The Herbal Collective Turns One: Thank You for a Year of Community and Cannabis
The Herbal Collective, affectionately nicknamed THC, is about to celebrate its first birthday. The Vermont recreational cannabis dispensary officially opened last August with a celebration that highlighted the local growers and producers that you’ll still find on the shelves and menu today. It’s time to take a peak into how the store has grown into itself over the past year.
A tight knit team breathes life into the store. Diana, THC’s fearless leader, curates the ever-evolving menu with thoughtful input from the rest of the team: Myliah, Kristen, and Sean. All four members of the crew spend quality time with the diverse community they’ve cultivated. There is a constant conversation about what people love, are curious to try, and what is still missing. These chats directly influence every selection. Each item is picked with purpose and people in mind.
Consistent deal days, a competitive loyalty points program, and realistic pricing have become reliable rationale for people to pull into the parking lot. Each day of the week has dedicated discounts on different kinds of cannabis products. The days dedicated to pre-rolls are increasingly popular amongst regulars.
“It’s real people selling weed to real people” Diana says with a smile.
Not only is it real people helping you along your cannabis journey, but the building itself feels like a home – mostly because it once was one. This cozy corner on the outskirts of Middlebury is no stranger to the cannabis scene. Before The Herbal Collective moved in, the space was home to a medical dispensary for nearly a decade. The vibe today is well rooted, familiar, and maybe just a little nostalgic.
With a fresh interior redesign and a healthy dose of love, the store is more welcoming than ever for the recreational community. Freshly painted evergreen walls, wooden accents, and often enough, a small, slumbering dog named Tucker greets everyone who walks through the door.
Patrons are invited to explore the considerately arranged downstairs with displays of smoking apparatuses, accessories, art and, you guessed it, maple syrup. Community is everything to the team so Diana sourced both the art and maple syrup from locals who were willing to bring their products in on consignment. This creates a rotating reflection of the creativity and craftsmanship that Middlebury has to offer.
Yes, that means nearly all of the art, including pieces by Laura Fenn and Rachel Manikian, on the walls within The Herbal Collective is available for purchase.
The team’s excitement for the future is palpable. Accessible prices, kind spirits, and care for the community shine a light on the pathway forward. Through collaboration with both patrons and industry partners, Diana and the team continue to strive to create a space where people want to be and feel comfortable seeking educated guidance. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms and answers to their questions. Regulars are greeted by name. The Herbal Collective is more than just a store. It’s a vibe, a gathering space of like minded folks, and a celebration of Vermont cannabis culture.