As Legalized Recreational Cannabis in Colorado Reaches its 18-Month Anniversary, Consumer Demand Gro

Ryan Fox, CEO of Denver's Grass Station dispensary, sees strong parallels between the constantly-evolving legal cannabis sector and America’s wine producers

Colorado’s historic experiment with legalized, adult-use marijuana will soon reach its 18-month mark. The state’s successful program has brought cannabis out of the shadows, produced significant revenue and is also prompting industry experts to consider a widening trend; as the acceptance of legal recreational cannabis spreads across mainstream America.

“Production and demand will continue to increase as national legalization becomes a reality,” says Ryan Fox, founder and CEO of The Grass Station, one of oldest and largest cannabis dispensaries in Colorado.

“While that reality may be five or ten years down the road, you will see cannabis treated like a commodity in the markets,” he adds. “After all, we already see cannabis prices fluctuate throughout the year, from factors that are very similar to those that affect commodity futures in the financial markets.”

Fox sees a strong parallel between the legal marijuana industry and America’s wine producers when it comes to its consumer base, its production standards and quality control, as well as regarding its creative branding.

“Any great winery has an equally exceptional agricultural practice; a clean, efficient and well-organized vineyard,” he notes. “They take cost factors into account at every turn. And there’s also an element of style, a touch of creativity, when coming up with a great wine; just as there is with an excellent strain of cannabis.”

As with the wine industry, legal cannabis growers, producers and distributors are already catering to consumers across a wide range of budgets.

On any given day, Fox says, customers at The Grass Station can vary from consumers looking to spend under ten dollars for an afternoon’s diversion to connoisseurs wanting to try out a variety of the store’s more than 20 premium marijuana strains.

And because of that constantly evolving market, Fox and his staff of budtenders are often called on, much like a wine sommelier in a good restaurant, to inform and educate their customers.

Fox says that desire for information often goes well beyond Colorado, and connects him with present and future marijuana consumers across the U.S. and around the globe.

“I answer emails every single day from people who want to know more,” he says. “There are times when I feel like a vineyard owner, explaining our latest vintage.”

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