5 minute read
Chronic Interview with Urban Leaf Company
Urban Leaf
What is one of the most exciting things to happen as an Oklahoma cannabis dispensary owner?
One of the most exciting things (of course we’ve had lots) but Tommy Chong was scheduled to do a meet and greet in March when the pandemic first started. Of course, it had to be canceled but we were able to get with Tommy Chong and his team and we created a drawing for 15 lucky patients that got to do a Zoom call with our staff and them. We were so excited and nervous and everyone came up with questions to ask him… and I have to tell you, he is one cool dude! He made it easy for us. He did all of the talking. He is hilarious! We told him when he comes to visit (Oklahoma) we’re going to put him on a horse because he talked about bull riding and how it was such an interesting sport.
I’ve heard that you are a really cool family business, how long have you been in the cannabis business, and is this your first business?
We are definitely a familyowned business and through the years we’ve had several businesses and still continue that way. We received our first license in October 2018. We had not been in the cannabis industry (before). We recently sold a business of 22 years - selling trailers, haulers equipment, and so on. We have owned the land (that Urban Leaf Company is on) for around 15 years. As we started the building process, just before Oklahoma became medically legal, it was going to be used for maybe a plumbing or electrical company and that’s why we have overhead doors – which has allowed us to have a very unique dispensary with classic cars always inside. We change them out every couple of months. Nikki’s green 1972 truck is the mascot.
Why did you decide to open a dispensary?
After my eyes took their gaze off the beautiful Lincoln Continental on the showroom floor, I noticed a couple of walls with signatures on them. Tell me about that.
We honor our veterans with the wall signing. It is such an honor to see the veterans that have served our county. Those who have served put their signature and date of service… for all of us to appreciate. It literally gives me chills to watch (them sign). We also love when family members put their loved one’s name and date of service as well. We also give veteran discounts.
While I was there, a customer seemed to be asking about products for her pet.
Pet CBD is really important, they need it for anxiety, joints, seizures, and being elderly. Storms in Oklahoma can be treacherous for pets as well.
Several of your online reviews mention that the “staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.” What training and requirements do they have?
While we were building, the staff attended bud tending classes with certifications, and several have certifications in CBD as well. They are compassionate about cannabis, which keeps them learning and expanding their information.
I remember hearing folks talking and laughing about ‘budtenders’ needing knowledge and training, but you come to Urban and see the difference. They are not allowed to ask ‘How high do you want to be?’ But (rather) ‘How can I help!?
With so many dispensaries in the metro area, how do keep customers coming back to Urban Leaf Company?
With so many dispensaries around us and in the metro area, it all stems from excellent products, (that have been) well tested, and (having a) compassionate staff.
A ‘Welcome back’ saying is always important. We remember names and faces! Nikki and I came up with the name Urban Leaf Company because we wanted it to be very modern to go with the concept. Nikki is the purchaser of products and makes sure the books and records for testing are accurate and she accepts only the best for our company. Plus, we always have drawings and giveaways.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
A question I get asked a lot is what I think about the cannabis industry and our business. I get to sit back behind the scenes and just listen to the folks coming in that really need cannabis. It’s been sad a portion of the time, but most rewarding. Seeing people coming off of opiates and maybe spending their last days pain-free and living life. It is hard mentally sometimes but we are blessed.
We did purchase some of Mac N Jack while we were there.
We were asked to do a commercial that aired when Tommy Chong was in Seattle on the Dab Roast. That was very exciting! Exciting for other people in other states to get to see us and what we’re all about.
I wanted to say I am so glad that you got to come and see the store and experience what we’ve all worked very hard for. It definitely gives you a better perspective of this place that we are so proud of.
