group of bank robbers from Garland, Texas, is another feather in his cap, demonstrating his versatility and ability to tackle a variety of narratives.

The name JT Barnett, while already significant in the world of television, is now becoming synonymous with innovation in the cannabis industry. His fusion of cannabis culture with television and hip-hop is indicative of the increasingly intertwined worlds of entertainment and cannabis.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the place where deals get done, is returning to Chicago this Sept 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.