A medical marijuana dispensary named Blüm will open in April 2016 at 1085 S. Virginia St. in Reno’s Midtown district, occupying the space of the current Scotland Yard Spy Shop after its owners sold the property for about $1.2 million. The relocation signals growing commercial interest in Nevada’s medical cannabis market, driven by state regulations that attract out-of-state operators. This marks the first Northern Nevada outpost for MediFarm, a subsidiary of Irvine-based Terra Tech.
Spy Shop Relocates Across the Street
David and Debbie Currier, owners of Scotland Yard Spy Shop, secured new property directly across the street for roughly half the sale price of their former building. They intend to move operations and expand inventory in the coming months. The shift underscores how rising property values in Midtown, fueled by cannabis-related development, reshape local retail landscapes.
Strategic Location and Community Integration
Blüm’s site stands out for its proximity to residential areas and heavy foot traffic, setting it apart from Reno’s Sierra Wellness Connection and Sparks’ Silver State Relief. Terra Tech CEO Derek Peterson reported no objections from neighbors after direct outreach to nearby businesses. The company commits to local hiring, prioritizing military veterans, as a means to embed within the community.
Nevada’s Regulatory Edge Draws National Players
Nevada’s medical marijuana laws enable non-residents to establish businesses and offer reciprocity for patients from other states, broadening market access. MediFarm sources products from local cultivators initially, while building its own facility. Peterson highlighted the state’s entrepreneurial framework as a key draw, alongside the looming November 2016 vote on recreational legalization, which he predicts could create one of the nation’s largest such markets.
Expansion Signals Broader Industry Momentum
Terra Tech, publicly traded, extends its footprint with Blüm near the Las Vegas Strip and two more sites planned in unincorporated Clark County. Hiring events start in January 2016, aligning with the April opening. This incursion reflects national cannabis firms capitalizing on Nevada’s permissive rules, positioning the state as a hub amid evolving medical and potential recreational access.
