Fresh Connection — Creating More Cannabis Supply
A hemp farm and CBD producer located in Willamette Valley, a region in Oregon known for its rich volcanic soil
The Problem
In Massachusetts, despite a heavy demand, there is a severe lack of supply and diversity of cannabis flower and products. The cost to buy legal marijuana in the Bay State is higher than in most of the country, largely because of supply issues. Licensed operations by law can only purchase from licensed growers in the state, but there are not enough licenses to make the supply sufficient.
What The Company Does
Fresh Connection is a hemp farm and CBD producer located in Willamette Valley, a region in Oregon known for its rich volcanic soil and long history of producing some of the nation’s most flavorful wines. The company will solve the supply problem by producing high quality and unique cannabis strains as well as a multitude of products. The Fresh Connection has a bank of hundreds of strains of genetics, both new and old, and partnerships with some of the top cannabis brands on the West Coast.
The Market
The company estimates the market in Massachusetts to be nearly $2 billion annually. In Colorado, a state with 20% fewer people and geographically 10 times larger than Massachusetts, sales were $1.75 billion last year alone, according to the state. Given the population density, proximity to non-legal states, and higher discretionary income, Fresh Connection believes the Massachusetts market will be at least 20% larger than the Colorado market in just a few short years. As of last November (the last state issued final license update), there were only 31 final licenses issued to cultivators thus far. In Colorado, the peak licensed number of growers was 744.
Business Model
Fresh Connection is already approved both locally and at the state level with a provisional license. The company will be selling directly to retailers who are seeking to expand their inventory and supply their customers with top quality flower, concentrates, and products.
Traction
Fresh Connection’s CBD brand is carried in stores across the nation including Hawaii, Maine, Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida, and more. It’s largest markets are Connecticut and New Jersey.
Founding Team Background
Co-Owner William Seagaard is a graduate of Bentley University with a Bachelors in economics and finance. A former licensed financial consultant, he heads up the business development, licensing, and sales for Fresh Connection. Co-Owner Samantha Seagaard is a graduate of Reed College in Portland, Oregon. She has been working in the medical, recreational, and hemp cannabis industry for nearly 10 years overseeing day to day operations, packaging, marketing, and sales. Co-Owner Zach Swanson is an army veteran and licensed construction contractor for nearly 30 years. He has overseen and consulted on the building and operation of numerous cannabis facilities in both California and Oregon. He has over 20 years of experience in day to day growing operations of medical, recreational, and hemp cannabis facilities.
What They Need Help With
Fresh Connection is seeking funding for its seed round to fund phase 1 of its operations in which it will become profitable. Connect with the Fresh Connection team.
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