Budr Cannabis is set to open its first of its several Connecticut locations Monday in West Hartford, and is not just committed to providing adult-use marijuana, but is committed to serving the community.
Founded by cannabis industry veteran Carl Tirella, Jr. and home healthcare professional Derrick Gibbs, earlier this year, Budr is an Equity Joint Venture under the state’s new cannabis laws.
Under that designation, Budr has to create a social equity plan and workforce diversity plan.
“We have a baseline to commit to,” Tirella said, “including involvement in DIA (disproportionally impacted area) communities, and giving back to local communities, whether that’s supporting local youth groups, volunteering at homeless shelters, or beautifying certain streets.”
Tirella said the plan is to go beyond that baseline, looking to form connections with many local organizations and serving the community.
“We’re really trying to be involved in the community as much as possible,” he said, “all of Hartford County. That really builds our brand, shows people our core values and who we are.”
While those connections are still being made, Budr has to submit plans to the state, which will then check that they are being adhered to in six months, and then yearly after that.
“It’s something that a company should be doing anyways,” Tirella said. “Running a new business, there isn’t all that much time in a day to concentrate on doing other things, but we are going to make it a top priority, to make sure out involvement is not only short-term, but long-term.”
While Budr is not a medical dispensary, Tirella said that many people use it for a variety of reasons, including to relieve stress, get better sleep, or whatever works for them. Budr staff can advise customers as to which strains of cannabis usually produce what effects.
“Our goal is to educate our staff, from cannabis 101 to products, all the way up to terpene content and strain names,” he said.
“We want them to have all the tools and knowledge to succeed, and to really elevate the customer experience. That’s going to be key to our success. Many people do self-medicate with recreational cannabis,” he said. “When people come in and say they are using it for certain things, we can guide them, but we can’t really make any help claims. We can talk to our experiences and what different products are known to help with.”
“As we prepare to open our doors in West Hartford, we feel a profound sense of anticipation and responsibility,” Gibbs said, in a statement. “Budr is more than just a place to buy cannabis; it’s a space where community, social equity, and education intertwine. We’re not just here to sell a product, but to help usher in a new understanding of cannabis and its potential.”
The grand opening is set to kick off at 8 a.m. Monday, and will feature music from DJ Kareem and Hot 93.7’s Jenny Boom Boom. To celebrate the opening day, Budr is offering a 50% discount to the first 50 customers. Subsequent purchasers will receive a 20% discount through Thursday, Aug. 3.
Additionally, guests can look forward to delectable desserts and the chance to receive exclusive Budr merchandise. As a bonus, Espresso Guys Mobile Espresso Catering Service will be on-site from 8 to11 a.m. serving refreshments.
Budr plans to open stores in Danbury in September and Westbrook in early-to-mid-2024, as well as two other locations by the end of next year.
For more information, visit www.budrcannabis.com.
Recent Comments