The Future of Cannabis is Local: Why Community-Owned Dispensaries Matter

As the legal cannabis industry grows, so does the importance of ensuring it benefits the communities most impacted by prohibition. Community-owned dispensaries are leading that charge. These local, mission-driven operations are reshaping the cannabis landscape by putting people before profits and reinvesting directly into their neighborhoods. Whether they operate as co-ops, collectives, or BIPOC-owned ventures, community-owned dispensaries stand at the frontlines of equity, access, and sustainable economic growth.

At The 1937 Foundation, we believe in building a future where cannabis is a tool for healing and empowerment. That future depends on supporting the people and communities most often left behind. One of the clearest paths to achieving this vision is by championing community-owned dispensaries.

What Are Community-Owned Dispensaries?

Community-owned dispensaries come in many forms, but they share a common goal: giving ownership, decision-making power, and economic benefits back to the community. Some operate as cooperatives, where employees or local residents own shares and vote on major decisions. Others function as collectives, emphasizing shared responsibility, local hiring, and ethical sourcing. Many are Black-owned, Latinx-owned, or Indigenous-owned businesses led by entrepreneurs from the very communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs.

Unlike large multi-state operators (MSOs) focused on scaling profits, community-owned dispensaries often prioritize reinvestment. They support local artists, host educational events, fund youth programs, and offer fair-paying jobs. These businesses create a feedback loop of prosperity: every dollar spent circulates locally, building wealth where it's most needed.

Why They Matter Now More Than Ever

Cannabis legalization has opened new doors, but it has also deepened some existing inequalities. Big corporations with deep pockets often dominate the market, pushing out smaller players with fewer resources. Without intentional support, legacy operators and equity applicants can easily get priced out of licenses, real estate, and marketing.

Community-owned dispensaries help balance the scales. They make cannabis more accessible, especially in underserved areas. They offer culturally competent service, prioritize education, and often price products more affordably. Most importantly, they understand the needs of their neighborhoods because they are rooted in them.

These dispensaries also create jobs that don’t just pay the bills but build careers. They train budtenders, cultivators, and compliance experts from within the community. They offer second chances to those with cannabis-related convictions. When you buy from a community-owned dispensary, you're not just getting quality products…you're supporting a mission.

Spotlight on The 1937 Group and Parkway Dispensaries

The 1937 Group, a BIPOC-owned cannabis company, was built on the principle that ownership matters. Through its Parkway Dispensaries in Tilton and Fox Lake, Illinois, the company has become a model for how community-focused cannabis can thrive.

Parkway Tilton and Fox Lake do more than sell cannabis. They create space. In addition, they host local events that bring people together, from art showcases and food pop-ups to educational workshops on cannabis use and social justice. They partner with neighborhood vendors, musicians, and chefs to create economic opportunities that stretch beyond the dispensary doors.

These efforts reflect a deep understanding that cannabis culture does not exist in isolation. It lives alongside local food, music, fashion, and history. By elevating these connections, Parkway reinforces its role as a neighborhood hub, not just a retail store.

The Power of Reinvestment

What truly sets community-owned dispensaries apart is how they cycle profits back into the community. At The 1937 Group, this takes the form of local hiring, support for minority vendors, and collaboration with advocacy organizations. Events like expungement clinics, neighborhood clean-ups, and school supply drives demonstrate a commitment that extends far beyond the cash register.

This reinvestment builds trust. It shows customers and community members that the dispensary is here for the long haul, not just a quick buck. It also counters the historic harms of cannabis criminalization by offering resources, education, and healing.

How to Support Community-Owned Dispensaries

Consumers have the power to shape the future of cannabis with their dollars. Supporting community-owned dispensaries means choosing to uplift equity, sustainability, and social responsibility. Here are a few ways to help:

1. Shop Locally: Choose dispensaries that are locally owned and operated. Research their ownership and community initiatives.

2. Ask Questions: Learn how your dispensary reinvests in the neighborhood. Transparency is a good sign of genuine community care.

3. Spread the Word: Use your voice to elevate dispensaries doing it right. Reviews, social media posts, and word-of-mouth go a long way.

4. Get Involved: Attend events, volunteer for community programs, or donate to causes your local dispensary supports.

The Road Ahead

Community-owned dispensaries offer a powerful blueprint for the future of legal cannabis. They prioritize people over profits, equity over exploitation, and healing over harm. But they need support from consumers, policymakers, and industry allies to survive and grow.

At The 1937 Foundation, we are proud to advocate for this vision. We support local ownership, community reinvestment, and a cannabis industry that serves everyone, not just the few. Through our targeted work and our parent company, The 1937 Group, we are proving that the future of cannabis is not corporate. It’s 100% a community affair.

Let’s make that future real and start supporting community-owned dispensaries.