Homer is on track to see its first marijuana dispensary open for business this fall. Uncle Herb’s, a licensed retailer with a location in Anchorage, hopes to open a second location in Homer along Ocean Drive.
“We’re going to do everything we can to be a model facility,” says Owner Lloyd Siassny.
The Homer location is about 600 square feet, but the retail space will only occupy a small portion of the building.
“We have lots of room to expand. If the business does well, we will,” Stiassny explained.
But, before he can do any building, Stiassny’s application has to be approved by the Marijuana Control Board. His Homer operation is up for approval at its meeting in Nome on Sept. 14 and 15. After that, the real work can begin.
“Once that transpires, then it’s up to us. We have to build out the facility, so we got work to do. Then there’s a fire marshal inspection, which is very key,” Stiassny said.
Even though Uncle Herb’s is set to be the only retail shop on the Southern Kenia Peninsula, Stiassny is encouraging others interested in the commercial cannabis industry to take root in Homer.
“I think it’s a good thing. I think as a local community you should focus on this in a way that looks at future growth and planning for your community,” he said.
If all goes according to plan, Uncle Herb’s will open its Homer location around Thanksgiving.
While things are looking up for the few businesses located within incorporated communities on the peninsula, most of its cannabis industry is facing Proposition 1 on the ballot this October.
Prop. 1 would eliminate any commercial cannabis operations outside of the boundaries of Homer, Kenai, Seward and other incorporated communities. Only one operation in Kenai is currently within city limits.
