CannaCruz: A Family of Shops

CannaCruz – Salinas, CA

CannaCruz is a family-owned business founded by brothers Grant and Brad Palmer. They grew up in Santa Cruz and worked as vendors in Bay Area dispensaries, starting their business over the course of five to six years, seeking connoisseur product and planning their infrastructure. Grant Palmer explained that all employees go through an extensive training program that guides their compassion and encourages a continuous hunger for knowledge about cannabis and health. “Every one of our budtenders can analyze a terpene profile,” notes Palmer.

The Place

The Salinas location celebrated their grand opening on June 8 after a three-and-a-half-year process. There are currently three dispensaries in Salinas. CannaCruz opened stores in Salinas because many of their customers were commuting nearly 40 miles to Santa Cruz to shop the location’s quality products. “We made it look like how we wanted the Santa Cruz location to look in the first place,” says Palmer. You can either talk to a budtender or browse shelves with a more inclusive, open sales floor. CannaCruz has implemented and hired a legitimate security team to maintain a friendly and safe environment. The staff participates in beach clean-ups with local companies and food drives during the holiday season. CannaCruz also highlights locals by inviting artists to display their work inside the shop. The Santa Cruz location has exhibited the work of local painters Mistaya Wilks and Elliot Bliss as well as work from local photographer Brad Davies.

The Product

Boutique style shopping makes for a comfortable, stress-free experience. High-quality cannabis is the team’s utmost priority. A variety of products ranging in price, potency and locality are offered, including high-potency, ultra terpene-rich cultivars and concentrates. CannaCruz is known for their GMO flower testing in at 38 percent THC and many strains test at upwards of 25 to 30 percent THC. I found they also offer Slymer, Sauce and Sour Tangie #5. Their cultivation facility in Monterey is undergoing revitalization and houses a large selection of exotic strains. The team shows customers gratitude by offering low prices and 10 percent discounts for veterans and active military personnel, medical patients as well as those 55 years old and up. “We still believe in medical cannabis regardless of how recreational cannabis has affected that,” concludes Palmer.

“Every one of our budtenders can analyze a terpene profile.”

— Owner and Founder, Grant Palmer