Brothers Adam and Sassan Shaool never imagined they would one day be running a cannabis dispensary. As leaders of Washco Companies, the pair built their careers on real estate investment, property management, and hospitality ventures such as Thick-n-Thin Brewing Co. south of Hagerstown. But after Adam secured a social equity license through Maryland’s lottery system, the brothers launched the Koan Cannabis shop, blending innovation with a strong community-driven mission.
Located at 10306 Ezra Drive off Sharpsburg Pike, the Koan Cannabis shop officially opened its doors on September 24. Unlike traditional dispensaries, the store emphasizes education and customer experience. “We don’t want this to be a sterile environment,” Adam said. “We want it to be warm, welcoming, and focused on education.”
That philosophy is woven into every aspect of the Koan Cannabis shop. Instead of relying solely on digital menus, customers browse hands-on product cards with detailed descriptions of cannabis flower, edibles, infused beverages, concentrates, cartridges, and topicals. Knowledgeable staff members are available on the floor to answer questions and guide first-time users. For convenience, the Koan Cannabis shop offers walk-in service, online ordering, and even a pre-order drive-through option.
The Koan Cannabis shop will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by festivities from noon to 8 p.m. including a beer tent with Thick-n-Thin Brewing Co., a DJ, giveaways, a mechanical bull, and local food vendors like Blue Boar Kitchen. The event reflects the store’s larger mission: to become not just a dispensary, but a hub for community connection.
Sassan explained that the Koan Cannabis shop is designed to make newcomers feel comfortable. “A lot of people are nervous about cannabis. We encourage them to start small, like trying a low-THC product — similar to how someone might begin with a light beer,” he said. Staff are trained to walk customers through product types and safe usage, reinforcing the shop’s focus on education.
With over 1,000 applicants for employment, the brothers hired more than 60 local staff members, underscoring their commitment to Washington County. The Koan Cannabis shop also plans to host wellness events, partner with local businesses, and feature music and community programming to further strengthen ties with the area.
As of September 30, Maryland cannabis sales reached nearly $780 million for the year, reflecting a booming market. Against this backdrop, the Koan Cannabis shop represents more than just a new dispensary — it’s a new model for how cannabis businesses can connect with and support their communities.