A California cannabis dispensary is redefining eco-conscious consumerism by introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its parking lot. This forward-thinking measure, initially disconcerting due to the typically short duration of customer visits, challenges the status quo by inviting both customers and the broader industry to participate in environmental stewardship.
A step towards sustainability and environmental awareness
At the center of this initiative is 7 Star Holistic Healing Center, a dispensary in Richmond that receives up to 30 weekly deliveries from various cannabis distributors. Recognizing the environmental impact of relying solely on fossil fuel-powered delivery vehicles, Ian Elwood7 Stars marketing director and avid environmentalist, proposed the idea of integrating electric vehicle charging facilities, reported Clean Technique.
This initiative was supported by corporate sponsors within the cannabis sector, including brands such as Native Humboldt, Sun Spirit Farm, kiva and WYLDshowing a collective effort towards sustainability.
Beyond simple charging: a vision for the future
The project, supported technically and financially by MCE Energy, aims to not only facilitate the transition from delivery vehicles to electric but also set a precedent for the cannabis supply chain in California. By encouraging one of the state's leading grocery brands, KIVA, to use an electric vehicle for deliveries, 7 Stars is pushing the industry toward a zero-emissions future.
Additionally, the dispensary is exploring the potential of leveraging these chargers for an eco-friendly home delivery service, further reducing carbon emissions associated with customer pickups.
An invitation to action across the industry
The 7 Stars initiative exemplifies how the cannabis industry can find opportunities to innovate and lead by example in the shift toward sustainability. Additionally, the dispensary's open invitation to industry peers to learn about installing electric vehicle chargers positions it as a local leader in the fight for a greener, more responsible cannabis industry.
Photo by Solid media edited.
