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.
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 
.
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! 
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? 
.
. 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 
. If someone said something like that to me, I'd be way more hurt than "sorry" would make up for 
.
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 
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 
. 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 
. I don't think he should get away with this either - businesses like Flos Cannabis need to be held accountable for their actions.
. Anyway, I hope the agency takes action against him and makes sure he understands that his words have consequences 
.
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 
. The fact that he deleted his Facebook message is even more telling 
. It's like he was trying to cover his tracks or something 
. Can't have people using racial slurs in the workplace 
! #JusticeForFlosCannabis #RacismHasNoPlaceInBusiness #BeMoreInclusive
, don't try to downplay with a "I'm not racist" claptrap 
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? 
.
. It's not just about Flos Cannabis, it's about creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued 
.
! It's like he thought he could hide behind his 'I'm not racist' claim 
.
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 
.
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. 