Summary of Cannabis industry targets luxury consumers with Fifth Avenue marijuana dispensary, Hamptons presence

  • cnbc.com
  • Article
  • Summarized Content

    The Rise of the Luxury Dispensary

    Cannabis consumption is becoming increasingly mainstream, even on New York City's Fifth Avenue. The Travel Agency, a new dispensary, offers a sophisticated experience with white interiors, glass cabinetry, and a curated selection of products.

    • The dispensary's location on Fifth Avenue, alongside luxury retailers like Cartier and Saks, highlights the growing acceptance of cannabis in the high-end market.
    • The Travel Agency is part of a trend of legal dispensaries adopting a luxury aesthetic and targeting a wider consumer base.
    • The average purchase includes two products, like gummies, marijuana flower, or pre-rolled joints, at an average price of $80 to $90.

    Catering to the "Canna-Curious"

    While New York has always had a "legacy" customer base, The Travel Agency is attracting new consumers who are curious about cannabis but may have had negative experiences with it in the past. This "canna-curious" demographic is often hesitant to enter the legal market, but The Travel Agency's sophisticated environment and curated product offerings are designed to ease the transition.

    • The Travel Agency's stores are designed to feel like boutique experiences, with knowledgeable budtenders who can guide customers through the product selection.
    • The company is actively working to break down stigmas associated with cannabis and promote its safe and responsible use.
    • The Travel Agency's marketing emphasizes its ethical mission, with its Fifth Avenue and Brooklyn stores run by owners with a past in the justice system related to cannabis.

    A Luxurious Approach to THC

    The Travel Agency is not alone in its attempt to reach the "canna-curious" consumer with high-quality, luxury cannabis products. Companies like Cann, a THC seltzer brand, are using innovative and approachable packaging and branding to attract a wider audience.

    • Cann's THC seltzers are packaged in sleek, pastel-colored cans, with a low dosage of 2 milligrams of THC per can.
    • The company is targeting a premium, millennial consumer base, and its competition is alcohol, not traditional cannabis products.
    • Cann is partnering with luxury destinations like the Montauk Surf Lodge, where guests can purchase hemp-derived Cann seltzers alongside high-end liquor.

    Luxury Cannabis Brands and Accessories

    The luxury cannabis market extends beyond THC products, with brands offering everything from high-end home decor to fashion accessories.

    • Luxury home designer Jonathan Adler sells marijuana storage canisters and bowls for nearly $300 a piece.
    • Lifestyle brand Edie Parker offers smoker-friendly handbags, rolling papers, giant colorful glass pipes, and $450 table lighters.
    • Actor Seth Rogen's lifestyle and decor brand Houseplant caters to the luxury cannabis user with marble rolling trays and ash trays that go for well over $200.

    The Future of Luxury Cannabis

    The trend toward luxury cannabis is only expected to grow, as brands continue to innovate and reach new consumers.

    • The Travel Agency sees potential for partnerships with fashion brands, leveraging the "coolness" of the burgeoning cannabis industry.
    • Cann's success in reaching a premium consumer base shows that there is a market for high-quality cannabis products that appeal to a wider audience.
    • As the legal cannabis market continues to mature, we can expect to see even more luxury brands entering the space, offering premium products and experiences.

    Dispensary Design and Aesthetics

    The design of dispensaries like The Travel Agency plays a significant role in attracting and retaining customers. The emphasis is on creating a sophisticated and welcoming environment that is distinct from the traditional image of cannabis retail.

    • White interiors, glass cabinetry, and curated displays of products are designed to create a sense of luxury and sophistication.
    • The Travel Agency's location on Fifth Avenue positions it as a destination for discerning consumers who are looking for a premium experience.
    • The company is creating a brand identity that appeals to both "legacy" customers and new consumers who are seeking out high-quality cannabis products in a luxurious setting.

    The Role of THC Seltzers in the Market

    THC seltzer brands like Cann are disrupting the traditional cannabis market by offering an approachable and convenient way to consume THC. These beverages are appealing to consumers who are looking for a lower-dose, social experience and are hesitant to try traditional cannabis products.

    • The seltzer format is familiar and widely accepted, making it easier for new consumers to try THC.
    • The low dosage of 2 milligrams of THC per can allows for a more controlled and predictable experience.
    • Cann's marketing emphasizes its premium ingredients and sophisticated design, appealing to a discerning consumer base.

    The Intersection of Cannabis and Fashion

    The cannabis industry is increasingly collaborating with fashion brands, recognizing the potential for cross-promotion and reaching new audiences.

    • Dispensaries like The Travel Agency offer potential partnerships for fashion brands that are looking to tap into the "coolness" of the cannabis industry.
    • The Travel Agency's sophisticated design and curated selection of products make it an ideal location for fashion brands to showcase their products and reach a discerning consumer base.
    • The collaboration between cannabis and fashion is a natural fit, as both industries are focused on creating and expressing style and individuality.

    Ask anything...

    Sign Up Free to ask questions about anything you want to learn.