Local cannabis pioneer forges a new path in the industry

Eddie Saade, a 44-year-old Lansing native, has transformed a personal tragedy into a mission to help others through his cannabis company, Apex Cannabis.

Prior to venturing into cannabis, Saade’s career revolved around helping youth, first as a counselor for kids coming out of juvenile detention and later as a high school counselor and football coach, a position he recently retired from after more than 20 years.

When his daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder, Saade sought alternative treatments to improve her quality of life. This led him to discover the potential of cannabis, particularly strains with high levels of CBD.

In 2012, Saade became a caregiver in order to help others find the same relief his daughter experienced. He was a pioneer in sourcing and providing medical cannabis to qualified pediatric patients in the Lansing area. He was grateful for the caregiver laws in Michigan, which allowed him to care for his patients without fear of legal retribution, including losing his counseling career.

When Saade’s daughter died in 2018, he again turned to cannabis to help manage his profound grief. After some reflection, he realized he had witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of cannabis on young patients, inspiring him to continue his work in the industry. The mentors who had helped him start growing cannabis back in the caregiver days decided to invest in his idea, and Apex Cannabis was born in 2021.

Apex offers a diverse range of strains in both flower and pre-rolls, placing a strong priority on potency and purity. The name itself reflects Saade’s hopes that people can use his products to reach their own personal apexes, whether it’s managing inflammation, anxiety, grief or other ailments without relying on pharmaceuticals or perhaps finding an alternative to opioid addiction.

I’ve sampled the entire flower lineup, all cultivated right here in Lansing, and the quality and taste are exceptional. The buds are neatly manicured and sticky, not dry and dusty. My favorites are the Rose Gold Runtz and the Ice Kush. The former has the traditional sweet, candy-like flavor of Runtz and a textured mouth feel. It’s a fantastic blend that I’ll definitely return to. The latter is a potent indica with a phenomenal aroma and a sweet, peppery, gassy flavor. It’s also incredibly sticky, and Saade, with his encyclopedic knowledge of strains, pointed out its effectiveness in reducing inflammation.

With meticulous attention paid to quality, Apex has quickly gained recognition in Michigan’s competitive cannabis market. The company’s products are available locally at Flora in East Lansing, with a planned expansion to Lansing’s Gage Cannabis in January.

Beyond providing quality cannabis, Saade is dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives and empowering women in the cannabis industry. By combining his passion for helping others with his entrepreneurial spirit, he aims to establish a thriving business that benefits both individuals and the community.