**Steey: California’s Cannabis King Taking the Industry by Storm**
In the bustling streets of downtown Los Angeles, just a stone’s throw from neon-lit strip clubs, the cannabis industry has found a true gem. Meet Steey, a marijuana brand that’s not just growing plants but is on a meteoric rise to fame. Founded in 2017 by James Kim and his co-founders, Steey has transformed from a small startup into the leading cannabis brand in America, raking in over $800 million a year. With nearly 50 dispensaries scattered across California, Steey has solidified its place as a powerhouse in the booming $32 billion cannabis market.
James Kim, the CEO and co-founder, is a colorful character—literally! Adorned with tattoos that proudly feature portraits of Benjamin Franklin and even roses made of $100 bills, Kim’s commitment to the cannabis industry is as vibrant as his ink. Stepping into one of his grow rooms, it’s hard not to be impressed. Rows upon rows of healthy, 3-foot tall cannabis plants are just two weeks from harvest, and as he gleefully declares, this room is “all money.” And it’s not just talk; Steey products account for one in every eight cannabis items sold across the United States, according to sales data from Headset.
What makes Steey stand out in such a competitive landscape? For one, the company has mastered the art of vertical integration, overseeing every part of cannabis production and sales. From producing vapes and edibles to cultivating high-quality marijuana, Steey has its fingers in all the pies, or should we say, the pot? With an eye-popping valuation of $1.5 billion, the secretive and undoubtedly shrewd Kim is leading the charge into new territories. Recently, the brand entered the markets in New York, Illinois, and several other states, promptly securing a top-ten spot among bestselling brands within just a month of launch.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the cannabis mogul. Steey’s journey to the top has not been without its fair share of drama. Having been founded during the gray market days before California’s recreational legalization, Steey has faced its share of lawsuits and whispers of wrongdoing—claims that the company has consistently denied. Nevertheless, this has not deterred customers from flocking to Steey’s products, as evidenced by the impressive sales numbers. In the production facility below the grow rooms, skilled workers are churning out mini blunts and filling 100 vape pens at a time. It’s a sight to behold, with nearly 100,000 vape pens ready to hit the market by the end of the day!
James Kim’s path to success is as compelling as the brand he built. Growing up in Cerritos, California, his humble beginnings included sharing a bed with his sister while their immigrant parents worked hard to provide. After venturing into the world of marijuana, dropping out of high school, and even serving in the Army, Kim launched Kilo, a nicotine vape juice brand that quickly took off. It was only a matter of time before he ventured into the cannabis realm, a decision that would prove pivotal as California readied itself for legalization in 2018.
So, what’s next for Steey? As Kim seeks to expand further into more states, the vibrant brand remains a symbol of opportunity and resilience. In an industry characterized by its ups and downs, Steey’s sheer dominance and innovative spirit position it as a formidable player. As customers continue to embrace their products and sales continue to skyrocket, one thing is clear: Steey is the brand to watch in the cannabis world. And with James Kim at the helm, it seems the sky’s the limit!