By I. smiley G. Calderon | smileycalderon@gmail.com
The Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina, Maui, is one of the most special and unique places in Hawaii. It’s home to a remarkable, even majestic, tree that is the heart of the park—the biggest banyan tree in all America, with a height of up to 60 feet and a wide canopy spread of more than half an acre. Also called paniana in Hawaiian, the banyan tree is not native to the islands. This special tree was given as a gift in 1873 by Indian missionaries. When it was first planted in the courthouse park, it was only a mere 8 feet tall, but it transformed into a massive tree with an incredible aerial root system that provides comfort to anyone under its shade.
Back on the mainland in Fresno, Calif., the same comforting and relaxing vibe can be felt at one of the only social equity marijuana shops in the city, named after the magical tree—The Banyan Tree Cannabis Dispensary.
Ace, owner and one of the original founders of The Banyan Tree in Fresno, wants everyone walking in their doors to know that their special spot is their “destresser,” a safe place where work and the pressures of life don’t matter.
“I want you to have the mindset that you can relax when you come here. I want you to relax—this is your sanctuary, your place to be happy,” he says.
The inspiration behind the dispensary’s name is humorously rooted in Ace’s serendipitous encounter with the real banyan tree. The story goes that when Ace got married, he went to Hawaii and being the responsible and legal cannabis user he is, he didn’t bring any marijuana on the plane with him to the island (fyi, don’t ever do that—it’s illegal). So, while in Hawaii, the hunt was on for some good herb, or pakalolo, as the locals call it. Someone told him to go to the Banyan Tree, and under it he would find what he was looking for – and that’s exactly what happened. An old lady under the tree sold him a joint and gave him a reading of scripture to go along with it. The vibe was right and the herb hit perfect, all while in paradise. He knew he needed to bring this same feeling back home.
Now anyone looking for some good, craft cannabis here in town can also “go to The Banyan Tree” and find what they’re looking for. They can get a piece of paradise right here at home.
Inside The Banyan Tree is a colorful, inviting atmosphere that echoes the tropical essence of the Hawaiian islands. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.
The mission statement of The Banyan Tree reflects the organization’s spirit “to empower individuals and communities to achieve holistic well-being and joyful experiences through responsible cannabis consumption, focusing on access to high-quality, therapeutic products.”
“The thing is, we love ‘tree.’ Cannabis is not just a job to us—it’s our culture, it’s us—it’s what we do. I can’t imagine doing anything else but this,” Eli expands.
Their passion for cannabis is only part of what makes The Banyan Tree unique. What truly sets them apart is their deep local roots—just like the Banyan Tree in Lahaina. The Banyan Tree in Fresno is through and through Fresnan. The founders were all born and raised in the Central Valley, with long connections in Fresno and a deep understanding of its culture.
“We are all local. That sets us apart. Born and bred in Fresno. The reason why things work easier and smoother for us here is because of our deep friendship— I’ve known Gage for 31 years, and Eli and Ace for 26 years—we have a deep connection here. And we are trying to deliver that Fresno experience to Fresno people, to bring that local service and message. That’s what we embrace. It’s truly who we are,” Tony explains.
There are other dispensaries in Fresno, but most of them are out-of-town corporations with big corporate, cold dollar backing.
“Those other corporations will never understand,” the founders say with confidence. “We are bringing it from the inception. We really want to bring that local service and want to embrace that.”
The path to a legal cannabis dispensary status in Fresno wasn’t an easy one. It was a very long and winding road with bureaucracy pitfalls and uncertainties. Before the city sanctioned dispensaries in 2018, local dispensaries (or collectives) operated in the shadows. Back in 2009, The Banyan Tree founders operated Holistic Healing and Wellness, a mutual benefit association dispensary, under the protection of Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which allowed for the sale of medical marijuana. Unfortunately, after the city and county imposed a moratorium in 2013, they had to shut down, but they never stopped believing.
When Fresno finally decided to officially allow cannabis dispensaries in the city (they still aren’t allowed in county areas), it attracted hundreds of applicants. Many of them were big, out-of-town corporations with significant financial backing. To make matters worse, successfully applying to be one of the chosen few dispensaries was a long shot as permits were extremely limited. (Initially, the city only allowed for 2 dispensaries per district, 14 total. Later, they changed it to 21 total).
