A major United States cannabis company has opened its first dispensary in West Virginia.
On Thursday, February 3, New York City-based Columbia Care opened its Cannabist dispensary in Williamstown.
In addition to being Columbia Care’s first cannabis shop in West Virginia, it is the company’s 24th location nationwide.
The dispensary, located at 76 Thunder Road, is the first of five locations that Columbia Care plans to open in West Virginia in 2022.
Columbia Care currently holds licenses for all five locations.
Setting Up Shop in West Virginia
In July, Columbia Care began its West Virginia cultivation operations at a 40,000 square-foot facility.
In December, the company held educational events to help patients better understand West Virginia’s medical cannabis program.
Through the events, patients learned how to obtain medical cannabis cards and which products will be available.
Columbia Care says the events also helped connect prospective patients with registered medical practitioners.
Columbia Care Chief Growth Officer Jesse Channon says the demand and excitement for high-quality cannabis and service in West Virginia are promising for the emerging medical market.
“We’re here to be a leader and a resource for current and future patients, as we introduce them to the power of this incredible plant,” says Channon. “As the medical cannabis program continues to expand, we look forward to also serving as a wholesale partner to ensure that patient needs are met across the state with a variety of high quality options. We’re thankful to the local community for welcoming Cannabist and to the Department of Health and Human Resources for their continued support.”
Columbia Care says its Seed & Strain brand is available at the Cannabist Williamstown dispensary in multiple forms, including flowers and vape carts.
The company says it plans to introduce its other portfolio brands, like Triple Seven and Classix, to patients and wholesale partners in the coming months.
Patients can also use Forage, Columbia Care’s proprietary cannabis discovery tool, online and in stores to assist them in finding the proper strains and products.
Following the opening of the Williamstown location, Columbia Care expects to open three additional locations in Beckley, Morgantown, and St. Albans in the spring.
Columbia Care says its fifth location will open later in 2022.
