Cannabis Retail Expansion: From California to Canada, New Stores Offer Unique Experiences
Here's Where To Buy Legal Weed While Getting A Tattoo And A Beer: New Cannabis Stores In US And More.
It seems that Big Alcohol is not seeing Big Marijuana as a threat, but rather a profitable opportunity. Moves made by some top companies such as Molson Coors, Anheuser-Busch and Constellation Brands are proof. And it goes the other way around, too. Irwin D. Simon, CEO and chairman of Canadian cannabis giant Tilray Brands, Inc. has been bullish equally on both marijuana legalization and beer.
Tilray's acquisition of eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch made it the 5th largest craft beer business in the U.S. "I'm buying these brands too because I think there's a big opportunity in the beer business and my whole strategy is craft beer," Simon told BNN Bloomberg in last year's TV interview.
These days, smaller players in the alcohol industry are opting to venture into cannabis. As highlighted in a recent story by Green Market Report's John Schroyer, Beer World located in Greene County, upstate New York, is eyeing an opportunity to take over a legal cannabis dispensary permit. The beer distributor intends to set up a cannabis shop in a building where its beer store is located. According to the Times Union, stores won't be sharing the same entrance though, and will be run separately.
Four New Cannabis Shops In Four States
Meanwhile, cannabis sales in North America seem to be thriving, if we factor in the number of new stores that are kicking off sales.
In Illinois, nuEra and High Times Cannabis Cup Winner opened a new dispensary in DeKalb with legendary Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon. The 5,000 square feet of retail space previously occupied by Book World at 818 W Lincoln Hwy Space #7, opposite Northern Illinois University, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month.
GrowHealthy, serving Florida's medical cannabis patients, celebrated the grand opening of its new North Port retail location in late May. Located at 4490 Aidan Lane in North Port, the new dispensary is GrowHealthy's 19th store in the Sunshine State and is the first GrowHealthy to feature a new open concept providing a boutique retail experience.
North American cannabis giant TerrAscend Corp. opened its new Detroit, Michigan-based dispensary recently. GAGE 313 at 14239 8 Mile Road sells recreational cannabis and has held the special two-day grand opening event this past weekend.
Planet 13 Holdings Inc. recently debuted the Koolsville Tattoo location. As Benzinga's Javier Hasse highlighted last week, "Koolsville Tattoo, celebrated as the “Home of The $10 Tattoo is renowned for its affordability and artistic prowess. Now, with a location inside Planet 13, visitors can indulge in their favorite cannabis products and commemorate the moment with a tattoo, all under one roof."
California's Two New Stores
Artist Tree at 24902 Moulton Pkwy., Laguna Woods, which will host a grand opening party in early summer will be the 8th retail venue in The Artist Tree chain and the first of their stores to open in Orange County. "The Artist Tree venues go above and beyond just selling cannabis in hopes of serving the surrounding community through events, education, and perhaps most importantly, by fostering creativity, the company recently said.
Meanwhile, Bay Area cannabis delivery platform Smoakland is expanding into Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties. Chang Yi, the company's CEO, said "We recognize that California customers are seeking more and more value every day, and we’re proud to provide them with good products at good prices, every day. Our efficiency and customer service are the icing on the cake.”
Cannabis Retail Outside The US
In Canada, High Tide Inc. plans on kicking off recreational cannabis sales at 17 Hanes Road, Huntsville, Ontario-based Canna Cabana store on Thursday, June 6. The opening will mark the company’s 172nd Canna Cabana branded retail cannabis location in Canada, the 63rd in the province of Ontario and the first store in Huntsville.
Thailand's Thai Cannabis Club Co., Ltd., recently announced the opening of its newest location in Sukhumvit Soi 39, Bangkok. The retail location marks the company's 16th store. Each store, including the latest that opened, is designed to be a hub where patients can learn about the products, understand their use, and receive guidance tailored to their needs. The club’s online platform and physical locations offer an extensive range of products, from CBD oil to all other CBD derivatives.
