ESPN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA – Starting in 2023, select Circle K gas stations in Florida will be branded as “RISE Express” stores.
The Circle K Marijuana announcement came today as a joint venture between Circle K and multi-state cannabis operator Green Thumb. Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler described the partnership as “a futuristic deal.”
Here’s the rest of the details. The rebranded “RISE Express” stores will have a separate entrance from the gas station. You’ll need to get your Polar Pop from one counter and your weed from a separate transaction.
The plan is to launch 10 of these stores next year as a test. If all goes well, expansion is likely. We don’t know yet where these locations will be or if any will be located in Southwest Florida.
Also, you’ll need to have your medical marijuana card. That’s a Florida rule. The state only allows cannabis to be purchased for medical reasons.
According to the Washington Examiner, “The partnership marks the first time cannabis will be available for purchase at a gas station.” Additionally, something I really did not expect.
So starting next year you may be heading to the Circle K Marijuana store and utter the phrase “Yes $30 on 4 and a bag of mids please”.
UPDATE (10/20/2022):
The Florida Department of Health has reached out with this comment:
“This project has not been approved by the State. Florida has never approved a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center to operate out of a gas station.”
