Native-owned Cannabis Dispensary Blossoms in Billings
A new cannabis dispensary, N8V Grown, has opened its doors just outside of Billings, marking a significant milestone for Indigenous entrepreneurship in Montana’s growing marijuana industry. The dispensary, founded by Charles Swan, a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, is one of the state’s few fully Native American-owned dispensaries.
N8V Grown began as a medical dispensary on the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation in 2018, founded by Swan and his father. The company has since expanded to five locations in northern Montana, with the Billings location being their sixth and first venture into the southern part of the state.
The dispensary has a strong commitment to community employment, with 94% of its 74 employees being Native American. Swan’s goal was to employ Native Americans, and he has exceeded his expectations.
N8V Grown grows its own cannabis and plans to start cultivating locally in Billings within the next year. The company is known for its high-quality products, with customers requesting their products from the reservation.
Store manager Becca Dabdoub-Olivera, who has years of experience in the cannabis industry, notes that attitudes towards marijuana have shifted from a recreational stigma to a focus on wellness. She has seen customers come in specifically for certain terpenes or strains to help with medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Despite the challenges of running a dispensary, including strict regulations and limited testing labs, N8V Grown continues to expand. The company plans to open additional locations in Glendive, Sidney, and Plentywood in the coming month and increase staff to at least 15 more employees.
The dispensary offers discounts depending on the day of the week and has a loyalty program for customers. Individuals with a tribal ID card can also receive a discount at any time.
N8V Grown’s success is a testament to the growing importance of the cannabis industry in Montana and the state’s commitment to supporting Native American-owned businesses.
