Michigan’s Flos Cannabis owner caught using N-word but denies being racist - Detroit Metro Times

Michigan Cannabis Business Owner Caught Using Racial Slur, Denies Racism

In a stunning display of hypocrisy and poor judgment, Timmy Holton, the owner of Flos Cannabis in Kalkaska, Michigan, has been caught using a racial slur against a former employee. The incident highlights the stark contrast between Holton's words and actions, with the business owner claiming to be a supporter of people of color yet using derogatory language that perpetuates racism.

According to text messages obtained by Metro Times, Holton used the N-word in a conversation with a former employee, referring to them as an individual who "does not know what to do with his life." The message was part of a heated exchange involving two former employees. When confronted about his actions, Holton responded by apologizing and claiming that he is not racist.

However, many are questioning the sincerity of Holton's apology, particularly given the context of the conversation. "If you've met me, you know I'm not racist," Holton wrote in a now-deleted Facebook message. This statement seems to be more of an attempt to deflect criticism than a genuine expression of remorse.

The situation has sparked outrage among those who argue that Holton's actions and words demonstrate a clear lack of understanding and empathy for the experiences of people of color. "By saying he's not racist when he uses the N-word, you're probably fucking racist," one texter replied to Holton in response to his apology.

The incident also raises questions about the accountability and responsibility of business owners who engage in discriminatory behavior. Flos Cannabis has faced citations from the Cannabis Regulatory Agency for alleged violations, including using a carbon dioxide system without permission and failing to properly tag products with information from the statewide monitoring system.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial that businesses like Flos Cannabis prioritize inclusivity and respect for all individuals. The use of racial slurs and discriminatory language has no place in any workplace or community.

I don't know if this guy's apology is genuine or just a PR stunt. He says he's not racist, but using the N-word is like wearing a "I'm a racist" badge . And what's with the Facebook message getting deleted? Did someone ask him to take it down? Anyway, I'm not buying his apology without some serious proof that he's changed his ways and is actively working on educating himself about racism and its impact on people of color. Otherwise, his words just sound like a bunch of empty apologies .

I'm not surprised about this dude's behavior... Like, come on! He owns a cannabis business and thinks he can just apologize his way out of using a racial slur? It's like, what does he even think people would believe? That he's some kind of activist or ally to the community? Please. The texts from his former employees say otherwise... and let's be real, that apology was super weak. I mean, saying "if you've met me" is just a desperate attempt to deflect criticism. And don't even get me started on the cannabis industry as a whole - it's all about profiting off people's vices while pretending to care about social justice? Give me a break!

can't believe what's going on with this guy his business is getting shut down and he's still spewing hate speech lol 42% of cannabis users are people of color, so like how can you claim to support diversity when you're a racist? 63% of people who use racial slurs in online conversations are men, and 71% of those guys have been arrested or charged with a crime at some point in their lives the cannabis industry needs to do way better than this

Ugh, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one ... I mean, who uses a N-word and then denies being racist? It's like, how can you even call yourself a friend to people of color when you use language that's so hurtful and divisive? The fact that Timmy Holton is the owner of a cannabis business in Michigan is just wild to me. You'd think he'd be more aware of the impact his words could have on others .

I've been to some pretty sketchy places for weed in my day, but this one takes the cake . The thing that really gets me is that he claimed to support people of color and yet he uses a racial slur like it's no big deal . I don't know about anyone else, but if you use that word, I think you're basically racist, period .

It's also crazy how he thought he could just apologize and be done with it . If someone said something like that to me, I'd be way more hurt than "sorry" would make up for . Businesses like Flos Cannabis need to do a lot better than this .

this guy Holton is straight up caught red-handed using a racial slur against some dude he fired...and now he's trying to play the victim like "oh I'm not racist, I just said that one time" his apology sounds like a total cop-out, and honestly, if you're gonna use the N-word, you probably are racist it's all about owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility. Holton's got some serious 'splainin' to do...and it's gonna take more than just a fancy Facebook message to fix this one

omg y'all i cant even this timmy holton dude is literally the WORST he's all like "i'm not racist" but then he goes and uses a racial slur like what is wrong with him? his apology sounds like a total joke to me and honestly i dont think it should be just an apology, he should also have to do some kinda community service or somethin to show that he's really trying to make things right. anyway, this whole situation is giving me LIFE because people are finally calling him out for his BS

This is so messed up! I mean, how can someone own a business that's supposed to be inclusive and supportive of people from all backgrounds and still use racist language? It's like he's trying to pass off his own ignorance as something else. And the fact that he claims to support people of color but uses derogatory words against them is just wow. The whole situation reeks of hypocrisy and it's making everyone so mad. I don't think an apology from someone who has hurt others can ever truly make up for what they've done. Flos Cannabis needs to take responsibility for their employee's actions and do some serious damage control. They need to show that they're committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment, not just pay lip service to it.

This whole situation is super messed up . I mean, you can't just use a racial slur and then claim you're not racist - that's like saying you love dogs because you have a dog . It's just not true. And the fact that Holton tried to apologize by saying he's "not racist" in a Facebook message? Come on, dude, that's just an excuse . If he was really sorry, he'd take responsibility for his actions and try to make things right, not just brush it off and pretend like everything is fine.

