Four Sol Flower recreational cannabis dispensaries are officially open for business after holding a series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Thursday, Nov. 16, replete with industry vendors, food trucks and Tucson Metro Chamber representatives.
“We wanted to celebrate our customers and most importantly, really just bring together a sense of pride in the work that’s been done today as we launch ourselves into our future in Tucson,” said Simon Nankervis, president of Copperstate Farms, Sol Flower’s parent company.
Sol Flower marked its entry into the Tucson market by opening four dispensaries in the last month and a half. The Tucson Metro Chamber’s vocal support emphasized the economic impact and significance of the new establishments.
“As far as the Tucson Metro Chamber is concerned, a legal business is a legal business and we support businesses of all sizes and kinds,” said Metro Chamber President and CEO Michael Guymon. “And we just want to make sure that we grow our economy here in Tucson.”
Nankervis expressed his excitement about the launch and the brand’s integration into the Tucson community. He mentioned collaborations with Tucson-based cultivators like Barrio Cannabis Co., showcasing Sol Flower’s dedication to promoting regional businesses.
“That is a Tucson local brand, they’re a craft cultivator. We support them. We love their product. We love their flower. Our customers love it,” he said.
He highlighted the company’s commitment to providing a unique customer experience, focusing on an open and clean store design, a diverse product assortment, and convenience for shoppers.
“In retail, it’s all in the details,” he said.
He also emphasized the company’s dedication to hiring knowledgeable and empathetic staff to cater to various customer needs, whether medical or recreational.
The expansion into the Tucson area was made possible through collaboration with Pima County, according to Nankervis. He commended the county’s support in streamlining the approval process for dispensary licenses, allowing Sol Flower to create over 100 jobs within the city.
“If other jurisdictions did open up, and say, be more open to allowing recreational opportunities, then I think we would have had a broader geographic distribution around the city,” he said.
Nankervis explained the strategic placement of the dispensaries within the county, addressing so-called “cannabis deserts” where residents have to travel long distances to access consumable product.
Allie Marconi, the director of marketing at Copperstate Farms, echoed the sentiment of gratitude for the community’s support during the grand opening while touching on the proximity of the shop for patients and customers in Drexel Heights and southern Tucson.
“To be able to save on your commute to where you would normally have to go and do some of your shopping, that’s a huge advantage,” she said.
She emphasized the positive role played by the Tucson Metro Chamber, breaking down a stigma surrounding cannabis businesses and showcasing their contribution to the local economy.
For his part Guymon, affirmed the Chamber’s support. He dismissed the notion of Tucson being unique, stating that the Chamber’s stance is based on supporting legal businesses regardless of the industry.
“There are lots of opinions on cannabis businesses and other businesses that maybe, quote unquote, support vices, but it is still a legal business and we are pleased to support those businesses,” he said.
Sol Flower’s expansion is expected to have a significant economic impact, generating revenue through state and county taxes. Nankervis projected further job creation and increased revenue as the dispensaries mature over the next six to twelve months.
“I think we would love to see our business continue to expand. I think anyone who’s in this industry is always looking for opportunities to grow their business,” he said.
Sol Flower locations
Here’s where you can find the new dispensaries:
Sol Flower Foothills, 6026 N. Oracle Road
Sol Flower South Tucson, 3000 W. Valencia Road
Sol Flower North Tucson, 4837 N. First Ave.
Sol Flower Oracle 6437 N. Oracle Road
Learn more at livewithsol.com.
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