Business
Rip City Remedies
Rip City Remedies
332 SE Division St. Portland, Oregon
(five03) 23five-6000
ripcityremedies.org
Interviewed: Scott Grenfell, Co-Owner & General Manager
Top-Selling Strain: Conspiracy Kush by PDX Organics
Top-Selling Concentrate: Siskiyou Sungrown RSO
Top-Selling Edible: Wyld Gummies
How and when did your dispensary start up?
Tony Merton and Shawn Huguley opened Rip City Remedies five years ago, in June of 2011. Inspired by a lack of safe access to marijuana in the community, they chose to plant their flag in SE Portland.
What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary?
This is Rip City! We’ve been big Blazer fans all our lives.
What does your dispensary offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else? Customer service, educated budtenders, top-quality flower, five years of experience, and being in the heart of Division Street. RCR is surrounded by the likes of Salt & Straw, Pok Pok and St. Honore Bakery.
How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go?
It has changed drastically. The first couple years were unregulated and uncertain. We got letters from the federal government to shut down and even loaded all we had into a van after getting one. Went home worried they might come to the front door of our homes. Waking up the next day we decided if they wanted to come in we would deal with the consequences if needed. We opened at regular time and never thought that would ever be an option again.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? Biggest joys?
The biggest hurdle by far has been the constantly changing rules and regulations governing our business. Making sure we remain compliant with each and every detail is key to retaining our license, and is almost a full-time job in itself.
What is the one thing you want people to know about your dispensary?
We are here for you. No question is too “silly” or “dumb.” The cannabis industry is in its infancy in America, and most people are new to this. Feel free to give us a call or stop by. We’ll treat you with respect and care. We just want you to make the decision that is right for you.
