City of Anthony in New Mexico opens 13th dispensary
ANTHONY, N.M. (CBS4) — New Mexico’s Cannabis Control Division said Kushology 101’s, 1,350 square-foot facility, is one of the biggest they’ve heard of in the state.
“That's one of the one of the bigger ones I've encountered, so, you know, I think that speaks to the demand and sort of the responsiveness to the entrepreneurial community, to take full advantage of the economic opportunity,” Andrew Vallegos, the state of New Mexico’s acting cannabis director said.
Jimmy Nevarez is the owner. He said he’s proud to be a part of turning the city green.
“We are both medical and recreational sales. “We're unique and in a few ways. One is in our education of our employees. We have an on staff cannabis nurse that gives our employees weekly trainings, and the layout of our store and the uniqueness of the accessibility the CBD and cannabis products. We feel like this is going to be a huge contributor to the economy in Anthony, New Mexico,” Nevarez said.
In August retailers across the state sold over 40 million in recreational and medical sells combined, according to data released by the Cannabis Control Division.
In southern New Mexico there are 111 dispensaries bringing in profit.
Anthony in particular sold just over $502,000 in the month of August.
“I think people in Southern, New Mexico are taking advantage of opportunities within an industry that they know about. They know how to grow products in Southern, New Mexico. It’s a natural growth and it's just sort of another economic activity that really goes to support the small communities,” Villegas said.
Since Kushology 101 opened its doors, like other dispensaries, it has created jobs and has welcomed customers from out of state.
“We’ve seen a lot of out of state customers and I don't mean Texas, I mean, Arizona, all kinds of states, but it's probably been about a 50/50 mix,” Nevarez said.
Their location, Nevarez said, sets them up for success.
“We’re the only ones off the freeway, everybody else has to go and fight in Sunland Park for product, and here you're right off the freeway, flip on flip off easy access, bright and exciting building bright interior,” Nevarez said. “We want to bring cannabis to the forefront.”
Nevarez is also the owner of Diablo Fireworks, which is located \next to the dispensary.
He said he’s not sure what the future holds, but wants to continue helping the small town flourish.
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