Marijuana Will Soon Be Available at Gas Stations in Florida

Yes. A gas and grass combo will soon be available at Circle K convenience stores in Florida. The Canadian convenience store, Circle K, is now partnering with Green Thumb Industries to offer medical marijuana at 10 locations in the state.
If you think it’s going to be as easy as driving up and asking for $35 on pump 3 and an ounce of wildflower power think again. Here’s the real version of what we know you can expect.
Medical marijuana will not be sold inside the actual convenience store. The deal between Circle K and Green Thumb Industries allows the cannabis company to exclusively lease space from the convenience store chain. This means Green Thumb’s brand, “Rise Dispensaries” will have locations placed conveniently next door to Circle K locations.
While the location might be convenient providing the somewhat fictitious “gas and grass” combo, you will still need a medical marijuana card to purchase anything. Yes, this first of its kind deal is happening but only medical marijuana is legal in the state of Florida.
Now that you know how this business deal works, here’s what you can soon purchase at what will be named “Rise Express”. Smokable cannabis buds, pre-rolls, gummies and vapes will be available at the dispensaries. For now, the list of locations has not been mapped out or at least known to the public. We do know the dispensaries will open in 2023.
You’re probably wondering why this is a big deal if it’s only available in Florida. Think of it as a peek into the future or maybe you could channel your inner entrepreneurial hat and think of how you can get into the growing industry.
According to CNET, legal marijuana has gotten off to a slow but steady start. In 2012, Colorado and Washington were the first two states to legalize recreational cannabis. Fast forward to present day, 19 states have legalized recreational cannabis and 39 states have legalized medical cannabis. Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler spoke with Bloomberg stating the deal will “continue to normalize marijuana by integrating it with regular consumer products. This is a futuristic deal.” Kovler might be leading his company in the right direction.  Earlier this month, President Biden pardoned all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession.