Ricky Williams' Highsman Merges With Hemp Brand Frozen Fields

Highsman, the cannabis brand founded by former NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, has merged with Frozen Fields, a North Carolina-based hemp company and its sister entity Abundant Labs. The merger establishes Top Seed Inc. as the parent company while maintaining the Highsman and Frozen Fields brand identities.

Marijuana Meets Hemp: A Partnership For National Competition

The consolidation, announced three years after Highsman's launch, seeks to enhance market reach and operational efficiency. According to Williams, the partnership leverages Abundant Labs' research and development capabilities to innovate products, improve margins, and gain greater supply chain control. “We began exploring M&A opportunities about a year ago, seeking to integrate our brand into a scalable backend,” said Williams in an interview with Forbes.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Highsman has rapidly expanded into ten states using a licensing model. However, the company needed a partner to sustain its growth trajectory, leading to its merger with Frozen Fields. The move positions Top Seed Inc. to compete nationally while navigating evolving cannabis legislation.

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Williams highlighted the benefits of market diversification through this collaboration, blending the adult-use cannabis and hemp sectors. The partnership aims to drive innovation, including Highsman's HIT STICKS, an infused pre-rolled product designed for potency and convenience that has been received very positively by retail partners.

Adapting To Evolving Cannabis Legislation

The formation of Top Seed Inc. positions the combined entity to adapt to potential federal cannabis reforms, particularly under a Trump administration. Williams expressed optimism about the STATES Act, which could deschedule cannabis for legal states, enabling interstate commerce and banking access. "A states' rights approach has a stronger chance of passing," said Williams, emphasizing bipartisan support.

The merger marks a strategic shift in cannabis business models, combining cannabis and hemp operations under one umbrella. With a focus on innovation and legislative readiness, the company aims to scale nationally and strengthen its foothold in a competitive industry.

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• Donald Trump’s Evolving Stance On Marijuana: Is Cannabis Legalization Finally On His Agenda?

Image: Benzinga edit of images by Wikimedia Commons and 2H Media on Unsplash.