PENDLETON, Ore. – A glass blower gave a demonstration outside High Desert Cannabis at 2003 SW Emigrant Ave. High Desert Cannabis is the third dispensary to open its doors since the Pendleton Planning Commission began issuing conditional-use permits to operate dispensaries within the city limits. A neon sign was also installed at Kind Leaf and part-owner Brandon Krenzler says that he wants people to post a selfie with it on social media.
At High Desert Cannabis, Patrick Holloway was making a twist up pipe. Holloway says that he has been blowing glass since 1995 and that his pieces have been featured in High Times Magazine. Holloway says that he charges $40 and under for his work and that examples are available for purchase inside the dispensary.
High Desert Cannabis is managed by Chris Hasenbank. Hasenbank says that he has traveled extensively throughout Oregon and that he saw low marijuana prices in other parts of the state and wants to bring low prices to Pendleton. High Desert Cannabis had 17 strains of marijuana on display ranging from $6 to $18 per gram. Hasenbank says that he doesn’t stock anything that costs over $18.
On the other side of Pendleton’s newfound cannabis district a neon sign was being installed by Sign Men Neon Co. at Kind Leaf. Part-owner Brandon Krenzler said in a statement that “we don’t need cannabis leaves and green crosses to show people [that] we are [a] recreational cannabis dispensary.” This was in reference to signage commonly displayed at recreational and medical dispensaries. “We want to help end the stigma associated with cannabis and dispensaries…by having a tasteful and acceptable logo for our craft cannabis boutique, one that encourages other companies to step away from the cliches and become originals themselves.”
CORRECTION: On July 8, 2017 Brandon Krenzler clarified that his statement on signage was not in reference to any particular dispensary but in reference to dispensaries in general, particularly “The Green Mile” area of Sandy Blvd. in Portland, Oregon. The article has been updated to reflect this clarification.