Lawmakers worldwide are recognizing the medicinal benefits of natural compounds, such as those in cannabis and mushrooms. Once considered dangerous “drugs,” both are now widely legal. And both are the focus of entrepreneur Alex Wolfe.
He co-founded a cannabis business in 2017, built a 650,000 sq. ft. growing facility, and took the company public. He now runs a mushroom-based nutritional supplement company called Eons, which he launched in 2021.
In our recent conversation, he shared the mission of Eons, the challenges of regulated industries, and more. Our entire audio is embedded below. The transcript has been edited for clarity and length.
Eric Bandholz: Give us your rundown.
Alex Wolfe: I’ve launched and sold several companies. The latest is Eons. It’s a nutritional supplement business combining mushrooms and biotechnology. Our goal is to make a massive impact on mental health.
In 2017, I co-founded what became one of the largest cannabis companies in Canada. We built a 650,000-square-foot facility in Quebec, got it licensed, and took it public. That experience taught me valuable lessons in entrepreneurship. It was a wild two-year ride.
Mushrooms have the potential to impact both physical health and mental health, even on a spiritual level. My current focus is how mushrooms, especially in microdoses, can heal and improve mental well-being.
Trailblazing so-called “high-risk” industries like cannabis and mushrooms has challenges, especially with banking, payment processors, and marketing. But we eventually found solutions. Some people were willing to take a chance and work with us. If you’re determined, there’s always a way to make things work. Even now, as we bring a legal psychedelic microdose product to market, we face regulatory hurdles. But we always manage to find solutions.
Bandholz: What are the hurdles?
Wolfe: Psychedelics encompass a broad category. The word itself means “soul-revealing,” helping people access parts of their consciousness. Many psychedelics have mind-altering effects, ranging from mild to intense. Microdosing is on the tame end, yet it can be incredibly healing when done with intention.
At Eons, we focus on responsibly stewarding psychedelic mushrooms to show people that microdosing, when done correctly, can have amazing benefits without downside side effects. Our flagship product, Dialed, is a true microdose with 14 patents on its delivery technology, allowing precise dosing and quick onset. It helps people move from stress and anxiety to calm and observe their thoughts.
Bandholz: How do you market Eons?
Wolfe: We’re careful about making claims. Dialed falls under the dietary supplement category, so we can’t say certain things. But we’re heavily focused on science and data to support the product’s effects.
My business partner leads our research efforts. We’re exploring natural psychedelic compounds that can benefit mental health without causing hallucinogenic effects. Over time, Dialed repairs the GABA receptors in the brain, which regulate fear and anxiety. After using it for three to four weeks, people often notice that triggers no longer cause stress.
We’re working on brain mapping and neuroscience to show how it creates new neural pathways, helping people respond to situations in healthier ways.
Our marketing strategy, again, is rooted in science and data. We’re conducting a study with 100 veterans to show how Dialed helps with anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and addiction issues. Many veterans struggle with mental health, and if we can demonstrate the product’s impact on their well-being, it’s a win-win.
The data we collect will boost credibility and legitimacy. We also want to help young men and women struggling with social media comparison and identity issues. Our goal is to impact mental health and societal challenges positively.
Bandholz: Where can people support you?
Wolfe: Find us at Eons.com and follow us on Instagram. I’m on LinkedIn and Instagram.
