Edible Empire: Cracking the Code on Multi-State Expansion

DeepRoots is a free, monthly, webcast series featuring some of the foremost operators and brands in the Cannabis Industry. This collaborative venture between CBE & Ott Growth Advisors provides best practices and strategic insights for cannabis brands and operators to position their businesses for market expansion and growth.

About This Event:

The uniqueness of each state’s cannabis regulations and structure makes it challenging to enter a new market with a single form factor. But what if your DNA resides in creating multiple innovative form factors and formulations that aren’t easily duplicated or, at times, even possible in new markets? These are challenges that Christine Smith, founder and CEO of Oregon-based Grön, has faced when expanding her edible brand into five states over the past few years. Christine joins Deep Roots to discuss how innovation crosses state lines and how success in one market does not always translate into a new market – where adaptations may be necessary.

Our Guest: Christine Smith, Founder and CEO of Grön (Pronounced Grewn)

Founded in 2015, Grön has become one of the largest and most recognized edible brands in the cannabis industry, with operations in their home state of Oregon, as well as Nevada, Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma and Canada. Prior to founding Grön, Christine spent 20 years as an accomplished architect until her creative intuition  and culinary passion for confections presented an entirely new career path. What started as a hobby with one delicately nuanced dark chocolate bar, has led to the creation of multiple product lines available throughout the United States and Canada. With no outside investments, Christine was able to create several innovative purpose-driven product lines. Grön’s Sugar-Coated Pearls, Mega Pearls, Chocolate, and Candy-Coated Pips are formulated with cannabinoid ratios of THC, CBG, CBN, and CBD, giving millions of happy customers a perfect experience. Christine is a pioneer in the cannabis edible industry as one of the first producers to be entirely self funded, majority woman-owned majority woman-operated, and using all natural and Fair Trade Certified ingredients in the Grön product assortment. Today, Christine leads a growing team, who are expanding the reach of Grön and creating new products, packaging and initiatives that connect consumers to the purpose-driven and beautifully delicious brand she has created.

DeepRoots Host: Erik Ott, Founder, Ott Growth Advisors

Erik Ott is the founder of Ott Growth Advisors (OTA), a boutique investment bank specializing in Corporate Development and M&A. Ott serves on the Board of Directors of BGP Acquisitions Corp, a $115m cannabis SPAC trading on the NEO exchange. Before OTA, Ott was a founding partner at KO Acquisitions, Inc. and investment bank specializing in M&A in the State of California.