Mao Aoust's Meteoric Rise: From Ex-Dealer to CBD Magnate

Imagine a 25-year-old man from Marseille who transformed a teenage passion into a flourishing business empire. Mao Aoust, a former cannabis dealer, successfully navigated the murky waters of French legislation to become a pioneer of CBD in France. His success story is not only inspiring but also a concrete example of how entrepreneurial vision can transform a rapidly expanding market.

The Beginnings of Mao Aoust

Born in February 1997, Mao Aoust grew up in the Cours Ju' district of Marseille. His first experience with cannabis dates back to when he was 14, a time when he started smoking "like everyone else." However, it was in 2018, at the age of 21, that he decided to venture into the CBD trade, driven by a passion for the product and an entrepreneurial vision.

The Creation of High Society

In 2018, Mao Aoust opened his first CBD shop in Marseille, financed by his own savings. This initiative marked the beginning of High Society, a brand that quickly established itself as a leader in the French CBD market. In 2021, the company reported a turnover of 21 million euros, a 20-fold growth in two years.

Expansion and Strategy

High Society doesn't just sell CBD-derived products. Mao Aoust implemented a differentiation strategy by positioning himself as a cannabis expert, offering a range of high-quality products, a strong brand image, and a high-price positioning. The company offers herbal teas, oils, resin, cosmetics, and even CBD flowers, despite legal controversies.

Projects for 2025

Mao Aoust has clear ambitions for 2025. He plans to double the number of High Society stores, aiming for a total of 360 units, 150 of which are already in the process of opening. His goal is to achieve a turnover of 150 to 200 million euros in the next three years. This expansion is not limited to France; High Society is already present in Spain and Germany, with plans to continue developing in these markets.

Social and Political Engagement

Mao Aoust is not only an entrepreneur; he is also a spokesperson for the fight against the stigmatization of CBD and cannabis in general. He was approached by left-wing elected officials in favor of legalization during the 2022 legislative elections, but he chose to stay out of the political arena, preferring to focus on his business.

Evolution of High Society

Here is a summary table of High Society's evolution since its creation:

Year	Number of stores	Turnover (in million euros)
2018	1	0.1
2019	10	1.0
2020	50	5.0
2021	134	21.0
2022	180	30.0
2023	200	40.0
2024	250	50.0

Conclusion

Mao Aoust is a striking example of how a passion can transform into a prosperous business. With High Society, he has not only created a CBD empire but also contributed to changing the perception of cannabis in France. His journey is a source of inspiration for young entrepreneurs, showing that even in controversial sectors, innovation, quality, and vision can lead to resounding success.