Six-time NBA all-star and Seattle Sonic legend, Shawn Kemp, is proud to announce the opening of his newest cannabis dispensary in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle. This new location will complement his already successful cannabis store in Belltown, offering a diverse range of products in a Seattle-themed, 3,500-square-foot showroom.
Dedicated to Diversity
The new dispensary, co-owned by Shawn Kemp and Tran Du, is committed to promoting diversity within the staff and promoting from within. Du, who started as a budtender, has worked his way up the ranks to become Kemp’s business partner and general manager. With Kemp now one of the few Black owners in the state of Washington, the new dispensary aims to be a boost for the reputation of the business and for people of color fighting for representation in the industry.
A Showcase of Seattle Culture
The former bank building, now home to Shawn Kemp’s dispensary, features a massive mural of Kemp, former Sonic teammate Gary Payton, Bruce Lee, and Jimi Hendrix, showcasing Seattle’s rich cultural history. The dispensary will offer over 3,000 unique products, making it the best selection in the city.
Celebrating the Grand Opening
Shawn Kemp and friends will host a ribbon cutting event on Saturday, Feb. 11 at noon, celebrating the grand opening of the new dispensary. With special 50% off sales and the possibility of celebrity appearances, the event promises to be a celebration for fans and customers alike. The dispensary is located at 2764 First Avenue South, near Starbucks Center.
Past Missteps Highlight Lack of Diversity
The opening of Shawn Kemp’s first cannabis store in Seattle on Oct. 30, 2020, drew attention to the lack of diversity in the city’s cannabis market. A mistaken news release promoting the store as Seattle’s first Black-owned marijuana retailer led to conflicting news reports and complaints from industry officials. Despite the confusion, Kemp’s name has since been added to the license, making him one of the first people in Seattle to identify as Black or African-American among retail store owners.
Committed to Social Equity
Paula Sardinas, a lobbyist for Washington state’s Commission on African American Affairs, pointed out that the attention received by Shawn Kemp’s cannabis store is further proof that more efforts are needed to achieve social equity in the state’s cannabis industry. The company is committed to lowering barriers to access and promoting diversity in the industry.
