Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Fontes.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started in tech, teaching myself programming at a young age and building a career in software, marketing, and small business development. That entrepreneurial path led me into hemp in 2018, when I was introduced to the industry, but saw it could really benefit from my existing skillset. There were a lot of players in hemp, but they were all disjointed. I worked to help build a marketplace that aimed to bring trust and transparency to a very messy supply chain. What started as a tech project quickly turned into something much bigger. I found myself working directly with farmers, regulators, and operators across the country, helping navigate a brand new industry in real time.
As time went on, I realized hemp had much more potential, especially as I took a closer look at the farm bill, which left a lot of room for how the plant could be treated and transported. After understanding the legal pathways for psychoactive hemp, we developed the hemp-derived Delta-9 category and the very first THC beverages under the name High Spirits. Now based in Denver, we’re proud to be part of a city that continues to push cannabis culture and innovation forward. We’re focused on building a brand that combines quality, consistency, and a better consumer experience while staying deeply involved in the policy conversations shaping the future of the industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The hemp industry moves fast, and not always in a straight line. We’ve dealt with marketing nuances, major revenue swings, and constant regulatory uncertainty that can change overnight depending on the state.
At one point, we had to relocate our entire operation across state lines in a matter of days due to a sudden policy shift. We’ve also made intentional decisions that were challenging at the time, like only using all natural Delta-9 THC, because we wanted to make sure our products would be safe for adults 21+ to consume. At that time, a lot of operators were cutting corners in terms of ingredient sourcing and formulations, but we wanted to feel confident in our product quality and long term sustainability. Ultimately, it was the right decision for High Spirits.
Those challenges forced us to build a more disciplined business. Bootstrapping early on meant we had to be efficient, creative, and very clear about our values. It shaped how we approach product quality, partnerships, and long-term growth, and I’m proud of what the High Spirits team has been able to accomplish.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What excites me most right about the industry right now is the shift in how people are thinking about cannabis, especially in beverage form. More consumers are looking for alternatives to alcohol that still offer a social, elevated experience, and THC beverages are stepping into that space in a real way. In states like Colorado with an adult-use cannabis market, I only see that growing.
However, for Americans in states without adult-use or medical cannabis programs, hemp has played a major role in making that same experience possible. It has opened the door for access to the plant and for normalized products that can live in everyday settings.
However, the industry is at a serious inflection point. Policy decisions being made right now in Congress will determine whether this momentum continues or gets rolled back. For anyone interested in where consumer trends, wellness, and social habits are heading, this is a space worth watching closely; and if you’re someone who enjoys hemp products like THC beverages, now is the time to reach out to your representatives to stop the hemp ban in November.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The Power of Habit was pivotal in coming up with the idea of putting THC in a can.
I use a minimalist launcher for Android, meaning my home screen has no icons and no notification bubbles. Just a few words to keep me distraction-free. I also keep my phone on silent all the time, and only allow a few notifications on my watch. I used to get overwhelmed by the amount of “Bing bongs” I’d get in an hour. As an entrepreneur, you juggle a lot and keeping the noise out is crucial to move from one task to another.
Lastly, Spotify and music are huge in my everyday life. Going under the hood and jamming out is my flow state.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drinkhighspirits.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkhighspirits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkhighspirits/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/drinkhighspirits