“It wasn’t an easy road,” recounts Ace. “We went through so many ups and downs, just trying to hold on. It’s very hard to open up one of these kinds of businesses and with this business model. It takes a lot of money, and we got lucky with an angel investor. It took $100K just to apply.”
Thankfully, The Banyan Tree was also able to qualify for and take advantage of Fresno’s Cannabis Social Equity Program, which eased many aspects of the application process and dispensary requirements. Social equity applicants are required to maintain 51% ownership of the dispensary and fulfill the social policy requirement, like host expungement clinics. Currently, The Banyan Tree is the only social equity dispensary open in Fresno. The next one set to open is The Banyan Tree’s good friends, Beyond Rooted 559, located at 845 Belmont. According to city municipal code, Fresno needs to have a minimum of one social equity applicant awarded a commercial cannabis business permit for every seven permits issued. This would make the minimum number of social equity dispensaries in Fresno three—out of 21 total. Yet the city has also put a cap on how many social equity dispensaries are allowed: maximum two for every seven permits issued, or six.
As of today, there are only 13 operating cannabis dispensaries in the city. There should be eight more open but, because of all of the bureaucracy, red tap and costly fees imbedded in the local and statewide cannabis industry, local residents are left disenfranchised because of it.
The Banyan Tree boys really know how to ride the waves in this cannabis industry and stay afloat in its choppy waters. Despite all odds, they made it and are living their dream today.
“When we started this thing, I never wanted it to go away,” Ace shares. “I had this fear that, when it all went legal and all the rules changed, with how hard it was to get this license, it was a challenge — to do everything I can possibly do to keep this going—providing this happiness to people.”
Ace makes it clear: “Sure, we are not making a whole lot of money, as much money as we need right now, but what matters is every time my customers come back to me to tell me that our products were amazing—that it helped them. All these stories—it just makes you feel good. It’s made me feel like I was actually good at something.”
Ace and the founders also pride themselves with their employees. In total, The Banyan Tree employs about 18 workers, with 26 staff total.
“I get to be with these guys everyday,” Ace says. “We get to help employ all of our people—people happy to come to work, happy to be here. That’s priceless to me. It doesn’t matter how much you get paid. That’s what I’m trying to do. It’s a struggle. It’s not easy,” he confesses.
Eli agrees: “This was really hard to do but we did it for our community. We want to help our community. We got people telling us, ‘Damn, I can’t believe you guys are still doing this—despite all the obstacles. You guys made it!’ And we can’t believe it either! It’s just such a blessing that we are together — to me that’s the most important part. I love that I get to hang out and work with my friends. Where else can you work where you get to be with your boys all day?”
Gage confesses: “Getting a paycheck was a new thing for me in this industry with all the changes and transitions in laws.” But he is happy that he and his crew are operating legally, never having to look over their backs in fear of the law. “I am a weed connoisseur and the fact that we are able to help people and help ourselves at the same time is priceless,” he says. “And we are always learning in this industry. We keep an open mindframe. We listen to different perspectives. We keep our ears open and we listen to it all. It helps us decide what products to put on the shelf and what is trending in the cannabis community—I feel that Fresno is different than what people may like up north or down south in terms of cannabis. It’s about dialing it in with our area,” he emphasizes.
The Banyan Tree is one of the original cannabis shops here in Fresno run by a ragtag group of local friends committed to the cause.
“People are proud of us,” the founders admit. The Banyan Tree truly is a Fresno gem.
Aside from the modest roots and spiritual connection to the Hawaiian islands, consumers may find another unique feature of The Banyan Tree worth the visit. Unlike other dispensaries which display one price at the counter and another at check out due to all of the state and local taxes, The Banyan Tree makes things easier for its customers by keeping the same price that you see on display also at checkout. When customers see the price listed on the products inside the store, they can rest assured that all of the taxes are already included. Simple and easy cannabis shopping.
“We’re trying to put the Central Valley back on the map,” the founders affirm. “People always drive through here and we want to make this a destination point. Come to The Banyan Tree!”
Vistit Banyan Tree at 213 E Sierra Ave –
mention Fresno Flyer and receive a goodie with purchase for only $0.01.
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CEO: Ace Castillo
Founders: Eli Ruiz, Gage Banuelos,
Tony Hunt
