According to the State of Oregon database, there are over 794 dispensaries throughout 98,466 square miles. However, there are pockets throughout the state not allowing the sale of Cannabis products due to some kind of city restriction. These cities decided early on they did not want to participate in the sale of “drugs.” Now after seeing a profitable tax increase of 55% in 2020-2021 as compared to the prior fiscal year, some cities decided that the sale of Cannabis would be the perfect economic squeeze. Here we find a refreshing new addition to the Cannabis landscape in Tualatin – Northwest Cannabis Company.
Exiting the I-5 freeway on Lower Boones Ferry Road, we were immediately met with a sign spinner holding a placard with bright green words reading ‘WEED’ with an arrow pointing towards a bright new gleaming sign, accompanied by the notorious green medical cross. Positioned with intent next to Mary Jane’s House of Glass, Northwest Cannabis Company features a classic amenity – discreet parking just beyond the public’s eye – a homage to the medical days of the past. Upon entering we were greeted by a number of budtenders, working on natural wood floors with bright open viewing cases. A selection of jars overflowing with flower wrapped around the back wall with a jaw-dropping array of flavors. Northwest Cannabis Company is solidly stocked – operating with over 70 strains of flower consistently (and at times even over 100), not to mention a wide variety of edibles and extracts. The front cases also display glass from next door, enticing one to travel over in search of a new piece.
We sat down and spoke with the General Manager Jeremy Hall, an Oregon native born in Klamath Falls. The shop is as busy as a supermarket in the midst of opening on the border of Tualatin and Lake Oswego – two of the more financially prosperous cities in Oregon. As of January 2020, the owners had been waiting for over four years to establish a dispensary in this niche location, knowing very well that this shop would be a kind of refuge for the Westside consumer who doesn’t want to commute 20-30 minutes for their Cannabis. Quick to draw when restrictions were eased by the city, Northwest Cannabis Company beat their competitors by “15 seconds according to the timestamp,” Jeremy told us with a smile. A feat brought upon only with patience and diligence through sitting in on every city council meeting, as well as forming a plan of attack when timing seemed fit.
Working their way through their third quarter, Jeremy tells us the store has seen immaculate sales growth in the first two, thanks to their philosophy of “quality at every price point we can achieve.” In my 10 minutes of perusing the lobby, I could not help but notice a staggering number of people entering and exiting this seemingly brand new store. Bustling with a gambit of customers, everyone is treated with stellar service as they browse the fine selection of Cannabis in the shop. “We take pride in all of our products, we simply would not purchase otherwise,” says Jeremy as a nearby budtender fills the room with his laughter, as well as the customer’s. It goes without saying that it’s remarkable how in such a small amount of time, Northwest Cannabis Company has made such a noticeable impression on the community.
