November 2023, Vol 3, Issue 11
BEST DISPENSARY
Cultivate Good Times
In the male-dominated cannabis and business worlds, Susan Hwang is a trailblazer. As the founder and CEO of Best Dispensary — a luxury cannabis retailer with locations in Mesa and Yuma— she has made it a mission to break the cannabis stigma, all while squeezing in skiing, snowboarding, hiking, golfing, shopping, and vision-board-making. This month, the Dispatch sat down with the South Korcan-born entrepreneur for a wide-ranging chat. Follow her and Best on Instagram at @susanhwang and @bestdispensaryaz
Q: How long have you been in the cannabis industry?
A: I’m actually one of the original license holders from when the Arizona medical program began in 2011. We opened our first dispensary in Eloy in 2013. That location moved a few times but is now Best Dispensary in Mesa. The main goal [there] was to launch Best as a brand and help break the negative stigma and connotation around cannabis. We also opened a Yuma location, Yuma Dispensary, in 2013
Q: Tell us about Best Dispensary and how that journey has progressed?
A: It’s been a challenging journey, with Yuma Dispensary in particular. Even though we had opportunities to move into different areas like Phoenix, Tempe, or Mesa, we decided to stay in Yuma. At the time, we were the only dispensary in Yuma, and we felt very passionate about continuing to serve the medical community. We’re no longer the sole dispensary there, but we continue to be the only medical and recreational dispensary there to this day.
Q: As a female leader in the male-dominated cannabis and business worlds, do you have any advice for other women in the industry?
A: Being a woman executive/player in cannabis is a challenge, but it’s an important pathway to be paved. My advice is to embrace your femininity, embrace that woman’s touch, intuition, sensitivity, and be true to who you are.
Q: How does OGeez! set itself apart from other gummies in the game?
A: OGeez!, amongst many gummies, is unique. The most important factor is the founder, Peggy. She and I go way back to 2013 in Eloy. She is no longer with us, but the fact that as a woman entrepreneur, she had an idea and executed it, and was the driving force behind the brand, is very inspirational. Her legacy lives on. The double-layer gummies are also very unique. Now more brands do it, but I feel like OGeez! pioneered that.
