Sweet Leaf Marijuana; Colorado Dispensary Highlight

Sweet Leaf Marijuana  

www.SweetLeafMarijuana.com 

Interviewed: Nichole West, Vice President of Operations

5100 W 38th Ave., Denver, 80212

4400 Evans Ave., Denver, 80222

15200 E 6th Ave., Aurora, 80011

2609 Walnut St., Denver, 80205

2647 W 38th Ave., Denver, 80211

9462 Federal Blvd., Federal Heights, 80260

4379 Tejon St., Denver, 80211

468 S Federal Blvd., Denver, 80219

How and when did your dispensary start up?
In 2011, the Sweet Leaf Marijuana empire was built with $9,000 cash and two maxed-out American Express cards by Christian Johnson. The first harvest paid off the credit cards. The second paid the rent and air conditioning. Matt Aiken and Anthony Sauro became associates a few years prior when Matt was invited over to Anthony’s grow by Anthony’s then grow partner and brother. The team united when the owner of a Denver dispensary was failing and owed all of these guys some money. He asked them for help. “Right place, right time and just eager enough to go all in” Matt says. They all sat down together, forgave debts and invested just over $150,000 to partner in their first dispensary locations.  This specific location is still in their portfolio today and is one of their highest grossing locations.

What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary?
It was the name of one of the first two dispensaries that they acquired during initial startup.

What does your dispensary offer patients that they can’t find anywhere else?
We aim to be the most educated and friendly staff possible, and provide the most consistent product at the most reasonable prices in town.

How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go?
The past few years have been quite a roller coaster. The cannabis industry has changed in most ways regarding the business from tracking, to advertising, to expertise and education. At Sweet Leaf we aim to direct the industry in a way that allows for their staff to make their way in to a successful career while still nurturing their individuality. We want our team to be as passionate about the cannabis plant and the good it has done for so many people’s health as well as Colorado, Oregon and every state that has accepted into its business and tax structure.

What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? . . .  Biggest joys?
Biggest challenge we have faced over the years has been banking but recently have been able to work with a great bank called Safe Harbor that works with Licensed and Compliant Cannabis Businesses. Biggest joys are found when we are able to help people find their relief from cannabis as a medicine and when we go hand out coats to the Denver homeless on Christmas Day as a team.

What is the one thing you want patients to know about your dispensary?
We offer a discount on every purchase for veterans, seniors and terminally ill patients and will allow for double discounts for these people.

What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/MMJ community?
We hope to be able to be a business that is in every cannabis friendly state and is able to provide value to the communities that we reside in. At Sweet Leaf, we believe in giving back as much as possible and hope to be able to make an impact everywhere we go