Village Cannabis, Sandoval County’s newest dispensary, opened Nov. 6 in Placitas at Homestead Village, offering a convenient spot to find cannabis products in the heart of the community.
Janet Goodman, a longtime Placitas resident, retired after 38 years from corrections in New Mexico and Texas. She swapped her badge for buds when she was inspired to enter the cannabis industry after watching the documentary We the People.
“Before then, I was pretty much against cannabis, and that was just a lack of not knowing and having a criminal justice background,” Goodman said. “But once I start watching films about how it has helped medical patients, that’s when I’m like, ‘Okay, I want to open up a dispensary.’”
Village Cannabis offers a diverse selection of cannabis products, including edibles and pre-rolls, catering to both medicinal and recreational users. Beyond cannabis, the dispensary also serves pet owners with a variety of supplies, such as collars, leashes, toys, dog treats, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Additionally, they provide a range of cannabidiol (CBD) products specially formulated for pets.
“We have everything that any cannabis store or dispensary has, except for we have more,” Goodman said. “We’re probably one of the first [dispensaries] where you can walk in and find not just a few novelty gifts, but an entire shelf or wall,” Goodman said.
For those craving a snack, Village Cannabis offers non-cannabis treats such as locally-made beef jerky and nuts. Shoppers can also explore a variety of novelty gifts, including clothing, jewelry, hats and books, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The dispensary’s premium cannabis offerings include a wide selection of indica, sativa, and hybrid cannabis. Its lineup also features gummies, some made with rosin, along with CBD tinctures and cartridges, catering to diverse preferences and needs.
The location at Homestead Village is ideal, Goodman said, citing its proximity to her home and the advantage of being the only dispensary in the heart of Placitas. She said the community has been welcoming and supportive, and Goodman feels secure thanks to regular check-ins by Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Goodman had planned to open a month and a half earlier, but a burst appendix delayed the launch. Now fully operational, the shop is preparing to implement customer rewards, including discounts for veterans, birthday rewards for seniors and a loyalty points program.
Goodman is also considering a grand opening event in March or April with live music to celebrate the dispensary’s presence in the Placitas community.
“Cannabis people — and it’s not because they’re smoking — they are nice, easy people to deal with,” Goodman said. “Everybody that comes in the store is very pleasant, very kind, very sweet. So actually, I see myself staying here for a while.”