Business is Blooming in Worcester
Recreational cannabis brings new opportunities for Worcester entrepreneurs.
Changes in laws regarding recreational marijuana use in Massachusetts have opened new avenues of opportunity, and Worcester’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in the new business sector.
At least 16 cannabis dispensaries are operating in the region as part of a statewide industry that generated more than $1 billion in adult marijuana sales in 2021 alone.
In 2021, the legal sale of cannabis reached a milestone by generating more tax revenue for Massachusetts than alcohol sales.
Worcester is reaping the benefits from the numerous outlets focused on providing a wide variety of high-quality products and excellent customer service. In addition, the Worcester shops attract people from outside the region who spend money in the community.
Home Delivery
Major Bloom, located on Millbury Street, is the East Coast’s first marijuana dispensary to have licenses in product manufacturing, marijuana retail and marijuana delivery courier, all integrated into one location. That means Major Bloom is licensed to package and distribute recreational marijuana products for home delivery.
“Home delivery is a great way for us to reach those traditional customers who aren’t accustomed to going to retail stores for the product,” says Ulysses Youngblood, co-founder and president of Major Bloom. “We see this as an opportunity to grow our business, better serve our existing customers and attract new customers.”
The delivery operation launched in the first quarter of 2022. Customers place orders through the Major Bloom website.
Youngblood opened Major Bloom in August 2021. His focus is on bringing value to customers by offering a wide variety of high-quality products at a competitive price point.
That variety includes herbal blend products with good flavor and popular pre-rolls. In addition, Youngblood and his team launched a cannabis cereal bar in April 2022.
“Alternative consumption to smoking is on the rise, and we’re developing products to meet that demand,” Youngblood says.
His team is also taking a look at products that are packed with vitamins and nutrients.
“There are a lot of opportunities to innovate, build our customer base, generate revenue and keep people employed,” Youngblood says. “That’s our plan for the future.”
Customer Service
Entrepreneur Alex Mazin, president and CEO of Bud’s Goods and Provisions, grew his business on West Boylston Street to locations in Abington and Watertown. As a result, Bud’s Goods was named the 2021 Best New England Cannabis Company by New England Cannabis Convention.
“Bud’s Goods is committed to going above and beyond in all aspects of our operations with a focus on protecting the health and safety of our customers and the community,” Mazin says. “In addition to the state’s required product testing, we perform an extensive quality control process to vet each product on our shelves.”
Bud’s Goods has one of the most extensive menus in the region and offers competitive pricing in the Massachusetts cannabis market.
“We offer a product for each type of consumer and make it easy for customers to learn and explore what type of cannabis product is best suited for their lifestyles,” Mazin says. “Our amazing staff make hospitality a priority and can make personalized product recommendations for customers looking for an individualized buying experience. We also offer online preorder pickup and accept lightning wallet cryptocurrency payments for those seeking an efficient dispensary visit.”
An Evolving Business
Founded in 2015 as a medical marijuana dispensary, Resinate is a vertically integrated premium cannabis company with retail stores on Millbury Street in Worcester and Northampton, and a 50,000-square-foot grow facility in Central Massachusetts.
CEO Peter DeCaro founded his medical marijuana business after his cancer journey. His mission was focused on health and helping people suffering from illnesses find healthy avenues of treatment beyond opioids.
The Resinate team has horticulture, chemistry and biosystems engineering backgrounds.
“Our dedication to delivering the highest quality cannabis began even before we sourced our first seed,” DeCaro says on the company’s website. “Our state-of-the-art cultivation facility was designed to maximize cannabis growth in every square foot, replicating natural conditions in their ideal state, 365 days a year. We’ve adapted time-tested crop steering techniques to ensure generous harvest every time.”
Want to know more?
To learn more about the Worcester area, check out the latest edition of Livability Worcester, MA.
