Columbia Care Inc., one of the largest and most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and providers of medical and adult-use cannabis products in the U.S., announced the opening of its new retail brand, Cannabist, in Tempe.

Cannabist - Tempe,  which previously operated as SWC Tempe, is located at 520 S. Price Road and serves both medical patients and recreational customers.

The grand opening event, which occurred over Memorial Day Weekend, featured a variety of deals for new and existing customers.

Cannabist is home to premium brands that focus on the highest quality and reliability and will continue to collaborate with brands run by fellow cannabis connoisseurs and social equity businesses.

“We were thrilled with the turnout at our grand event and over the holiday weekend,” said Isaiah Collins, general manager at Cannabist - Tempe.

“You could really feel the excitement for this new look and feel and the overall enhanced dispensary experience that Cannabist offers. It was inspiring to see our local community come out to support us – we are so grateful to serve our fellow Arizonians and share our passion for the power of cannabis.”

More than a dispensary, Cannabist will serve as the intersection for medical and recreational cannabis users to provide a higher experience  built on one of the largest customer data repositories, passion, technology innovation, community commitment, and product standards.

The Cannabist retail experience centers on making shopping for cannabis as approachable and straightforward as possible, accommodating the vast range of experience levels patients and customers may have when they walk through the doors.

Merchandising set-ups and store layouts are organized to help customers move through the space with intent and become more comfortable in the process.

Additionally, space is designed to encourage employees and customers to engage in conversations that enhance the shopping experience, whether through product recommendations or general education.

To fully realize this goal, all Cannabist staff have undergone extensive training not offered at other dispensaries, ensuring that customer and patient needs can be exceeded.