In 2012, Chris Emerson faced a career crossroads. Fresh out of the U.S. Navy, where he worked as a Chinese interpreter, and completing a postdoc in small molecule chemistry at Stanford University, Emerson was expected to follow one of two traditional paths: academia or pharmaceuticals. But instead, he took an unconventional leap—one that would change the cannabis industry.
That leap led him to a Mendocino County cannabis farm, where he went from a casual user to a scientist obsessed with the plant’s potential. Fast forward more than a decade, and Emerson, alongside his wife and business partner Brie Emerson, is the driving force behind Level—a company that’s redefining how cannabis is consumed.
Unlike the usual joints, gummies, or vape pens found in dispensaries, Level focuses exclusively on pill-form cannabis. These tablets, designed for precise dosing, cater to both recreational users and those seeking medical relief. The company offers a range of products, each formulated for specific effects: “Recover” for pain relief, “Lights Out” for deep relaxation, and “Boost” for energy and focus. By stripping away the stigma associated with smoking or sugary edibles, Emerson hopes to make cannabis more accessible to a broader audience.
“I thought it would help normalize the consumption method and remove the stigma of ‘I have to smoke this’ or ‘I don’t want a sugary snack,’” Emerson told SFGATE. His innovative approach is resonating—Level now sells millions of pills annually across seven states.
However, breaking into the cannabis market with pills wasn’t easy. Many in the industry initially balked at the idea, seeing it as a departure from the plant’s natural form. Emerson, however, saw it differently: “We take the best things the plant offers and combine them to drive the effect that we want.”
Level’s products stand out not only for their format but also for their focus on cannabinoids beyond the well-known THC and CBD. Their formulations feature lesser-known compounds like THCa, CBDa, CBG, and CBC, offering users tailored experiences that traditional cannabis products often lack.
With a growing consumer base and increasing acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate wellness tool, Emerson’s vision for a pill-based future might just be the next evolution of the industry.
Read the whole article from SFGate here.
