Beyond gummies: Hey! Captain redefines cannabis edibles

The first bite of a freeze-dried Star Baby is a revelation: an airy crunch that melts on the tongue, releasing a burst of tangy sweetness, followed by a potent wave of relaxation. Forget the chewy monotony of gummies; Hey! Captain edibles are a game changer in cannabis consumption. Hilary Dulany, the savvy force behind Lansing’s Aardvark Industrees, hasn’t just launched another edible brand — she’s paying homage to a pioneer and challenging the market’s status quo.

Dulany, a Lansing native, is no stranger to the turbulent waters of Michigan’s cannabis industry. From the caregiver days to today’s regulated market, she’s navigated the booms and busts, now a partner and the chief marketing officer at Lansing’s Aardvark Industrees, the powerhouse grower behind sought-after brands like Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Reserve. With 11 High Times Cannabis Cup awards to its name, Aardvark’s craft grow consistently yields top-tier cultivars like Twizzlers, Don Mega and nostalgic Blue Cookies, a throwback to the 2010s, when Blueberry Haze reigned supreme. Willie’s Reserve also offers meticulously crafted pre-rolls, both infused and un-infused, showcasing a focus on quality that sets the brand apart in the celebrity cannabis space.

Late last year, Aardvark launched the edible line Hey! Captain, a tribute to the legendary caregiver and industry innovator Kirk Reid, also known as “Captain Kirk.” Reid, whose own caregiver brand bore a similar name and theme, is the creative force behind the recipes, acting as a company spokesperson, in-store educator and quality-control guru.

“We wanted to honor Kirk’s legacy and bring something truly unique to the market,” Dulany said. “When I told people I was starting an edible brand, they immediately asked what flavor of gummies I was going to make. We knew we had to break that mold.”

And break it they have. Hey! Captain’s tagline, “NO Gummies, NO Brownies, NO Bullshit,” is a bold declaration of the brand’s commitment to innovation. The freeze-dried Starburst- and Skittles-type candies offer a refreshing departure from the gummy glut. The Star Babies, packing a punch at around 40 milligrams of THC per piece, are well suited for experienced consumers, while the Cosmic Crunchers, at 7 to 8 milligrams per piece, offer a more manageable experience. Be warned: Their irresistible flavor and small size make it easy to overindulge.

“The freeze-drying process intensifies the flavors and creates a unique texture,” Dulany explained. “It’s a completely different experience than traditional edibles.”

This novel approach is crucial in a rapidly evolving market. With many cannabis experts predicting a significant industry contraction, innovation and quality are paramount.

“We’re seeing a shift away from both gummies and combustion,” Dulany said. “Consumers are seeking new and exciting ways to experience cannabis.”

Hey! Captain edibles are more than just a novelty — they’re a reflection of the changing cannabis landscape. As consumers demand more sophisticated and diverse products, companies like Aardvark, with its technical expertise and unique vision, will lead the way.

Experience the freeze-dried revolution for yourself. Find Hey! Captain edibles at Lansing’s House of Dank and discover a new dimension of cannabis consumption.