EAT YOUR GREENS

Natural State Medicinals Touts Local Collabs.

By Becca Bona

Photography By Sara Reeves

There’s more than one way to develop a recipe, and no one knows this better than Trevor Swedenburg, vice president of culinary operations at Natural State Medicinals.

An Arkansas native entrenched in the culinary world for over 15 years, Swedenburg discovered the cannabis industry by chance. He intends to stay a while, however, thanks to the impact he can make.

“Being able to touch patients’ lives in ways that I never thought imaginable,” he said, “is the absolute best part of this job.”

Before finding the cannabis industry, Swedenburg worked with such notable eateries as the Capital Hotel, South on Main, the James Beard Foundation and Oklahoma City’s 21c Hotel restaurant. Even now, he credits his success to stellar mentorship.

“I got to work under a bunch of notable chefs when I was getting started at the Capital Hotel,” he said. Think big names like Matthew McClure (The Hive, Woodstock Inn & Resort), Casidee Dabney (Blackberry Farms, Four Seasons) and Matthew Bell (South on Main, Big Bad Breakfast).

Swedenburg was poised to continue on a traditional culinary career path when an unexpected opportunity came his way. “My best friend from middle school asked me if I could make candy,” he remembered. “I told him that I was a savory chef by trade but that I had definitely tangled with pastries before.”

It turns out Swedenburg’s best friend was one of the co-founders of Natural State Medicinals, and the opportunity seemed too good to pass up. So, while Natural State worked through the licensure process, Swedenburg worked at North Little Rock’s Flyway Brewing, learning everything he could about the world of confections in his free time.

Today he heads up a team responsible for all the delicious, creative edible products available from Natural State. Behind the scenes, they are always working to improve and perfect their final products, from THC-infused gummies to chocolates and hard candies.

For instance, getting the consistency dialed in for gummies takes some fine-tuning. “Probably my favorite thing to do is play with the pectin,” he explained. “It’s so scientifically based and meticulous, but I get to check the spatial particle density — which basically means I see how much light goes through the medium.”

When not working on gummies, Swedenburg dreams up ideas for new collaborations. Since opening to the public, Natural State has always celebrated working with Arkansas-based businesses.

“The Arkansas market responds well to local businesses,” he said. “I learned that with Matt Bell at South on Main. He would use local ingredients in his dishes — it gives you good quality and it’s a good way to support the community.”

Swedenburg upholds a similar mindset at Natural State. Before a collaboration can be secured, however, the intended flavor profile has to be worked out. That’s how NWA-based Onyx Coffee Lab came to the forefront — Swedenburg was after a particular flavor. He envisioned a THC chocolate bar studded with a hint of sweet, toasty hazelnut.

“Onyx, of course, has a very recognizable name,” he said. The roastery has won countless national awards. Plus, it just tastes good.

“We were able to talk to [Onyx] about our idea, and eventually we became partners,” Swedenburg explained. Patients can check out the Hazelnut Espresso Bar as well as the Morning Brew Little Bark to get a coveted taste.

Loblolly Creamery, a beloved small-batch ice cream shop located in Central Arkansas, also marks the list of Natural State Medicinal collaborators.

“I have always loved Loblolly,” Swedenburg said. “We’re always looking at what we can use to improve our products, and that vegan waffle cone was calling our name.” He knew Loblolly’s waffle cone — balanced, crunchy, and sweet — would be a perfect core ingredient for THC-infused chocolates.

Thus, the Little Bark line was born. These bars celebrate the delightful fusion of gourmet chocolate and the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while celebrating local and offering delicious flavor combinations. Patients can enjoy everything from Churro Cheesecake to Peanut Butter Crunch, and so much more.

As long as Swedenburg is at the helm of Natural State’s culinary program, patients can continue to expect epic flavor combinations. Swedenburg loves pushing the culinary envelope: “It’s always fun to have fun.”