Local Marijuana Dispensaries are making a Positive Impact on their Communities
After nearly a year since marijuana dispensaries began opening on reserves, some are growing their business in ways they never could have imagined before legalization. Miramichi’s Eel ground Organics are opening a second location on a different reserve after five months of opening their first.
“It’s a very quick-growing business.” Says Ashlyn Urquhart, a dispensary worker at Eel Ground Organics.
Eel Ground Organics started in a small shed outside of the owner’s home with just a few workers before building and moving to their current location. The dispensary offers service in -store, drive-through, and delivery.
Urquhart says that being a “budtender” is by far the best job she’s ever had in her life. She feels that the best part about the job is being able to help people who are struggling by choosing the best possible product for the individual and informing them about the cannabis industry.
“I love informing people about the cannabis industry and all the benefits CBD and THC can have for your health.”
Along with budtenders and delivery workers, some workers prepare the product at a warehouse they call “the hub”. There are around 20 people who now work for the dispensary.
The idea to offer a drive-through helped the dispensary continue to strive during the pandemic as many people were too nervous about having in-person contact at stores.
The legalization of marijuana is allows people to purchase products in a way that is guaranteed reliable and safe to use. People have used marijuana for mental or physical health needs for a long time but having dispensaries with knowledgeable workers makes the process a lot easier for people who are struggling to find products that work for them.
“We see customers of all ages, all different backgrounds. You know, the people who just want a couple of joints when they’re going out on the weekend with their friends, and the people who are older and their bones are sore.” She says.
A lot of people use marijuana for relief from chronic pain, and their products can help them tremendously, says Urquhart.
The store carries all natural CBD skincare product for people with conditions like eczema. They also offer help to people who don’t know what exactly they’re looking for but have an issue they need relief from.
Eel Ground Organics buys all their product from Kiln Extracts, a company on Six Nations reserve in Ontario that tests all their products in a lab to ensure the best quality possible. The dispensary is on the road to becoming the largest distributor for the company.
Urquhart says they try to offer deals that other dispensaries don’t to bring more people in. Fridays are typically the busiest when they sell their joints for 2 dollars. Their most popular product is their CBD because it’s beneficial for everybody and doesn’t give a “high” that many of people don’t want.
The legalization of dispensaries on reserves has positively impacted their econonies by creating more jobs, foot traffic for other businesses, such as the gas station in Eel Ground.
Between the economic growth and helping people with their physical or mental health needs, it’s safe to say the legalization has brought on a lot of positives for everybody.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds for Eel Ground Organics as well as other dispensaries in the community.” Says Urquhart.