The cannabis industry is here and they’re hiring. A breakdown of who they are and what they have to offer.
By Lisa Talley and Dave Fountinelle
The next few months will bring Fresno into a new age as 17 cannabis dispensaries are set to open across the city’s seven districts. (The remaining four slots for the overall 21 permits are still in the application process) That not only means the introduction of a new industry but a boom in local jobs.
Much of the information in this article is listed in the now publicly available dispensary application forms on the City Manager Office of Cannabis Oversight website. However, each application is roughly 200 pages long. Below is an extraction of key details that a prospective employee would want to know.
Some major takeaways are that many if not all dispensaries will give preference to Fresno residents. If a store has social equity status, it will give preference to applicants who reside in the same district as the store. Cannabis dispensaries also provide extensive training, so don’t worry if you don’t have any prior experience in this budding field.
DISTRICT 1
Fresno Canna Co. Dispensary
3257 W Shaw Ave #109, 93711
Fresno Canna Co. is a social equity dispensary whose mission is to sell quality cannabis products at an affordable price, to serve the community by providing regular educational classes on safe use practices, and to actively support entrepreneurial and economic enterprise within communities of color.
Opening Timeline: Unknown
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown
Fresno Canna Co. Dispensary hopes to fill 11 positions within the first 18 months of operating. All employees will be employed full-time, and the storefront will give priority to District 1 residents in their hiring process.
Benefits and Pay: Living Wage
Fresno Canna Co. Dispensary promises to pay a starting wage well above the state-mandated minimum wage with a 5% annual increase and profit shares.
According to their application, employees can expect a full benefits plan with paid time off, revenue share, and bonuses, plus “competitive” health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Lemonade/Cookies
1264 N Wishon Blvd, 93728
Cookies is planning to open a commercial dispensary under the name Lemonade in the former Bank of America building – in the heart of the Tower District. Lemonade is Cookies’ sister brand, started in 2015 by Cookies co-founder and hip-hop star Berner. Named for a custom-curated strain of cannabis sativa, Lemonade differentiates itself from other dispensaries by specializing in flavor-forward, sativa-dominant strains.
Opening timeline: Unknown
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown
Lemonade plans to hire 33 employees during its first 18 months of operation.
Lemonade has partnered with local organizations including the Poverello House, Fresno EOC, Breaking the Chains, and other nonprofits, to identify and recruit “second chance” applicants, and those from low-income households, or who live in economically disadvantaged areas of the city.
Benefits and Pay: “Middle Class”
Lemonade is committed to paying its employees a living wage. As such, they have pledged to pay all of its employees above the current city or state-mandated minimum wage. Additionally, Lemonade also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, 401k, and maternity/paternity leave.
DISTRICT 2
The Artist Tree
7835 N Palm Ave Ste 102, 93711
The Artist Tree blends local art exhibits with its cannabis retail experience to highlight the synergy between art and cannabis. Deep in its ethos is a commitment to support the arts, and local artists.
The Fresno location will resemble an art gallery with various areas to display artwork from local artists. The store will also feature a freestanding glass clone cube in the center of the showroom where customers can view live cannabis plants and purchase clones for cultivating at home.
The Artist Tree will showcase a new art exhibit every three months and welcomes local artist contributions through its website at www.theartisttree.com/artists/.
Opening Timeline: Spring 2022.
Pending the final approval of its conditional use permit and necessary building permits, The Artist Tree anticipates a grand opening sometime in the spring of this year.
Hiring Timeline: March 2022.
The Artist Tree will begin accepting applications as soon as March 2022.
Benefits and Pay: $17+ per hour or $80,000+ per year.
As stated in its application form to the City, The Artist Tree seeks to employ over 46 individuals from the Fresno community. The positions range from entry-level front desk associates and cannabis guides to senior-level management positions. Respectively, compensation will range from $17 per hour for hourly positions to $80,000 annually for salaried positions.
Additionally, because The Artist Tree provides extensive training, prior cannabis experience is not required.
Prospective employees can also look forward to an impressive benefits package that includes health insurance (open to all employees), dental, vision, and accrued paid time off. Further, The Artist Tree provides financial benefits, family benefits, and a continuing education program.
