Cannabis might not be legal everywhere, but it has been deemed as an essential service in many states through the pandemic. “We were able to stay open and comply with social distancing regulations by offering curbside pickup and delivery services,” says Unity Rd. COO Mike Weinberger. “Business has been very much in demand through the pandemic with customers stocking up at the onset,” he says about Unity Rd., the first-ever franchised cannabis dispensary. “Similar to alcohol, cannabis provides an escape, but it has many medical benefits as well,” he adds.
Weinberger and his impressive team are true pioneers. Made up of cannabis veterans and franchise pros, Unity Rd.’s leadership is working to make history. They have set out to take a fragmented, hard-to-navigate industry and turn it into a mainstream, lucrative business opportunity. “There is no playbook for this business. By franchising it, we are adding legitimacy with systems to follow,” he adds. Weinberger, couldn’t be more qualified for his role. An attorney, he was CEO of Maui Wowi, a franchisor with 500-plus units.
Breaking the stereotype
Some folks might think of cannabis as taboo, or part of a counterculture, but in many parts of the country, it’s a mainstream luxury, similar to fine wines or gourmet coffees. And cannabis is big business. In fact, in Colorado, it has been legal for 10 years with more than 400 dispensaries operating. “Cannabis is a 30-billion dollar industry and is projected to grow to 50 billion in the next four years,” says Weinberger.
The seedy, underground image of cannabis is fading fast. In Chicago, for example, the city’s first dispensary in the downtown area opened in May near the city’s acclaimed magnificent mile, amongst high-end shops and five-star restaurants. “It is already legal in 33 states in some form and it’s just a matter of time for the rest,” says Weinberger.
“We are bringing a whole new industry to franchising.”
By franchising the cannabis dispensary business, Unity Rd. is taking the highly controversial and fragmented industry and giving it credibility. COO Mike Weinberger (above, left) and CEO Christian Hageseth (above, right) are excited to pioneer an entirely new opportunity in franchising.
Often referred to as the “Green Rush,” the cannabis business has been creating wealth for a pioneering group. With a franchised dispensary, Unity Rd. has created a tremendous opportunity for the right investor. Here’s why:
$30-billion-dollar industry
Experienced leadership team
Emerging brand
Unique business
Ground-floor opportunity
Structure and support