Highly Enlightened, hosted by Jon Purow

Christine Apple is the Founder and CEO of Grön, one of the fastest-growing edibles brands in the U.S.

Before launching Grön from her basement in Oregon, Christine spent years working with jurisdictions and regulators, developing an early grasp of compliance that proved invaluable as the cannabis sector evolved.

Her leadership has been marked by impressive expansion and product innovation. Grön was early to single-serve edibles with its “Mega” line and a pioneer in minor cannabinoid formulations. 

More recently, Christine has leaned into rosin-based edibles, reflecting a broader trend toward plant-forward, connoisseur products.

In this episode, Christine and I discuss her transition from architect to cannabis entrepreneur, the philosophy behind Grön’s growth strategy, and the balance between innovation and regulation. We also explore trends in consumer demand — from sleep-focused products to high-dose edibles — and what it takes to scale a brand in one of the fastest-moving industries today.

Samuel Brill is the CEO of Ascend Wellness Holdings, where he first served as Lead Independent Director and now leads the charge at one of the country’s largest multi-state operators.  He is a veteran of capital markets, private equity, and corporate transformation - with nearly three decades of experience guiding businesses through high-stakes moments.

Before stepping into the cannabis space, Sam led private equity efforts at Seventh Avenue Investments, managing the portfolio for a multibillion-dollar single-family office focused on turning around underperforming businesses. He’s also served as CIO at Weismann Capital, overseeing investments across credit, real estate, and structured deals.

Sam’s fingerprints are on a range of industries - from medical devices to distressed debt - and he currently chairs the board of Invacare Holdings while advising companies through his consultancy, S Brill LLC. Across it all, he’s been the steady hand in the boardroom, the turnaround strategist behind the scenes, and the one asked to lead when stakes are highest.

In this episode, Sam and I discuss his transition to CEO of Ascend Wellness Holdings, focusing on applying private equity and CPG principles to the cannabis industry, particularly in enhancing branding and packaging. We also explore the development of new product lines, the importance of understanding diverse consumer needs, and strategies for achieving success in a rapidly evolving market.

 In this second round of One Hitters, I hit the floor with quick, punchy interviews from some of the most interesting voices in cannabis. From brand builders to community leaders, each guest brings a fresh perspective — all in under five minutes. If you want a fast take on where the industry’s heading, this episode’s got you.

Featured Guests:

Jordan Mackenzie Whittaker
The Weedaker Group

Mitch Pfeifer
Director of Community Relations, Active

Sheila Fey
Marketing Director, Elevated Roots

Ian Powell
Founder, Loud Minds TV

Paul Vancea
Kosmik Brands

Host:
Jon Purow

In this second round of One Hitters, I hit the floor with quick, punchy interviews from some of the most interesting voices in cannabis. From brand builders to community leaders, each guest brings a fresh perspective — all in under five minutes. If you want a fast take on where the industry’s heading, this episode’s got you.

Featured Guests:

Jordan Mackenzie Whittaker
The Weedaker Group

Mitch Pfeifer
Director of Community Relations, Active

Sheila Fey
Marketing Director, Elevated Roots

Ian Powell
Founder, Loud Minds TV

Paul Vancea
Kosmik Brands

Host:
Jon Purow

As the former CEO of both Cookies Management and Connected Cannabis, Kevin Brooks recognized early on that plant health was the largest vulnerability in the cannabis supply chain.

His experience building one of the largest vertically integrated cannabis companies in California, as they successfully developed some of the most well-known, super-premium cannabis products on the market, led him to form Conception Nurseries. Conception is the only company in California capable of offering commercial-scale tissue culture to the cannabis industry.

In addition to their own extensive catalog of cultivar clones, Conception also offers remediation, cold storage, and exclusive production services. Kevin’s history of leadership and successful exits in the highly regulated technology space have
fueled the success of Sacramento-based Conception Nurseries.

Recent notable milestones
include:
● Recipient of the Ready to Invest™ award at The Arcview Group‘s inaugural Investor
Intelligence Conference.
● Selected as exclusive nursery for COOKIES Fam Genetics for California and Oregon
markets
● Over $40M raised since inception in 2019.

"One Hitters Compilation – Volume 1"

In this fast-paced compilation episode of Highly Enlightened, host Jon Purow hits the road—capturing quick, insightful interviews with leading voices across the cannabis industry. Filmed at MJ Unpacked Missouri 2024, the WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025, and the Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight, this lineup showcases perspectives from founders, marketers, security experts, and more. These "One Hitters" may be short, but they pack a punch—perfect for a snapshot of where cannabis is going next.

Featured Guests (in order of appearance):

1. Precious Osagie-Erise
Founder, Precious Cannabis Co.
📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025

2. Corey Bix
Director of Business Development, Silverstar Protection Group
📍 Filmed at MJ Unpacked Missouri 2024

3. Tawnie Scarborough
Principal, Fox Foot Inc.
📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025

4. Amna Shamim
Director of Content Marketing, The Cannabis Community
📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025

5. Tor Hamer
CEO, Green Nexus
📍 Filmed at WomenGrow Leadership Summit 2025

6. Ben Burstein
Corporate Development Manager, LeafLink
📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight

7. Sarah Trent
Founder & CEO, Valley Wellness NJ
📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight

8. David Zelinger
Partner, Canis Major Partners
📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight

9. Bran Noonan
CEO, OGeez!
📍 Filmed at Benzinga New Jersey Cannabis Market Spotlight

Host:
Jon Purow

Ricky Williams won a Heisman Trophy at Texas and rushed for over 10,000 yards in 11 NFL seasons. 

He is now the President and Co-Founder of Highsman, a lifestyle brand that Ricky personally curates from the cannabis to the accessories.  Ricky launched Highsman to provide communities of sports fans and herb enthusiasts everywhere with a platform to own their relationship with cannabis and its ability to unlock true, personal greatness. 

Highsman merged with a hemp brand based out of North Carolina, which has extended Highsman’s reach nationwide into hemp products, as well as the state-licensed markets that it is expanding further into.