Higher Collective Elevates Connecticut’s Cannabis Landscape with Equity Ventures

LOS ANGELES- Connecticut’s budding cannabis sector witnessed a significant milestone earlier this month as Higher Collective, a venture committed to fostering inclusivity and equity in the industry, unveiled its debut dispensary in Killingly on October 7th. The company, a beacon of hope for diverse entrepreneurship in the cannabis sphere, further announced its plans to expand this vision across Connecticut.

With its second outlet set to begin operations in Willington on October 14th, Higher Collective has embarked on a robust expansion plan. Five additional stores are on the horizon, undergoing the final approval and construction stages, with New London and Hartford poised to welcome cannabis enthusiasts later this fall. The remainder is slated for a grand unveiling in early 2024. The hunt for an optimal location for their eighth establishment is also underway.

In an industry-first for Connecticut, both Killingly and Willington stores will provide customers with the convenience of drive-thru services. These facilities cater to online orders, ensuring swift and efficient pick-ups during operational hours.

Beyond retail, Higher Collective boasts a state-of-the-art cultivation facility and a dedicated delivery service.

Reflecting its commitment to social equity, the firm collaborates with 10 social equity partners in Connecticut, ensuring diverse ownership and meaningful collaboration in the retail and delivery segments. Each partnership results in a majority ownership for the social equity partners, amounting to at least 50% stake.

Patrik Jonsson, the founder and CEO of Higher Collective, emphasized the importance of offering resources beyond mere capital. His vision revolves around nurturing these partnerships by facilitating connections, introductions to potential funding sources, legal guidance, and branding assistance. Jonsson’s previous tenure at Curaleaf, which now associates with Higher Collective as a minority partner, has imbued the venture with a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth.

Jonsson’s passion is evident in his words, “I’m trying to show [customers] their journey and how they got into the space they’re at.” Reflecting this sentiment, the Willington store, for instance, is in partnership with a Latina woman, infusing the outlet with her unique cultural touches, from the artwork to the live salsa band at the opening.

Celebrations in Killingly set a precedent. The warm welcome from the town saw the opening day packed with events, from a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony with local dignitaries to an afternoon filled with festivities, vendors, and giveaways.

Customers’ enthusiasm can also be attributed to the enticing “Founder’s Rate” program. On the grand opening day at any Higher Collective store, patrons can secure a consistent 20% discount on future purchases until they achieve $1,000 in savings.

While currently Connecticut-focused, Higher Collective’s aspirations span the Northeast. Jonsson has already collaborated in New Jersey, aiding in the inception of Holistic Solutions, a pioneering Black female-owned dispensary.

Jonsson remains cautiously optimistic about the future, prioritizing delivery on promises and creating meaningful change in the cannabis business landscape. “If I can create 10 minority-owned companies that mean something, then I think I’ve done a decent job,” he concludes.