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A Los Angeles company that makes flavor additives used by cannabis products is facing backlash for its latest marketing strategy — giving away tents branded with their logo to the homeless on skid row.
Terp Science Labs handed out over 500 tents in what the company described as a “win-win situation” — providing shelter to the homeless — that also double as a free advertising campaign.
“We did it for our marketing, but also trying to help out as well,” DJ, a store manager told The California Post, adding that there was “no malicious intent.”
“We’re always trying best to help our community out, and especially around this time because it’s so hot,” said DJ. “The tents were a good idea and everyone’s been so appreciative.”
But critics argued the tents came off more as a marketing stunt than as an effort to help a community in need.
Comedian and content creator Harrison Baum discovered the tents earlier this week, telling The Post he counted at least five while walking near 4th and San Pedro in downtown LA.
“This is definitely one of the craziest things that I’ve seen,” he said.
Baum, who makes viral videos that frequently highlight government waste in California, criticized local leadership for failing to address the homelessness crisis.
“I think it’s more of a symptom of the failure of our administration to actually take care of this,” he said.
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Despite spending nearly $3 billion per year on homelessness programs, the latest LA city and county report is expected to show that the homeless population grew in 2026 by about 3.4%, sources familiar with the findings told The Post.
“I guess the homeless going up means more advertising opportunities,” Baum quipped.
Michelle Borrow, the company’s managing partner, told The Post she understands why people might see it as a marketing stunt, but underscored the intent was to simply help the community.
“If it was totally marketing, there’s definitely easier, more economical ways we could direct market to our consumer,” she added.
Despite the pushback, Terp Science Labs is planning on handing out an additional 500 tents in October.
“There are people looking forward to it, that have come to our store and have heard about the tents from either their friends or people in the area and they’re excited for our next shipment in October,” said Borrow.
Baum, however, remains unconvinced.
“I would never advertise like that,” he said. “I think there’s lots of legitimate ways to advertise, mostly by having a great product.”
Before becoming a content creator, Baum founded one of the most popular smoking subscription box companies called the Daily High Club, which was ultimately acquired for $10 million back in 2021.
“Even though I love weed, I’ve made my career off of it, I use it every day — at the end of the day, it is a mind altering substance, and I don’t think homeless and weed shouldn’t intermingle at all until they’re at a better place in their life.”
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