Oregon-based Grön brings new cannabis business model to NJ
An Oregon-based producer of handcrafted cannabis-infused edibles is taking a bite out of New Jersey’s legalized market with a unique business approach.
Grön [pronounced “grewn”] began a decade ago as a side hustle for architect-turned-cannapreneur Christine Apple. Now, it’s one of the country’s largest producers of artisanal chocolate and gummies in an ultra-competitive cannabis space that’s worth nearly $40 billion.
After starting out with a single chocolate bar created in Apple’s kitchen in Portland, the venture has expanded its lineup to feature a range of edibles infused with top-quality cannabis extract and made from organic, single-origin, Fair Trade Certified and locally sourced ingredients.
Grön can be found in eight markets across North America, including New Jersey and New York, as well as different regions of Canada. It has earned accolades from publications like High Times and Benzinga, as well as a spot on Inc. Magazine’s 5,000 fastest-growing companies in 2023.
From sourcing premium ingredients to crafting signature products, Grön is focused on ensuring everything is consistent as it expands across markets.
To achieve that, Grön operates under what Apple calls a “reverse licensing model.” The company partners with an existing licensee but handles production and distribution in-house with its own equipment, people and processes. As part of the deal, Grön leases space from the license holder and pays a royalty on sales.
Apple said Grön pioneered the strategy four years ago in Arizona after seeing how many players in the industry “have overbuilt facilities that are just sitting there with underutilized space.”
“We looked at what we need – particularly in these markets where licenses are vertical and it doesn’t make sense for us to own a retail license. And strictly as manufacturers, how can we capitalize on unused space to be able to do the model that we want.”
Grön began a decade ago as a side hustle for architect-turned-cannapreneur Christine Apple. Now, it’s one of the country’s largest producers of artisanal chocolate and gummies in an ultra-competitive cannabis space that’s worth nearly $40 billion. – PROVIDED BY GRÖN
Jersey love
In late 2023, Grön became one of the first independent edibles brands to enter New Jersey. The company teamed up with New York-based multistate operator iAnthus Capital Holdings Inc., which runs MPX-NJ dispensaries in Atlantic City, Gloucester Township and Pennsauken.
Grön won a manufacturing license from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission and “was so excited,” she said. Then, the company started going through the local approval process in Little Falls.
“I am not going to say it was a disaster. I would just say it was really slow, slow, slow process, and we just couldn’t seem to get it through local approvals,” she said.
“And so, we ended up going into iAnthus’ facility,” said Apple, who described the MSO as a “fantastic partner.”
“They got us in quickly and really let us come in and kind of take over,” she explained. “We procure oils through iAnthus, which gives them an extra revenue stream and that’s a great part of our deal with them.”
In addition to Pearls, Grön’s team of about 30 employees in New Jersey makes and distributes the brand’s Megas, which are high-potency, sugar-coated, fruit-flavored THC gummies for medicinal and recreational use.