Exploring the Emerging Cannabis Boom Towns in the US

As the name suggests, these towns are on the map because they’re making their mark in the legal cannabis industry. But how are they doing so? 

Interest and Opportunity

One common factor in the success of these towns, which are states apart, is the community’s interest in making it happen.

The number of opportunities produced for entrepreneurship, employment, etc., greatly motivates local authorities and citizens to invest in the cannabis industry. Plus, the current cannabis plant boom around the country complements the search for respectable employment and a stable income in small towns. 

Potential for Growth 

Towns are overtaking bigger locations in the cannabis race because of the available space and resources. The communal air of a small town also brings together like-minded individuals or attracts bigger cannabis business owners who see the opportunity for starting something impressive in the area.

Once a town is known for its produce, which is cannabis in this case, neighboring towns are bound to come to see what the noise is all about. So, growth is becoming inevitable in these circumstances. 

An Agreeable Market

The potential market within and outside the town separates a failing and succeeding location. Some states are leading the race but are only satisfying a limited population. They forget that some enthusiastic users in farther areas require closer resources. 

Communities are coming together to provide locals with resources and cannabis products (especially products with synthetic THC). While doing this, they’re unknowingly reviving the luster of businesses in their towns.

Cannabis has become a lifeline for many communities that have lost their income due to bankrupt businesses, COVID-19, and other administrative struggles. The decision of their states to legalize cannabis truly changed their fates.

Here are some notable towns that are success stories of the cannabis boom:

1. San Manuel, Arizona. 

A great example of a town starting fresh is San Manuel, which went from being known for its copper mines to a growing marijuana hub. 

The cannabis market in the state is pushing towards progress, and this town is pulling its weight and some more. With employment being their biggest concern after the closure of mine-related establishments, cannabis has brought over 75 new jobs to the community. This number is expected to see a steady rise. 

2. Desert Hot Springs, California.

What was once an overlooked turn on the I-10 is now one of the upcoming hubs of cannabis cultivation in California. 

The vast expanses of undeveloped land were a jackpot for real estate, while the 420-friendly locals and authorities further sweetened the deal for many. The town now boasts numerous cultivation centers and cannabis enterprises that are changing the face of its economic status.

Previously, the local government filed for bankruptcy in 2001 and continued to struggle in the years before its cannabis boom. Now, it’s becoming a key player in California’s growing market.

3. Ellenville, New York.

The state of New York has its hands full with its bustling legal and illegal cannabis markets. While it focuses on regulating cannabis in areas under the limelight, locations such as Ellenville are steadily entering the scene. 

This small community saw a rise in employment opportunities through the opening of a wholesale cannabis cultivation and manufacturing plant. 

It brought hundreds of jobs, making locals more optimistic about establishing a cannabis market. The area also expects future investments once the initial projects succeed. 

4. Dinosaur, Colorado. 

Colorado has found a gem for its cannabis industry in a peculiar spot. The main contributors to Dinosaur’s pot businesses are the neighboring states, which are yet to legalize marijuana or its sales. This strategic location at the border brings money in from all sides. 

Now, Dinosaur City has bloomed to its full potential in a decade, a hub for cannabis enthusiasts, offering a wide array of cannabis products catering to both medical use and recreational use. With its cannabis tax, it was able to revive the town’s infrastructure, treasury, and even cultural activities such as its new “Dinosaur Stone Age Stampede.”

5. Ontario, Oregon.

Oregon was the fourth state to legalize cannabis in the US, and one indicator of its success is the markets blooming away from major cities. Ontario is a smaller town near the Idaho-Oregon border, which has come to everyone’s attention because of a heated inter-state debate. 

The town has experienced an impressive cannabis boom, which is also providing cannabis to out-of-state residents, notably from Idaho (where cannabis remains illegal in all capacities).

The cannabis industry may have started in the bustling cities, but it’s made its way into the hearts of smaller communities around the states. The phenomenon of cannabis boom towns is a welcomed after-effect of public opinion changing and becoming more accepting of cannabis.