For some consumers, the goal is to enter and exit a cannabis dispensary as quickly as possible. Others, however, are curious about their product’s seed-to-sale journey and may even want to forge relationships with those making their favorite goods—that’s where Seed & Smith excels. Patrons visiting the Denver-based dispensary are treated to in-depth tours that show how cannabis is grown, harvested, processed, extracted, and packaged; and how concentrates are made. Of course, that was before the COVID-19 pandemic made in-person tours impossible.
For this edition of “Changing Habits,” we spoke with Robbie Wroblewski, director of community outreach at Seed & Smith, to see how the company has adjusted operations amid social-distancing mandates and how it’s maintaining a relationship with its surrounding community.
Though the tourism industry may be experiencing its darkest hour, Seed & Smith was determined to find a way to continue providing tours of its cultivation facilities.
“While tourism has died down, the quest and thirst for knowledge has not stopped,” Wroblewski said. “We see this as an opportunity to keep educating and entertaining people with great insights into the cannabis industry. As we have moved forward with virtual tours, we have certainly seen a rise in inquiries about how to get involved with one. We have been working diligently to make this more than just a one-time deal and are trying to expand it for our website even beyond this dark time.”
Maintaining a strong relationship with the Denver community always has been a priority at Seed & Smith, one that is especially relevant in times such as these. One way the company has found to keep spirits high is through music. Without traditional venues like concert halls available right now, Wroblewski wanted to do whatever he could to provide an outlet for musicians.
“It is absolutely vital to find new ways for these artists to perform and keep their livelihood,” he said. “Early in the pandemic we noticed that need and tried to provide an outlet for musicians to still perform from the comfort of their own homes by taking over our Instagram. It was a good success and we saw a lot of interest from artists big and small.”
Without the support of the community in Denver, Seed & Smith may not have been able to achieve the success it has. In turn, the company endeavors to help local businesses thrive.
“There was a lot of support locally when cannabis became legal both medicinally and recreationally,” Wroblewski said. “It is our responsibility, as an industry, to make sure the support and dedication given to us at the start is returned ten-fold. That means keeping local businesses going, keeping the community healthy, and aiding wherever we can.”
Partnering with businesses like Denver’s Marion Street Tattoo Parlor helps Seed & Smith strengthen its community ties. The company recently launched a six-month strain drop campaign wherein each month a new strain is released and promoted with t-shirts and hats. Instead of utilizing generic apparel, it enlisted Marion Street Tattoo to create the swag.
“[The pandemic] has been a long road so far,” Wroblewski said. “We have thankfully had little disruption to our business outside of the tourism aspect and we have even garnered more local attention because of our approach and willingness to get out with our community to keep them going and safe.”
