In this episode of the Thorn City Spotlight Show, host Na’eem Hall sits down with Jermaine Thompson, owner of The Highest Xpectation a Portland-grown, Black-owned cannabis dispensary that’s changing the game. With three OLCC licenses covering retail, production, and processing, Jermaine shares what it means to be a vertically integrated operator and how he uses his business to uplift the community.

We dive into his 13-year journey in the industry, discuss equitable pricing, and learn how The Highest Xpectation is more than just a brand — it’s a mission to serve, inspire, and elevate.

📍 Located at 4931 NE 33rd Avenue (corner of 33rd & Alberta)

📲 Follow them on IG: @THX33rd

🌐 Visit: TheHighestXpectation.com

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• How Jermaine got started in cannabis
• The value of owning multiple OLCC licenses
• What vertical integration means in this space
• The power of giving back and staying community-first
• Summer deals, daily discounts & how to “Just say THX”

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#JermaineThompson, #TheHighestXpectation, #PortlandDispensary, #BlackOwnedBusiness, #CannabisCommunity, #CannabisEntrepreneur, #VerticalIntegration, #TopShelfFlower, #OregonCannabis, #CannabisCulture, #EquityInCannabis, #THX33rd, #JustSayTHX, #ThornCitySpotlight, #NaeemHall, #PortlandBusiness, #SupportLocal, #SmallBusinessSpotlight, #CannabisPodcast, #PortlandPodcaster

Welcome to the first episode of What I Think with Seeznin — recorded LIVE from GMP Podcast Group Studios!

🌹 Hosted by Seeznin and the Thorn City Podcast Guy, we dive into real conversations about life, sports, and everything in between.

🎙️ In This Episode:

Marvin Sapp controversy: Is church becoming a hustle?

The real reason college athletes needed NIL money 💰

How the transfer portal is changing college sports

March Madness reactions + the rise of women’s basketball 🏀

Portland’s youth basketball scene 🔥

And why live podcasting is the future!

👀 WATCH every Thursday at 7 PM PST live on the Thorn City Spotlight YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch!

👉 Follow Sam Thompson

Instagram | @seeznin503

👉 Follow Naeem Hall

@thorncitypodcastguy | @thorncityspotlight

📍Recorded at GMP Studios | 2406 E Burnside St, Portland, OR

💬 Tell a friend to tell a friend. Join the convo — this is JUST the beginning!

#Podcast #PortlandPodcast #WhatIThink #Seeznin #ThornCitySpotlight #BasketballTalk #NIL #ChurchMoney #MarchMadness

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👀 Want to Be a Guest?

Apply here: https://www.thorncitysyndicate.com/guest-intake-form

💼 Business & Sponsorship Inquiries

Connect with us: https://www.thorncitysyndicate.com

In this episode of the Thorn City Syndicate Spotlight Show, host Na’eem Hall sits down with Seeznin (Sam Thompson)—a well-respected community leader, mentor, and sports advocate who has dedicated his life to uplifting Portland’s youth through sports, mentorship, and service.

Seeznin shares his journey from being an athlete to becoming a pillar of leadership in the Portland community. He discusses how his experiences growing up, attending 13 different schools, and building relationships across diverse communities shaped his ability to connect, mentor, and give back.

As the founder of Next Level Sports Entertainment and the Director of the Base 55 Foundation, Seeznin is actively involved in empowering young athletes and underserved families. He also discusses his latest initiative, the Mike James Elite AAU team (@mikejameselite), and his new role in revitalizing the Portland Pro-Am Summer League.

Key Highlights:

✅ The power of sports as a tool for youth development and community-building

✅ The origin of Next Level Sports Entertainment and its impact on the Portland sports scene

✅ The Base 55 Foundation (@base55foundation), co-founded with Mike James (@mikejameselite), and its focus on youth engagement and service

✅ Revitalizing the Portland Pro-Am Summer League and its significance in professional basketball development

✅ The challenges young athletes face and the importance of mentorship and networking

✅ How event promotions led to a career in community activism

✅ Strategies for engaging youth in positive, community-driven activities

About Our Guest: Seeznin (Sam Thompson)

Seeznin is a community-driven entrepreneur and advocate for youth empowerment through sports. He is the founder of Next Level Sports Entertainment, the Director of the Base 55 Foundation, and the organizer of the Mike James Elite AAU team (@mikejameselite). His work has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young athletes, fostering leadership skills, and supporting underserved families in Portland.

📌 Connect with Seeznin & His Work:

🌐 Instagram: @seeznin

🌐 Twitter/X: @seeznin503

🌐 Mike James Elite: @mikejameselite

🌐 Base 55 Foundation: @base55foundation

🌐 Website: http://www.base55foundation.org

🚀 Call to Action: Get Involved!

🔥 Support the Base 55 Foundation! Help create opportunities for youth and families in need of extra love. Visit Base55.org or follow @base55foundation for updates on upcoming events.

🏀 Follow Mike James Elite AAU Team (@mikejameselite and give them some support as they compete on the Adidas circuit!

👀 Stay Tuned for Pro-Am Summer League 2025

Bringing back NBA-level competition, community engagement, and Portland vs. Seattle rivalries!

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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Thorn City Syndicate Spotlight Show and leave a review! Follow us for more inspiring interviews with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and game changers.

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🔗 Instagram: [@thorncitysyndicate](https://www.instagram.com/thorncitysyndicate)

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🔗 LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/naeemhall]

🎙️🔥 Listen & Watch the Full Episode Now!