Chico's first cannabis dispensary celebrates anniversary since opening

CHICO, Calif. — It's been one month since the first cannabis dispensary opened in Chico and business has been thriving for the new storefront.

Sweet Flower Cannabis Dispensary and delivery celebrated its one-month anniversary Tuesday.

Located in Miriam Park at 1998 Alcott Ave, the dispensary held its grand opening in December 2022, with over 1,000 people visiting the store, many waiting in line that early Saturday morning.

Sweet Flower is the first out of three dispensaries approved by the Chico city council after being chosen out of 29 applicants to open a dispensary.

Colleen Winter, co-owner of the dispensary and a Chico native, said they wanted to keep the revenue local in the community.

"It's been a wonderful, amazing, hectic month," said Winter.

"People are loving. All our employees are Out of Chico as well, and Our staff service is excellent, and everybody is friendly. Plus, we have over 1000 different products to choose from."

"We are helping the community, 6% of our gross receipts go back to the benefit of Chico, and that's amazing," said Winter. "Just this year alone, with the sales right now, we could be in the hundred thousand dollars to benefit Chico, and I'm happy about that."

Winter said they want to destigmatize cannabis by presenting the store and location as a simple retail store.

"We are trying to destigmatize weed and cannabis with this beautiful location," said Winter. "When you walk in, it's just like a regular store, and you're going to buy something. You're not a criminal. It's light; it's bright and inviting."

She said the store is planning a future event on April 20, also known as 420 Day, celebrated every year where cannabis producers and consumers smoke around the time 4:20 p.m. for customers to look forward to.