In a sign of Nevada's burgeoning medical cannabis market, Blüm dispensary is set to open in April 2016 at 1085 S. Virginia St. in Reno’s Midtown district, replacing the Scotland Yard Spy Shop. This $1.2 million property acquisition highlights shifting commercial landscapes and growing acceptance of medical marijuana as a therapeutic option.
Property Shift and Business Relocation
The Scotland Yard Spy Shop, owned by David and Debbie Currier, sold the building for around $1.2 million and relocated across the street for half that amount. This allows them to expand inventory while making way for Blüm, operated by MediFarm—a subsidiary of Irvine-based Terra Tech Corp.
- Blüm marks Terra Tech's first Northern Nevada location.
- The chain is also expanding in Southern Nevada with sites near the Las Vegas Strip and two in Clark County.
- Local sourcing from Nevada cultivators initially, with MediFarm's own facility in development.
Unique Location and Community Focus
Unlike Reno's Sierra Wellness Connection or Sparks' Silver State Relief, Blüm's Midtown spot sits closer to residential areas and bustling foot traffic, potentially increasing accessibility for patients. Terra Tech CEO Derek Peterson emphasized proactive community engagement, visiting neighboring businesses to ensure smooth integration.
"We didn’t run across any concerns," Peterson noted, underscoring a grassroots approach. The dispensary prioritizes hiring local talent, especially military veterans—a nod to cannabis's role in managing PTSD and chronic pain common among vets, aligning with public health trends favoring non-opioid alternatives.
Nevada's Regulatory Edge and Market Potential
Nevada's entrepreneur-friendly medical marijuana laws drew MediFarm: no residency requirement for operators, multi-state reciprocity for out-of-state patients, and streamlined licensing. Hiring events start in January 2016, fueling local jobs amid economic diversification.
Looking ahead, the November 2016 recreational ballot could explode the market—Peterson predicts Nevada ranking second or third nationally. This evolution mirrors broader U.S. shifts, where medical cannabis reduces opioid reliance (studies show up to 25% drops in painkiller prescriptions in legalized states) and normalizes plant-based therapies in urban lifestyles.
Implications for Public Health and Urban Renewal
Midtown's transformation signals cannabis's mainstreaming, boosting foot traffic and tax revenue while challenging stigmas. For patients, easier access means better symptom management for conditions like epilepsy, MS, and anxiety. As recreational legalization looms, Reno positions as a cannabis hub, blending health innovation with community vitality.
