Written by Sam Riches and Published in The GrowthOp. Feb 24, 2023
“We see taking out the smell as one of the big two components, with the other one being a function, where you actually feel something when you smoke it“
Spotlight presents an interview with Jorge Olson, the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Hempacco, a California-based company aiming to revolutionize the tobacco industry with hemp-based alternatives to cigarettes. Here are the key insights from the discussion:
Hempacco specializes in producing hemp-derived smokables, including rolling papers and cannabinoid sticks, with a focus on offering functional benefits such as relaxation, focus, or sleep, while ensuring low odor to combat the stigma associated with cannabis.
Partnering with Nevada-based High Sierra Technologies, Hempacco is leveraging patented and patent-pending technologies to manufacture and distribute low-odor smokables, staying within the bounds of federal legality.
While strictly adhering to hemp and other federally legal substances currently, Hempacco remains poised to incorporate cannabis into its production once federal regulations allow.
Established in 2019, Hempacco has secured partnerships with notable figures such as Cheech and Chong, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg, aligning with individuals who champion the benefits of hemp and cannabis and can leverage their influence to promote the shift away from traditional tobacco products.
The company’s commitment to disrupting the tobacco industry extends to the development of low-odor hemp products, recognizing the importance of eliminating the cannabis smell to broaden acceptance and accessibility.
Hempacco maintains the integrity of hemp properties, such as terpenes, while removing the characteristic smell of cannabis, ensuring consistency and quality in its products.
In response to the lack of oversight in the CBD industry, particularly concerning hemp pre-rolls, Hempacco emphasizes the need for regulation and clinical trials to ensure product quality and safety.
Hemp sourcing is carefully managed, with organic hemp tested for contaminants before entering the manufacturing facility, reflecting the company’s dedication to quality assurance.
Partnerships with influential figures like Snoop Dogg exemplify Hempacco’s strategy of aligning with champions of cannabis and hemp to drive awareness and adoption of alternative smoking products, ultimately aiming to transform the tobacco landscape.
The collaboration with Snoop Dogg, driven by a shared vision of disrupting tobacco with cannabinoids, underscores the strategic importance of leveraging celebrity status to amplify messaging and reach a broader audience.
By combining expertise in manufacturing and product development with direct-to-consumer marketing facilitated by celebrity partners, Hempacco aims to accelerate the transition from nicotine tobacco to hemp and CBD alternatives.
Jorge Olson Professional Summary:
Experienced co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the cannabis and hemp industry. Skilled in product development, marketing strategy, and business development. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Marketing and Finance.
Experience:
Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Hempacco, California
2019 – Present
- Spearheaded the development and manufacturing of hemp-derived smokables as alternatives to traditional tobacco products.
- Led strategic partnerships with industry icons such as Cheech and Chong, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg.
- Directed product development efforts focusing on functionality and low-odour attributes to appeal to a wider audience.
- Established a joint venture with High Sierra Technologies to enhance manufacturing capabilities and expand market reach.
Interview Highlights:
“In order for us to have a shot at disrupting tobacco, the hemp cannot smell like cannabis, because there’s still a stigma to cannabis.”
“We need champions of cannabis and champions of hemp and people that can use their celebrity status to communicate this message of disrupting tobacco.”
“We decided very early on that we would not be farmers… We’re a consumer products company.”
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance
[University Name], [Graduation Year]
Skills:
- Product Development
- Marketing Strategy
- Business Development
- Partnership Management
- Branding and Positioning
- Regulatory Compliance
- Market Research
Written by Sam Riches and Published in The GrowthOp. Feb 24, 2023