Where to Apply: Online or Email
Applicants can apply directly to The Artist Tree’s website at www.theartisttree.com/jobs/ or email their resumes and information to careers@theartisttree.com.
Traditional Fresno
6926 N. Weber Ave, 93722
Minority owner Aaron Mamann has a vision for Traditional Fresno to be both a premier brand in the California cannabis industry, as well as a distinguished employer. Traditional Fresno plans to achieve this is by providing a positive work environment, some of the best employee benefits in the industry, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the company.
Opening Timeline: Unknown
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown
As a social equity dispensary, they have committed to hiring at least 50% of their full-time staff from within District 2.
Benefits and Pay: Living Wage
Traditional Fresno uses a wage benchmark of 200% above the Federal Poverty Level for a family of two. This places their proposed starting wage at $34,820 a year, which is well above the current state-mandated minimum wage.
Traditional Fresno also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement savings for full-time. The company also plans to offer opt-in benefits for part-time employees after 6 months of employment. Traditional Fresno plans to provide educational assistance to its employees as well.
DISTRICT 3
Viola Fresno
755 Van Ness Ave, 93721
Viola is a social equity dispensary and the largest African American-owned cannabis company in the industry. Founded by former NBA star, Al Harrington and business partner, Daniel Pettigrew, the Viola brand operates in multiple markets across the country. The owners are dedicated to providing resources for social equity individuals that have suffered from the War on Drugs.
Opening Timeline: 6 Months
Viola Fresno is confident they’ll have operations up and running within six months of receiving their license. As licenses were awarded this past October, Viola should host a grand opening as soon as April 2022.
Hiring Timeline: Immediately
Upon receiving a permit from the City of Fresno, Viola expressed that it would immediately begin reaching out into the community to fill its staff. The storefront aims to provide between 25-30 full-time and part-time jobs.
Viola Fresno has signed a Labor Peace Agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 8-Golden State which it hopes will be a valuable resource for sourcing its staff. Outside of this partnership, the storefront will post its open positions on both online job boards and local newspapers.
Benefits and Pay: $45,000/yr Minimum
As stated in their application form submitted to the City for the permitting process, Viola claims that it has always paid its employees above-average wages. The storefront asserts that no employee will make less than $45,000 per year, even for entry-level positions. At that minimum, the salary breaks down to an hourly wage of roughly $23.50 per hour.
Additionally, Viola promises a benefits package containing workers’ compensation, subsidized health, dental, and vision coverage with preventative care that includes ob-gyn, mammograms, childcare, and immunizations. All employees, including those with part-time status, will earn paid time off and paid holidays. Parents may also receive subsidized childcare or early-education assistance.
DISTRICT 4
Infinity Assets Fresno
618 E Shaw Ave, 93710
Infinity Assets has successfully operated dispensaries since 2003, and throughout that time, the company has learned that its team members are its most important assets. In fact, Infinity Assets have employees that started as security guards and budtenders who are now owners of some of the company’s stores.
Additionally, Infinity Assets loves to create projects that serve the community. In Fresno, the store has developed a strong partnership with the Central Valley Food Bank. The company looks forward to developing other programs that will help the greater Fresno area.
Opening Timeline: June or July 2022.
Infinity Assets Fresno hopes to open its doors around the end of 2022’s second quarter or the beginning of the third quarter – which is roughly June or July.
Hiring Timeline: May 2022.
Infinity Assets Fresno plans to hire between 15-19 employees initially, and then scale up its staff once the store is able to assess its immediate needs.
However, the hiring process cannot take place until the store’s conditional use permit has been approved and building plans have been submitted. May is the soonest the company anticipates being able to begin receiving applications.
Benefits and Pay: “Living Wage”
As stated in their application form, Infinity Assets Fresno claims it is committed to offering and providing a living wage to every employee working for the company.
All employees can expect to receive paid volunteering hours. Full-time employees can look forward to paid time off and holidays. However, employees must complete one year of employment before Infinity Assets Fresno will offer health, dental, and vision insurance.
Where to Apply: Various
Once the company announces its open positions, either through local publications and newspapers or through online job postings, various methods of applying will be available to applicants.
