San Jose has opened its first ever retail storefront for cannabis in the heart of downtown.
For years the city had strict rules on where dispensaries could operate, relegating them to industrial areas. Last year the City Council revised regulations on where dispensaries rent space and allowing one operator to have more than one location.
Mark Ritchie, president of Ritchie Commercial and owner of a building two doors down, said Purple Lotus, at 66 W. Santa Clara St., has already brought a noticeable number of people to the street, including its staff.
“Our wonderful bagel lady at City Bagels is happy because their employees are regulars there,” he said. “Saby-Thai benefits, as will Fuji Sushi when it opens.”
Purple Lotus founder Matt Krishnamachari said the community welcomed him to the neighborhood with gifts of cookies and ice cream. In return, Purple Lotus joined the San Jose Downtown Association, participates in downtown events, offers discounts to service-industry employees and meals to families each Christmas.
“We’ve always been big supporters of the community,” Krishnamachari said. “That’s the secret to our success.”
Customer Lena Huynh appreciates having a conveniently located dispensary.
“You’re in the mecca of all the fun things that folks can do. All the