It’s sometime in the late 1960s to early 70s, and my grandfather was part of a multi-state hemp operation for a “large crew across the southern border”. This was no small operation—my grandfather told me this was the first time he saw a million dollars in cash, hidden in a secret room, and the bales of hemp stacked to the ceiling. But when trouble came knocking, a rat within the group led to my grandfather’s prison sentence.
Years later, as a teen, I was mowing his lawn for summer money when I noticed he was growing hemp again. I was already familiar with hemp at the time, and now we shared a mutual passion for it. This would be the beginning of something bigger.
As life moved forward, my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and was having trouble making his own medicine. My grandma tried to buy tinctures online to help him, but instead, she was scammed out of her money and sold nothing but hemp seed oil. This infuriated me, and I knew I had to step up. I took a grow light that my grandfather had given me and began learning the art of hemp cultivation.
For the next decade, I dedicated myself to perfecting my craft. During this time, I met my wife, we got married, and we welcomed a child into our lives. Yet, I found myself torn. I was cultivating hemp in a 60-foot long hoop house, farming alongside large agricultural fields, which brought a new set of challenges that we didn’t face with indoor cultivation. These challenges were compounded by zoning regulations and the complexities of the agricultural landscape.
As I navigated these obstacles, I began to realize the risks I was taking—not only to my freedom but also to my family’s well-being. Balancing the demands of my career with my responsibilities as a husband and father became overwhelming. Time was slipping away, and I realized I couldn’t continue trying to make everything work. After much reflection, I knew it was time to pivot and find a new direction.
That’s when I made the move to the retail side of the industry. With a decade of experience, and a trusted network of amazing growers, I knew I could offer high-quality products at fair prices. I now have the confidence to do so because of the years I spent cultivating relationships and learning what it takes to bring premium hemp to market.
We’re not just selling hemp; we’re sharing a story, a legacy, and a commitment to family, authenticity, and quality. Every product we offer is a reflection of our values and the hard work that went into building this brand. When you choose Slav-Zatics, you’re choosing something personal. We’re here to provide you with the best hemp products, crafted with passion and a shared love for the plant.
The name Slav-Zatics is a play on words, Slav as in the squat I would do while defoliating plants. Za as in “zaza” I’ve always found the terminology kind of silly. Remember the days when the best hemp came in a ziplock bag and stunk up your pocket? SlavZatics remembers.