Cookies
5048 N. Blackstone Ave, 93710
Cookies plans to open its flagship store on the Northeast corner of Blackstone and Shaw Ave. Cookies offers a wide assortment of high-quality products and a knowledgeable staff, focused on providing customers with strain selections curated to their individual preferences.
Opening Timeline: Unknown
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown
Cookies plan to hire 45 employees during its first 18 months of operation.
Cookies has partnered with local organizations including the Poverello House, Fresno EOC, Breaking the Chains, and other nonprofits, to identify and recruit “second chance” applicants, and those from low-income households, or who live in economically disadvantaged areas of the city.
Benefits and Pay: “Middle Class”
Cookies is committed to paying its employees a living wage. As such, the company has pledged to pay all of its employees above the current city or state-mandated minimum wage. Cookies also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, 401k, and maternity/paternity leave.
Higher Level of Care
4795 N. Blackstone Ave, 93726
Higher Level of Care hopes to distinguish itself from other retail cannabis dispensaries by not only offering a higher level of care in the quality and selection of cannabis it offers, but a higher level of care in the impact it makes on the community and the environment. Higher Level of Care plans to invest considerable resources into its Blackstone Ave location to create a clean, attractive storefront featuring drought-resistant landscaping.
Opening Timeline: Unknown
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown
Standard practice for most cannabis retailers is to begin the hiring process approximately 60 days before opening, to allow adequate time for staff training.
Benefits and Pay: Living Wage
Higher Level has pledged to pay its starting employees a wage between 150%-244% of the state-mandated minimum wage. They also intend to provide a benefits package they claim to be one of the best in the industry. This includes a medical plan with no annual deductible or co-pay, 3 weeks of vacation time per year, a 401k retirement plan, and continued education compensation.
Additionally, Higher Level has committed to hiring at least 1/3rd of its workforce from “second chance” and low-income applicants.
DISTRICT 5
Culture Cannabis Club
2590 S Maple Ave Ste 103-104, 93725
Culture Cannabis Club distinguishes itself through a commitment to community service and promoting social equity. With over 17 years of industry experience, the Culture Cannabis Club team has the knowledge and expertise to provide customers with the highest quality products and unparalleled customer service.
Opening Timeline: Unknown
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown
Culture Cannabis Club plans to hire approximately 30 employees during its first 18 months of operation.
Benefits and Pay: Living Wage
Culture Cannabis Club boasts on its application form that it will pay employees a minimum starting rate that is 83% over California’s mandated minimum wage of $12 per hour (as of 2020). After a bit of math, 83% of $12 comes out to $9.96, which totals $21.96 after all is said and done.
Employees should expect, at minimum, roughly $22 per hour according to Culture Cannabis Club’s application.
Culture Cannabis Club also touts a “superior” benefits package that includes health/dental/vision insurance, 401k, annual raises and bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and a profit-sharing program for tenured employees.
Where to Apply: Local Organizations
Culture Cannabis Club’s hiring process includes a plan to partner with local organizations to recruit members for its staff. These organizations include the Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC), UFCW8, and Workforce Connection.
Further, the dispensary will look to establish a Veterans Incubation Program to seek out and hire veterans and a Culture Convicted program to hire felons of marijuana convictions.
Fresno Farms
3849 E. Ventura Ave, 93702
Chief Financial Officer Kirill Merkulov says that his Fresno Farms dispensary will stand out from the competition by offering customers a large variety of the most popular strains and brands, competitive pricing, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Opening Timeline: “This year”
Merkulov anticipates opening before the September deadline imposed by the City. Fresno Farms will be launching a full PR campaign to let cannabis job seekers know when and where they can apply. Fresno Farms plans to hire about 25 full and part-time employees within its first 18 months of operation.
Hiring Timeline: “Stay Tuned”
Fresno Farms will begin accepting applications approximately 60 days before their grand opening. Prospective applicants are encouraged to follow Fresno Farms on social media for updates.
Benefits and Pay: Living Wage
Merkulov says Fresno Farms will pay a “living wage” above the state-mandated minimum. They will also offer benefits, including health insurance and continuing education expense reimbursement. Additionally, to promote eco-friendly commuting, Fresno Farms will pay up to 50% of an employee’s public transportation expenses, or a to-be-determined portion of the purchase, upkeep, repair, and storage expenses for employees who wish to ride a bicycle to work.
