Today we’d like to introduce you to John Cureton
Hi John, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! My journey into the cannabis industry has been a long and evolving one, shaped by both my creative background and my deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. I actually started working with cannabis years ago in Los Angeles, balancing my passion for the plant with my career in the film industry. Storytelling and world-building have always been at the core of what I do—whether in film or in business.
From there, I moved to Colorado Springs, where I founded the city’s first cannabis boutique, setting a new standard for premium, high-quality products. That business won multiple awards, reinforcing my belief that cannabis should be treated with the same care and attention as fine dining or craft cocktails. After about seven years in Colorado, I saw an opportunity to bring that same level of quality and expertise to Tennessee, which led to the birth of Burning Acre Company in 2019.
Burning Acre isn’t just a name—it’s a philosophy. It represents a controlled burn, the idea of clearing out the old to make way for something better. I wanted to elevate the industry, creating a product people could trust while focusing on organic ingredients, superior craftsmanship, and consistency. Over the past few years, we’ve grown tremendously, expanding into multiple locations and partnering with over 50 stores nationwide.
We’ve also been recognized 22 times for our work, including taking home awards for Best CBD Store and Best Edibles. But my background isn’t just in cannabis—I’ve always had a creative drive. Back in 2012, I won Best Horror Writer at the Nashville 48 Hour Film Festival, and that same passion for storytelling is something I’ve carried into everything I build, including Burning Acre Company.
Now, our vision is expanding beyond just retail—Dab N’ Dine carts, event collaborations, and licensing opportunities are allowing us to share what we’ve built with a larger community. At the end of the day, my journey has been about pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and creating something truly special. And we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it’s been anything but a smooth road, but that’s what makes the journey worthwhile. When I started Burning Acre Company, I knew I wanted to bring a better-quality product to the market, but doing that in Tennessee, a state with strict cannabis laws, presented its own set of challenges. We had to navigate regulations, changing policies, and the constant uncertainty that comes with the cannabis industry.
Another major challenge has been education and perception. Even though hemp-derived cannabis is legal, there’s still a stigma surrounding it in some areas. We’ve had to put in extra effort to educate customers, lawmakers, and even landlords about what we do and why it’s different from the misconceptions people may have.
Beyond that, running and growing a business comes with the usual struggles—scaling production while maintaining quality, managing supply chain issues, and handling economic shifts. We’ve had to stay adaptable, whether it was overcoming the challenges of launching during uncertain economic times or streamlining our operations to handle rapid growth.
But despite the obstacles, we’ve thrived. We’ve expanded into multiple locations, won 22 awards, and built a brand that people trust. It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has made us stronger, and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Burning Acre Co.?
Burning Acre Company is Tennessee’s premier luxury cannabis brand, specializing in handcrafted, organic edibles and high-quality, hemp-derived cannabis products. We’re not just another cannabis company—we focus on elevating the industry by creating clean, consistent, and responsibly sourced products that set a new standard.
What We Do & Specialize In:
We’re known for our award-winning edibles, high-end ingredients, and meticulous craftsmanship. From gourmet chocolates to artisanal gummies and pastries, everything we create is made with organic ingredients, no preservatives, and premium extracts. We also offer a range of flower, prerolls, and concentrates, all carefully curated for quality and experience.
What Sets Us Apart:
Burning Acre is built on integrity and innovation. We take a chef-driven approach to our products, using browned butter, Madagascar vanilla, organic flour, and high-end chocolate sourced from Ghana and Switzerland—ingredients you’d expect in a fine dining experience, not just in cannabis edibles.
We also believe in education and transparency. Many brands focus on mass production, but we stay true to craft cannabis, ensuring precise dosing, quality control, and the best experience for our customers. Our name, Burning Acre, represents a controlled burn—getting rid of the old to make way for something better. That’s exactly what we’re doing for cannabis in Tennessee.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
We’ve won 22 industry awards, including recognition for Best CBD Store, Best Gummies, and Best Vape Carts. But beyond the awards, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve built with our customers. Whether it’s in our retail stores, through our licensing opportunities, or with our mobile Dab N’ Dine carts, we continue to push the boundaries of what cannabis can be.
What We Want Readers to Know:
Burning Acre is more than a brand—it’s a movement. We’re focused on quality, experience, and responsible growth. We offer a luxury experience in cannabis, whether you’re visiting one of our stores, trying our handcrafted edibles, or experiencing one of our exclusive events.
At the end of the day, we believe cannabis should be treated like any other gourmet or craft product—with respect, quality, and care. That’s the Burning Acre difference.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along this journey is that quality and integrity always win in the long run. In an industry that’s still evolving and often unpredictable, there are plenty of shortcuts you can take—but they come at a cost. From the start, I made a commitment to do things the right way, even when it was harder or more expensive. Whether it was sourcing organic ingredients, perfecting our recipes, or staying compliant with changing regulations, we’ve never compromised on quality, and that’s what has set Burning Acre Company apart.
I’ve also learned that adaptability is key. The cannabis industry is constantly shifting—laws change, market trends evolve, and new challenges arise. Being able to pivot, innovate, and think ahead has been crucial to our success. We’ve expanded our brand, introduced new concepts like Dab N’ Dine carts, and refined our business model—all because we’ve stayed open to change and growth.
And lastly, I’ve learned that your team and your community are everything. You can have the best product in the world, but without a strong team and loyal customers, none of it matters. I’ve been fortunate to build a company that people believe in, and that trust is something I never take for granted.
At the end of the day, passion, persistence, and a commitment to excellence have been the driving forces behind Burning Acre Company, and they’re what will keep us growing into the future.
Pricing:
- $5-$100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.burningacre.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/burningacre
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/burningacre
- Twitter: https://x.com/burningacre
