Chris Fontes

Cannabis rule-breaker turned legislation-whisperer

First to bring hemp-derived THC to a can President, U.S. Hemp Authority Denver Business Journal: 2026 Leader
3B+
Media Impressions

15+ years building companies at the intersection of tech, hemp, and policy. Founder of the first hemp-derived D9 brand in the country. Now running High Spirits—and fighting for the future of the industry in Washington DC.

The Journey

Building High Spirits as the drink for a generation stuck between mixtapes and mortgages.

From Code to Policy

1990–2017

The Programmer

Started as a developer and CTO, building systems for small businesses across various industries. Learned the mechanics of turning ideas into working products.

2017–2020

The Connector

Built Hemp Exchange, a secure marketplace connecting verified hemp producers with buyers. Realized the hemp industry needed infrastructure—so I built it.

2020–2022

The Entrepreneur

Founded Project Hemp Flower and Trojan Horse Cannabis. Saw the legal pathway for hemp-derived Delta-9 THC hiding in plain sight inside the 2018 Farm Bill—and ran through it. Became the first to create intentionally dosed THC products at national scale.

2022–Present

The Founder & Policy Maker

Launched High Spirits—functional beverages without the hangover. Became President of the U.S. Hemp Authority Board of Directors. Now fighting for consumer access in Washington DC while building the future of social drinking.

In The News

Where You've Seen Me

What I'm Building Now

Current Projects

Founder & CEO

The original hemp-derived THC beverage company. Zero-proof, full experience. Available nationwide.

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President, Board of Directors

Leading industry certification and advocacy. Working with lawmakers and brands to navigate the cannabinoid market.

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New Initiative

Placeholder for the next evolution of hemp policy and industry development. More details coming soon.

Coming Soon →

Let's Connect

Building the future of hemp policy and functional beverages. Always open to collaboration, media requests, and conversation.

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