NASCAR Backs Out of Hemp Vape Sponsorship

The cannabis community was poised for a huge move last week when NASCAR agreed to feature a hemp vape company’s logo on a car’s hood. However, a sudden reversal of the sponsorship led to frustration from the brand and its supporters.

According to an official press release, Carl Long, who drives a Chevrolet, #66, was primarily sponsored by Veedverks, a hemp-derived vape pen company. During the practice laps of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Long was asked to remove his sponsor’s logo from the hood of his car.

Because Veedverks creates products that are hemp-derived, their pens are legal at a federal level and NASCAR had previously approved this hemp sponsorship for one of their drivers. Long believed prior to the practice laps that his car was ready to go and his sponsorship was approved. This was an added stress to Long, who is returning to the racing arena after facing a $200,000 fine for engine displacement.

“Veedverks is a small, veteran-owned and operated business that is creating American manufacturing jobs,” explained Travis Lippert, CEO of Veedverks, in their official press release. “We entered this sport while other sponsors are leaving in droves. Now we know why. We hoped this sponsorship opportunity would provide the return on investment that NASCAR claims to deliver. But even though our logo is no longer on Carl’s hood, we remain Carl’s primary sponsor.  Unlike NASCAR, our word is our bond.”

“We are proud to sponsor Carl’s return and to educate NASCAR fans and officials about the legality and health benefits of hemp oil, such as our vape pens,” he added. “Veedverks has been severely damaged by NASCAR’s actions today.”

It’s not yet clear exactly what direction things will take or whether NASCAR will back entirely out of the sponsorship, but despite this setback, this is still evidence that the cannabis industry is well on its way to the world of corporate sponsorship.