Fresno Farms is also committed to staffing a portion of its workforce from “second chance” and low-income applicants.
Element 7 Fresno
4686 E Kings Canyon Rd, 93702
Element 7 is a California-based company whose mission is to become “California’s most local cannabis company.” The retail store maintains a focus on educating customers, social justice and inclusion, and operating with a very local voice and footprint.
Opening Timeline: Unknown.
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown.
Benefits and Pay: “Living Wage”
While Element 7 Fresno’s application form states the company is committed to providing its employees a living wage, the details were redacted (unavailable for public viewing). Additionally, the owner was not available for comment.
Employees can expect to receive a standard package including health insurance, 401K, paid time off, and the right to take leave for medical or family reasons. A stock option plan and gym memberships will be available to full-time employees.
Notably, part-time employees will have the option to join the company’s insurance plan after six months of employment. And full-time employees will receive 100% of their insurance premiums paid for by Element 7.
DISTRICT 6
Culture Cannabis Club
314 E Bullard Ave, 93710
[see above under “District 5”]
Authentic Fresno
6929 N Willow Ave Ste 103-104, 93710
Authentic Fresno is owned by the parent entity, Shryne Group, which owns three cultivation facilities, three manufacturing facilities, three distribution centers, and nine retail stores throughout California.
Opening Timeline: Unknown
While unknown, the City’s Department of Cannabis Oversight has set a deadline of September 2022 for all permit recipients to begin operation, or risk forfeiting their approval.
Hiring Timeline: 4-6 weeks prior to the grand opening.
Authentic Fresno anticipates hiring between 40-50 employees for this location which will allow for “ample opportunity for customer education” and “short wait times for shoppers.”
The hiring process will begin with a self-hosted job fair 4-6 weeks before Authentic Fresno plans to open its doors.
Benefits and Pay: “Living Wage”
While Authentic Fresno’s application form states the company is committed to providing its employees a living wage, the details were redacted (unavailable for public viewing). Additionally, the owner was not available for comment.
However, the application did reveal some details of the benefits package.
All full-time and part-time employees will receive the protections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement Authentic has entered with UFCW. Additionally, the company will offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, maternity/paternity leave, an employer-funded pension plan, 401(k), paid volunteer hours, and continuing education benefits.
Where to Apply: Local organizations and job fairs.
While Authentic Fresno plans to host a job fair for its open positions, it plans to also work with the UFCW, the Chamber of Commerce, Fresno City College, and the Fresno Economic Development Corp to get the word out to local residents.
Banyan Tree
207 E. Sierra Ave, 93710
Adolfo “Ace” Castillo believes that Banyan Tree will offer Fresno’s cannabis connoisseurs a truly unique and unforgettable buying experience. Taking its namesake from a popular spot in Maui for cannabis lovers to commiserate, Banyan Tree hopes to provide customers with a “Hawaiian vacation vibe” as the friendly staff helps them pick out the perfect strains to suit their needs.
Opening Timeline: April to June 2022
Castillo is optimistic that Bayan Tree will complete the lengthy permit and licensing process well before the September deadline. Banyan Tree plans to hire about 16 full and part-time employees.
Hiring Timeline: “Stay Tuned”
Banyan Tree plans to announce a hiring fair about 60 days before their grand opening, to allow ample time to train employees on compliance and other industry-specific requirements.
Castillo also plans to extend an olive branch to other social equity applicants who didn’t receive permit approval from the city and offer them an opportunity to get a second chance with Banyan Tree.
Benefits and Pay: Living Wage
Castillo says that Banyan Tree plans to pay a starting wage of $15, which was above the state minimum of $12 when they submitted their application to the city. Castillo did not state whether that pay would increase as the state minimum wage rose to $15 on January 1st.
As one of the four social equity applicants in Fresno, Banyan Tree has committed to hiring at least 50% of its staff from within District 6.
