Dedicated to making a positive impact on the community
By Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl
Cannabis dispensary Perfect Union is a community-based business that was founded 14 years ago in Sacramento to educate customers about their many products and consumption methods in order to provide beneficial relief. With its additional location in Morro Bay, the founders’ vision continues, creating a “vertically integrated company including cultivation, distribution, and expanding our retail footprint from Northern California to the Central Coast,” says Director of State and Local Licensing Chelsea Haskins.
Perfect Union currently has eight dispensaries in California, with a ninth set to open in the city of Woodland. Handling the special permit requirements and drafting their license applications for expansion in other areas, Haskins also combines her legal expertise and communication with the community to ensure that Perfect Union runs smoothly within each location’s residing city.
“As a Central Coast native, it’s fulfilling to contribute to both our store’s success and the community where I grew up,” Haskins explained. “When I lived here, safe access to cannabis wasn’t available, so I’m especially proud that Perfect Union now provides this essential service to all our community members.”
There are 150 employees throughout their retail stores. As one of the first cannabis companies to enter in the collectivebargaining agreement with the Unified Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, all of the stores go through a card-check voting process that allows employees the opportunity to enter into the union. It is also a priority for the company to pay their employees a cost of living wage.
“Perfect Union’s core values are centralized around community involvement and charitable initiatives,” Haskins said. “We take pride in sponsoring and participating in a range of community events, partnering with organizations such as Wiggle Waggle with the WOODS Humane Society, the Shop, Sip, and Stroll, the Rock’s Anniversary Fundraiser, Cruisin’ Morro Bay, CHiPs for Kids, and the Morro Bay Chamber.”
In addition, their community benefits program allows them to contribute to various local causes and organizations. At Thanksgiving they provide meals to families in need. During the winter holiday season, they conduct coat, food, and toy drives. Also, under SB 34, their Compassion Program offers free products to guests showing proof of their medical condition, such as Crohn’s disease or cancer, and recommendation.
In July, they hosted Weed for Warriors at the Morro Bay location. “This nonprofit organization collaborates with cannabis business operators statewide to provide free products to veterans,” Haskins noted. To qualify, veterans are required topresent their medical recommendation and Veteran ID card.
Perfect Union has an ongoing dedication to making a positive impact within the Morro Bay community.
Perfect Union
1000 Quintana Rd Suite A, Morro Bay
(805) 254-4146
perfect-union.com
