SmarterPaw LLC

Founded by Chris Glissman in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2016, this innovative company has made waves by selling catnip with a cannabis-inspired twist. The concept—selling catnip in “dime bags,” pill bottles, and pre-rolled joints—was both humorous and revolutionary. What started as a playful side project quickly morphed into a thriving, international business with a loyal customer base. The journey of Meowijuana is one that blends passion, humor, innovation, and a love for pets, particularly cats.

One of the most significant aspects of Meowijuana is its unique branding. Catnip is a well-known stimulant for cats, and many pet owners already use it to entertain their feline companions. However, no company had previously embraced a humorous, cannabis-themed marketing strategy. Chris Glissman took advantage of the visual similarities between catnip and marijuana to create a brand identity that resonates with pet owners and stands out on retail shelves.

The company’s approach is all about having fun, but beneath the humor lies a serious commitment to quality. Meowijuana sources its organic catnip from farms across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring a premium product. Its catnip is grown and harvested under strict quality control, offering cats a more potent and enjoyable experience. The company also uses natural additives like silvervine, valerian root, and chamomile to enhance its blends, catering to cats’ different preferences and needs.

Meowijuana has cultivated a strong and loyal customer base, thanks in part to its distinctive branding and high-quality products. The company’s marketing strategy, which includes social media campaigns and email marketing, has helped build a community of cat lovers who appreciate the brand’s humor and dedication to their pets’ well-being.

The brand’s playful approach to catnip resonates with a wide range of customers, from young adults to older cat owners. This broad appeal has allowed Meowijuana to connect with different demographics while maintaining a consistent brand identity. The company’s presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok has further enhanced its visibility and engagement with customers.

The initial concept was simple: to sell catnip in a way that mirrored the packaging and marketing of marijuana. Glissman’s vision was bolstered by the legalization of cannabis in several states, which was generating significant media attention and cultural shifts. The parallel between catnip and marijuana became a point of humor and appeal, but at its core, the business was dedicated to creating high-quality products for pets. By maintaining this focus on product excellence, Meowijuana was able to grow rapidly.

The turning point for Meowijuana came when the company began attracting attention from national retailers and online platforms like Amazon and Chewy. Pet industry experts took notice of the brand’s growing popularity, and partnerships with major pet retailers helped the company scale up. Meowijuana’s products are now available in close to eight thousand stores across the U.S. and internationally, a testament to the brand’s widespread appeal.

Since its launch, Meowijuana has experienced remarkable growth. The company now ran by Scott Ragan, who serves as the CEO, with Chris Glissman as COO, has expanded its product range and distribution, while remaining true to its core mission of providing fun, high-quality products for cats. Today, Meowijuana operates out of a space of 25,000 square feet and a dedicated team of 20 employees. The company has made the Inc. 5000 list the past five consecutive years, ranking as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States.