Eco-Innovation At Cannabis Shop: EV Charging Stations For Driving A Greener Industry

A California cannabis dispensary is redefining eco-conscious consumerism by introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its parking lot. This forward-thinking move, initially puzzling due to the typically short duration of customer visits, challenges the status quo by inviting both customers and the industry at large to engage in environmental stewardship.

A Step Towards Sustainability And Environmental Awareness

At the heart of this initiative is 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center, a dispensary in Richmond that receives up to 30 deliveries weekly from various cannabis distributors. Recognizing the environmental impact of relying solely on fossil-fueled delivery vehicles, Ian Elwood, director of marketing at 7 Stars and an avid environmentalist, proposed the idea of integrating EV charging facilities, reported CleanTechnica. 

This initiative received backing from corporate sponsors within the cannabis sector, including brands like Native Humboldt, Sol Spirit Farm, KIVA and WYLD, showing a collective effort towards sustainability.

Beyond Just Charging: A Vision For The Future

The project, supported technically and financially by MCE Energy, aims not only to facilitate the transition of delivery vehicles to electric but also to set a precedent for the cannabis supply chain in California. By encouraging one of the state's leading edible brands, KIVA, to use an electric vehicle for deliveries, 7 Stars is nudging the industry towards a zero-emission future. 

Moreover, 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 Industry-Wide Action

7 Stars’ initiative exemplifies how the cannabis industry can find opportunities to innovate and lead by example in the shift towards sustainability. Furthermore, the dispensary’s open invitation to industry peers to learn about installing EV chargers positions it as a local leader in pushing for a greener, more responsible cannabis industry.

Photo by Kindel Media edited.