An Interview with Ornipa Levey, Founder of Baked
If you’re in Chiang Mai and looking for the best edibles, you’ll likely come across Baked.
Baked, a popular Chiang Mai cannabis edibles maker, has a unique origin story that reflects the power of love and the healing properties of cannabis.
The founders, Ornipa “Pupae” Levey, and her partner Louis Joseph Levey, were inspired to create small-dose edibles after Louis used cannabis edibles to ease his sick father’s chronic pain.
Despite initial concerns about cannabis, Pupae came to understand its benefits and joined her husband in creating Baked, with the aim of making legal microdose cannabis food items that could help people explore the positive effects of cannabis.
What really sets Baked apart from the rest of the local cannabis edibles companies is their FDA approval. They are the first FDA-approved cannabis cookie in Thailand, making them the first microdose THC product that can be sold nearly anywhere in the Kingdom.
The journey to FDA approval was long and challenging, but the couple’s efforts paid off and today Baked is a beloved brand that has won over local Chiang Mai media and even the most skeptical of customers.
From government officials to previously concerned mothers and grandmothers, Baked’s delicious and responsibly-made edibles have earned the approval of a wide range of people who appreciate the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Inspiration and Process = #cnxlife
When asked about what inspired them to become a business owner in Chiang Mai, Pupae replied, “We love Chiang Mai and have lived here for over 6 years now. It’s an excellent place to live, work, and grow, so we decided Chiang Mai would be the perfect place to start Baked.“
When it comes to business their process involves ideation, research, and implementation, with execution being the key to their success.
Pupae also shared that their passion for cannabis makes it easier to stay motivated and inspired in their work.
Challenges and Commitment To Chiang Mai
Being a business owner in a highly regulated space comes with its own set of challenges.
Pupae shared that even with their legal microdose cookies, they still have to educate people about their products and how they differ from more potent options.
One of the things we — CNXMAG — love the most about Baked is its commitment to supporting the cannabis industry at large. They have created two groups – the Chiang Mai Ganjapreneur Community and the Chiang Mai Green Community – to support other local businesses, artists, and consumers in and around the cannabis space.
Influence of Chiang Mai
Pupae also shared that Chiang Mai continues to influence their work and business.
“Chiang Mai is the perfect place to create and nurture communities. Even before we began distributing our cookies, most people in the space have heard of us and our commitment to supporting the cannabis industry.”
More Edibles, More CNX Events
When asked about their future plans for Baked in Chiang Mai, Pupae said that they plan to continue getting their displays in locations throughout the city and other cities throughout Thailand.
They also plan to work with dispensary operators to create consumer-facing events, with events currently planned for August, September, October, and November.
Find them on the interwebs here.
