Business
Kaleafa Cannabis Company | Oregon
5232 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, 97206
How and when did your dispensary start up?
We started this family-based business in June of 2014 so OMMP patients could get access to their medicine in a safe, clean and friendly environment.
What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary?
Kaleafa means “Success” in Arabic. We wanted something that had the word “leaf” in it. We were a bit uncertain of the name in the beginning, but we love it now.
What does Kaleafa offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else?
Firstly, our customer service. Our employees are family–when someone is brought into the Kaleafa family, the first thing we tell them is that we back each other up. It’s a true family environment to the point that our employees all hang out with each other in their free time–and that carries over to our customers. They too are family. Secondly, product selection and variety. We have an array of flowers, concentrates and edibles. We want to have something for everyone. We’re growing our gluten-free and sugarless options, as well as newer cannabis products such as creams and lip balms and even personal care products.
How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go?
Well, obviously we’ve had the business move into the recreational space as of October 1 and we’re really looking forward to serving our customers as the rules change and more products are cleared for sale. Along with the legalization has come this new understanding from the general population that this isn’t an evil or scary thing. People are rapidly accepting this into their daily lives. On the business side of that, it hasn’t quite come around–banks are still reticent to work with dispensaries. But the community in large is embracing it. We’re expanding–becoming fully vertically integrated, seed to sale.
If someone wanted to open a dispensary and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them?
Have tough skin. Be ready to have to be the conqueror. It’s a tough industry. Do not go in under-financed.
What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/MMJ community?
We want to build a great community of customers, patients, and even other dispensaries. We love this industry and want to grow with it.
