State’s first licensed dispensary triples in size | Business

Arizona Organix, the state’s first licensed marijuana dispensary, has tripled in size to meet demand.

The expansion, which peaked with a grand opening in late October, reflects the anticipated growth in cannabis sales that many experts had predicted following the passage of Proposition 207 in November 2020, which legalized the recreational use of cannabis. marijuana in January.

The additional space at Arizona Organix, 5301 W. Glendale Avenue in Glendale, allowed the company to expand its workforce of discerning customers and increase its checkouts from eight to 32.

“We just needed more space. Since the passage of Proposition 207, we have seen a noticeable increase in traffic and interest, which absolutely needed an expansion, â€said Mike Myer, General Manager of Arizona Organix.

Industry reports support the anecdotal reports of growth across the Arizona cannabis industry. The BDSA reports that Arizona became the fastest state on record to move from a state that allowed only medical use to one that allowed recreational use for adults. The state recorded approximately $ 1 billion in marijuana sales for 2021, which translates to more than $ 115 million in tax revenue for combined medical and recreational sales, according to the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Marijuana Business Daily predicts Arizona could be home to a $ 700 million recreational cannabis market by 2024.

“As the state’s first licensed medical marijuana dispensary, we have always had a strong customer base for those who use cannabis for medical purposes. But, we’ve certainly seen an influx of new customers looking to learn more and try recreational cannabis over the past year, â€Myer said.

By adding square footage to the dispensary, Arizona Organix avoided relocation and instead transferred its modern, open aesthetic to its new space while reducing the time it takes for customers to visit the store, find the products they want, and make a purchase.

“We pride ourselves on providing a personalized experience to any guest who walks through our doors, which makes that extra space even more valuable,†Myer said. “We recognize that everyone has individual needs that require specific products and even training on those products, so our ability to add informed customers to our staff with this expansion is truly valuable to the overall Arizona Organix experience. . “