Cannabis Retail Store Celebrates Grand Opening In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Higher Collective, an adult-use cannabis retail store, is celebrating its grand opening in Hamden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 23.

The Hamden store, located at 3825 Whitney Ave., is the seventh Higher Collective location to open in Connecticut in just over a year.

The grand-opening celebration will take place from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Guests will receive 20 percent off all first purchases, with an additional 20 percent off future purchases until they save $1,000, according to a news release.

“The celebration will showcase local vendors, community partners, and cannabis brands, with delicious food provided by The Wright Way Burgers & BBQ,” the news release states. “The first 100 customers will be treated to exclusive gift bags, making this a can't-miss community event.”

Read more from the news release below:

The Hamden location is part-owned and operated by Jose Perez, a Hartford resident and Social Equity Joint Venture (SEJV) partner. With nine years of experience in the Hartford school system and a background in small business management, Perez brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry. Arrested for marijuana possession at 18, he has firsthand experience with the disproportionate impact of the War on Drugs.

"Growing up in a neighborhood that bore the brunt of outdated drug policies, I saw how cannabis criminalization disrupted lives and families," Perez said. "When Connecticut prioritized social equity in the cannabis industry, I knew it was an opportunity to not only rewrite my own story but to uplift others."

Higher Collective stores offer a curated selection of cannabis products, including premium flower like Brix Cannabis, edibles, pre-rolls, and accessories. The brand provides a 10 percent discount for veterans, teachers, students 21+, first responders, medical employees, and social workers. Customers can also join the High Fliers Loyalty Program, earning rewards with every purchase.

For more information, visit highercollective.com.

For photos from Friday’s soft opening, visit the town’s Facebook page here.