Business
Green Token Cannabis – Washington Store Highlight
Green Token Cannabis
430 Carpenter Rd. SE., Olympia, WA 98503
How and when did your store start up?
We got into the marijuana industry when it was medical back in 2011. When the state lottery came out we put in for it and got drawn lucky number 13 in Unincorporated Pierce County. We learned and grew from there. When the state opened up the retail allotments again in 2015 Warren and I decided to expand ourselves down in the Olympia area. We opened Green Token Cannabis on Aug 15, 2016.
What is the story behind the name of your store?
We had just got back from our vacation to Las Vegas. Poker is my husband’s game of choice so we were throwing around names and a poker chip is also a token. So, what better way to relax then to toke on some great quality green weed…. And Green Token Cannabis was born.
What does your store offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else?
Knowledgeable budtenders are very important to us. Our budtenders all try the products that are on the shelves and they can help customers and patients by their own experience. We aren’t that shop that is going to mess up and give a patient an Indica when they asked for a Sativa. We also give time, time for the patient is another very important thing that I’ve noticed a lot of places just don’t give. They are more about the turn and burn of customers.
How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business?
Since we’ve been in the industry, it has changed a lot. It went from a very unregulated medical marijuana industry to a very structured and must easier to run respectful business. Where would I like to see, it go? Well with all the change that has already taken place I’d like to see it stay the same for a bit This industry changes daily and that’s not an overstatement. We have to stay up to date and on our toes with all the changes that occur in such little time.
What are the biggest challenges you face in the industry as a retail? Biggest joys?
The biggest challenge is staying up to date with all the changes. The biggest joys are when your customers come back with a smile on their face and tell you about how well the product or strain that you suggested for them was great.
What is the one thing you want patients to know about your store?
We have the best prices on most things in our store and that we have the best customer service in all of Thurston County. Our budtenders are very knowledgeable and will take the time and listen to your needs and hear you out and help as much as they can. We do our best for the first timers to make it the best experience they could have so that the stigmatism of retail shops start to go away.
If someone wanted to open an access point and get their feet wet in the industry what advice or counsel would you give them?
Don’t forget about the medical patients out there. They are a huge part of why we get to do what we do. They made all this happen by fighting the fight from the beginning.
What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the cannabis community?
Bring as much awareness and education about the products and the service. It’s a lot more than just going into a place and getting weed like you use to from your buddy down the street. It really can be more than what people think and what most retails have to offer.
