Interview with our Co-Founder, Rusty Wilenkin
Hey pals, pull up a seat, and let’s get into something cool. We’re stoked to bring you a behind-the-scenes chat with none other than Rusty Wilenkin, our fearless co-founder and CEO. Since kicking off the Old Pal journey back in 2018, we’ve been all about keeping it real with products that fit effortlessly into your lifestyle.
Today, Rusty's here to spill the deets on our latest adventure into the world of hemp-infused edibles. We’re talking flavors that throwback to simpler times and a mission to make sure everyone can join the party, no matter where they are.
Q: When & why did you start Old Pal?
Rusty: We launched Old Pal in 2018 with a simple goal—to make cannabis approachable and affordable for everyone. We saw an opportunity to offer a high-quality product that fit into anyone’s everyday life. We wanted to bring people together through the plant in its most accessible and straightforward forms. That ethos still guides us today.
Why launch hemp-derived THC products online?
Rusty: We’ve always been about making our products accessible, and hemp-derived THC lets us take that even further. Some states still don’t allow recreational cannabis, so offering a product that fits within federal guidelines allows us to reach people who otherwise couldn’t get Old Pal. By launching these products online, we’re bringing the Old Pal experience to more people across the country.
Why move into the hemp space now?
Rusty: As we continue to enter more markets in the cannabis space, we couldn't help but also look at all the markets where cannabis is not legal yet. And with more consumers now turning to THC-infused products over things like alcohol, we felt it was the right time to enter the D9 space allowing us to bring THC-infused products across the country. We also wanted to have some more fun with edibles—our online “pantry” gives us the flexibility to play with seasonal flavors and small-batch exclusives, something that’s harder to do in dispensaries.
What is your favorite of the new Old Pal hemp-infused products?
Rusty: It’s tough to choose! When we were in the R&D phase of this product line, we set out with the goal of creating edibles that delivered a perfect dose of hemp-derived THC but more importantly were delicious and classic. The flavors are all familiar and/or nostalgic to take you back to a simpler time. If I had to choose just one though, I’d say the Rainbow flavored Cosmic Crispies are my #1 right now. They’ve got that perfect blend of fruity sweetness that makes me feel so nostalgic. That said, the Cocoa and Classic Marshmallow Cosmic Crispies are right up there, too.
When do you like to enjoy an Old Pal edible?
Rusty: I like to wind down with an edible at the end of the day. After wrapping up work, it’s nice to relax with a movie or just hang out with my wife and pets. Our Cosmic Crispies and Chews are my new go-to way to chill when I’m not in the mood to smoke.
Our Pantry is Now Open
Our pantry is officially open, and it's stocked with all the good vibes and great flavors you've come to expect from Old Pal. Whether you're into the nostalgic kick of our Rainbow Cosmic Crispies or the zesty sweetness of our Tangerine Trip Chews, we've got something to help everyone kick back and relax in true Old Pal style. Swing by, check out our latest creations, and let's make some new memories together.
