GREENFIELD — South Monterey County’s first marijuana dispensary has opened for business in Greenfield, selling recreational cannabis products in the area.
Higher Level, a locally owned cannabis retailer with operations in Seaside and Hollister, opened its third location in Greenfield earlier this month. A grand opening took place Oct. 15 at the storefront on Fourth Street, featuring special deals, food trucks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Greenfield Mayor Lance Walker.
“Since opening, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Sal Palma, owner of Higher Level. “The city is very happy with the block being cleaned up and improved and the community is happy with having convenient, safe access to cannabis in South County.”
According to the City of Greenfield, the business plans to hire about 20 employees. Many of the dispensary’s products are produced locally, as well.
“The majority of our employees are Greenfield and South County residents,” Palma explained. “A substantial amount of our product mix is produced in Greenfield and the Salinas Valley. Since 2016, we have and will continue to support many different programs and causes within the City of Greenfield.”
Palma said their operation goal is not only to provide local jobs and access to cannabis for South Monterey County residents, but also to generate tax revenues for the City of Greenfield and “educate individuals as to how cannabis can be beneficial to one’s physical and mental well-being.”
Higher Level Greenfield is the only marijuana dispensary in South Monterey County currently. The dispensary joins the city’s other major employers Loudpack, Greenfield Cannabis Company and Ceres Labs as the newest members of the growing cannabis industry.
“We are so excited to bring access to legal, safe cannabis products to the Greenfield community,” said Pepper St. Clair, marketing and operations assistant for Higher Level.
Higher Level Greenfield is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week at 48 Fourth St.