And let's be real, using the N-word is never okay . It's a hate word that can cause so much harm and pain to people of color. And now, Holton has put his entire business at risk because of his poor judgment . I don't think he should get away with this either - businesses like Flos Cannabis need to be held accountable for their actions.

The cannabis industry is all about promoting wellness and inclusivity, but it seems like Holton's business is more focused on being hypocritical than on being a good neighbor . Anyway, I hope the agency takes action against him and makes sure he understands that his words have consequences .

lol what a joke this guy Timmy Holton thinks he can just apologize and move on like nothing happened? please dude get a grip! if you're gonna use the N-word, own up to it and don't try to spin it as some kinda mistake and btw sorry not sorry for calling him out on this. i think he's using this as a PR stunt to save his business from getting shut down and honestly who knows how many other people he's offended with his ignorance? shouldn't be that hard to recognize when you're being racist and just apologize already!

this dude's apology is like a bad joke - "if you've met me, you know I'm not racist" what even is that? like, just own up to it or don't? all the backpedaling in the world isn't gonna make this one disappear. and what's with the carbon dioxide system thing? sounds like a legit citation to me... i mean, who doesn't know how to do basic business operations?

omg this guy Timmy Holton is totally outta touch i mean he's trying to own up to the racist thing but honestly it comes off as a weak excuse to me. like how can you use that word and not be racist? doesn't make sense, dude. and what's with the "if you know me" vibe on facebook? sounds like he's more worried about his rep than actually making things right the cannabis industry needs people who get it, you know? we're all about inclusivity and respect here

This whole thing is just wild ! I mean, Timmy Holton's trying to play the victim and claim he's not racist, but come on ! If you're using a racial slur like that, it's already a huge problem . And then he's got the nerve to apologize and say "if you've met me, you know I'm not racist" ? That just doesn't fly . The fact that he deleted his Facebook message is even more telling . It's like he was trying to cover his tracks or something . Anyway, it's super important for businesses like Flos Cannabis to step up their game and prioritize inclusivity . Can't have people using racial slurs in the workplace ! #JusticeForFlosCannabis #RacismHasNoPlaceInBusiness #BeMoreInclusive

This guy's apology is more cringeworthy than a TikTok fail. If you're gonna apologize, own up to it , don't try to downplay with a "I'm not racist" claptrap . And btw, a business owner caught using the N-word should be banned from running a shop .

this guy's apology is literally just a weak attempt to save face... if he's not gonna own up to his racism, then why should anyone trust him? businesses like Flos Cannabis need to take real action to address systemic issues and educate their staff on the harm caused by racist language. Just throwing some feel-good vibes and hoping everyone forgets isn't enough it's time for accountability and a genuine commitment to inclusivity in the cannabis industry

this dude's apology is so weak... like, if you're really not racist, why did you drop the N-word in the first place? it's just another example of how some people don't even realize they're being racist till someone calls them out on it. and what's with all these business owners thinking they can just slap a 'I'm not racist' label on themselves and get away with stuff like this?

I'm low-key shocked by this whole situation . I mean, you got Timmy Holton profusely apologizing for using the N-word but still trying to deflect blame . It's like he thinks we're all just gonna swallow his BS hook, line, and sinker .

As a business owner, shouldn't he be setting an example of inclusivity and respect for all employees, regardless of their background? I think the cannabis industry should be pushing for more accountability from businesses when it comes to discriminatory behavior . It's not just about Flos Cannabis, it's about creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued .

And let's not forget, this guy was even caught using that slur in a text message - talk about digital footprint ! It's like he thought he could hide behind his 'I'm not racist' claim . Newsflash, Timmy: your words and actions speak louder than your apology .

I mean think about this... Holton's business got fined for some other stuff, but nobody bats an eye... unless he uses a certain word that might get him in trouble It's like he's trying to say "I'm not racist, but I can use a racial slur when it's convenient" And what's with the apology? Sounds more like a PR stunt than a genuine attempt to make things right. Maybe Flos Cannabis should take this as an opportunity to do some soul-searching and actually teach their employees about cultural sensitivity... or maybe they'll just use it as another excuse to lower their prices

I cant even believe this, I was just talking to my cousin about how we used to hang out at that old record store back in the day and they had a "No N-Word Zone" sign on the door... now it seems like people are still getting caught using those words and thinking they can just apologize and move on . It's just not right, you know? And what really gets me is that this dude owns a cannabis business and has been cited for other stuff too . Like, how can he expect to be a good corporate citizen when he's still spewing that kind of hate speech? I guess it just goes to show that sometimes people are more full of hot air than their cigars .

I'm literally SHOOK by this story! Like, how can you be a business owner who supports diversity and inclusion yet spew racist nonsense? It's 2025, people! We should know better than to use the N-word and expect to get away with it. The stats on racial bias in the workplace are already concerning enough – this just takes the cake. According to a Gallup survey from 2020, 63% of African Americans reported experiencing racial bias at work. That number is likely higher now, given all the progress we've made (or lack thereof). Meanwhile, Flos Cannabis has seen a 20% increase in sales since the agency issued citations for alleged violations – I guess some folks just don't care about being inclusive... yet.