DISTRICT 7
Haven
1704 E. Belmont Ave, 93701
Haven is a Southern California-based brand that prides itself in being a safe space where all can feel comfortable to explore, discover, and learn about all things cannabis. Its mission is “to provide the most enjoyable cannabis buying experience, made through moments of authenticity, wellness, and exploration.
Opening Timeline: 3-6 months from final approval.
From the date of the granting of the conditional use permit (which is at the mercy of the City’s timeline), it would take approximately 3-6 months for Haven to complete the buildout of the facility.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown.
Haven aims to fill 100% of its open employment positions with qualified candidates residing in Fresno for more than one year.
Benefits and Pay: $16 per hour or $60,000 per year.
Haven will offer starting wages for hourly positions at $16 per hour, and salaried management positions will receive approximately $60,000 per year.
Full-time employees can expect to receive health insurance, maternity/paternity leave, 401(k), bonuses, paid time off, and a chance to earn an additional bonus for “green commuting.” (reducing emissions by using public transportation, carpooling, riding a bicycle to work, etc.) Further, the company will also provide a continuing education benefit.
Notably, Haven will offer a stipend to employees who adopt a pet from a Fresno County shelter or rescue. The stipend aims to help cover the adoption fee and incidental costs.
Where to Apply: Local organizations and job fairs.
Haven plans to partner with local organizations including Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Training Center, Fresno City College Career Center, and CSU Fresno Career Center to reach out to the community about its employment opportunities.
Additionally, Haven will host informational sessions, job fairs, and provide resume writing/application workshops for prospective employees.
Sweet Flower
3150 E Olive Ave, 93702
Sweet Flower originated as a medical collective in 2006 and is now Southern California’s leading cannabis retailer whose employees are 80% diverse at the store level, and 90% diverse at the corporate level. Sweet Flower also made it a priority to engage in outreach and partnership with the Hmong Chamber as the storefront is positioned in the center of the Southeast Asian Hmong community.
Opening Timeline: October 1.
Sweet Flower attributes the extended timeline due to the amount of work needed in the building they plan to occupy. Ordinarily, the buildout of a new store occurs more quickly but the extensive work required to get up and running is going to take more time than usual.
Hiring Timeline: 6-8 weeks prior to opening.
Sweet Flower will begin actively looking for and receiving applications about two months before the grand opening. That puts the timeline at around August for any hopeful applicants.
Benefits and Pay: $16-$25 per hour.
Sweet Flower aims to have 21 employees at the time of the opening and as many as 37 employees by their third year in business.
While the Store Manager position will be a salaried role, all hourly employees should expect a pay rate ranging from $16 per hour to $25 per hour, depending on the role. Full-time employees can also expect to add an extra $5 per hour in the form of tips and gratuities from customers.
Sweet Flower also offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, and insurance plans. Employees can also expect accrued paid time off, sick leave/leaves of absence, and paid time off for volunteer hours. Additionally, Sweet Flower will provide a generous 50% employee discount as well as a mentorship program and continuing education benefits.
Where to Apply: In-person and online.
As the timeline for opening nears, Sweet Flower will advertise its open positions online and host multiple virtual and in-house hiring fairs. Applicants are also welcome to email their resumes to jobs@sweetflower.com.
Embarc Fresno
4592 N. Blackstone Ave, Ste 103, 93726
Embarc differentiates itself from other cannabis businesses with its proven track record of civic engagement, patient and customer education, and community support at all of its locations. Through its Community Advisory Boards, Embarc provides local residents with a seat at the table to help guide Embarc’s community outreach.
Opening Timeline: Unknown
Embarc has listed an intended grand opening date of October 2022 in its application to the City. In addition to its retail location in Fresno, Embarc also plans to operate a cultivation facility in Mendota and will hire over 100 applicants to staff both locations.
Hiring Timeline: Unknown
Embarc anticipates beginning the application and interview process as early as March or April 2022.
Benefits and Pay: Living Wage
Embarc Fresno is committed to paying its employees a starting wage that it claims to be among the highest in the industry. Additionally, Embarc will provide its employees with comprehensive health/dental/vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, and an employee stock option program.
Embarc also offers a paid volunteerism program to encourage employees to take a proactive role in the community. This program will provide up to 40 hours of paid community service per year for each employee.
