Recreational marijuana begins selling in Carmel

Starting Friday, recreational pot is now being sold in Carmel. <any might think that's an unlikely location. But while the demographic of customers might be different than Santa Cruz, the grass seems to be just as green.

At Big Sur Canna Botanicals near the Barnyard in Carmel Rancho Square, one big difference you’ll find here is the average age of customers. Most are in their 50’s. Another, is that it’s not your typical pot shop. There’s wood floors, high end fixtures and art work. They say they’re trying to change the stigma and by the looks of the customers, it’s working.

According to co-owner Aram Stoney, business has been two to three times busier than normal Friday with the sale of recreational marijuana. He says discretion and making the clients feel comfortable is key.

“Carmel obviously does have a different demographic than say Santa Cruz does, a lot of older people that come through here and we had already seen a big need of the older community, the baby boomers and whatnot to use our services,” said Big Sur Canna Botanicals Co-Owner Aram Stoney.

We also asked Aram about the recent decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reverse the Obama-era policy allowing states to decide the legality of marijuana. Here’s what he had to say:

“Does it worry me? I can’t say that it doesn’t worry me. It’s always had that federal implication. The entire west coast of the United States of America now has adult use cannabis regulation on the books and it would be nice if the government saw the light as well,” said Stoney.

Despite Session’s announcement and all the confusion that’s caused, at least for now until things shake out, it’s a green rush in Carmel as Friday marks the first day for recreational marijuana in this upscale community.