Business
Terrapin Care Station| Colorado
Terrapin Care Station
1900 E. 33rd Ave. Aurora, 80010
11091 E. Mississippi Ave., Unit B, Aurora, 80012
1795 Folsom St., Boulder, 80302
5370 Manhattan Cir. Suite 104, Boulder, 80303 (Medical)
(303) 954-8402
Interviewed: Tara Riseley (owner, manager, brand manager)
How and when did your dispensary start up?
Terrapin Care Station just celebrated its sixth birthday on January 19, 2016! Our medical shop was one of the first licensed medical marijuana centers in the state of Colorado and opened doors to patients in 2010. Notably, Terrapin Care Station was also the first recreational marijuana dispensary to open in Boulder in February 2014 and the first licensed recreational dispensary in Aurora in October 2014.
What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary?
Beginning as a medical marijuana facility, we wanted to emphasize our dedication to care. We believe that cannabis, whether consumed medicinally or recreationally, is a wellness product and we wanted to keep our name as we expanded into the retail market.
What does your dispensary offer clients that they can’t find anywhere else? What do you specialize in, if anything?
We offer free tours of one of our 20,000-square-foot grow facilities. We also carry TerraPINS, pre-rolled marijuana “joints” in a durable pack that serves to protect its contents while providing a child-resistant feature. The pack, which is designed to fit easily in a pocket, is filled with 10 half-gram joints—or “pins”—and branded “Terrapins.” Another product exclusive to Terrapin Care Station is “Shell Shake,” a pouch containing a quarter ounce of strain-specific shake—sativa or indica—and is an alternative for those who prefer to roll their own or appreciate the convenience of pre-ground cannabis for vaporizing. The pouch includes a pack of rolling papers for convenience.
How has the cannabis industry changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go?
Terrapin Care Station was the largest individual donor to Amendment 64 within the cannabis industry. Legalization for recreational purposes has been the largest shift since we’ve been operating and we’re proud to have paved the way for this movement across the country.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? . . . Biggest joys?
Part of growing an industry means nothing starts without a few hiccups. Regulation changes have been a challenge, from marketing and labeling to seed to sale tracking and edible serving sizes. All new businesses face unexpected challenges however the regulated cannabis industry is new in itself, meaning sometimes we don’t know what the issues are until we run into something that isn’t working. A great joy comes from building a small business and offering employment and benefits to over 100 people.
If someone wanted to open a dispensary and get their feet wet in the industry, what advice or counsel would you give them?
It all begins with being committed to the plant.
What is the most important thing you hope to accomplish while in the MJ/MMJ community?
We hope to continue to establish a standard for product, service and community engagement.
