Bask opened its doors to the public in 2018, serving medical cannabis patients in the SouthCoast. For the next 3 years, Bask cemented its name as a community-driven, people-first dispensary. In 2021, Bask opened its doors to recreational consumers, offering our services to the entire SouthCoast.
As Bask celebrates its 5th birthday in February, we’d like to look back on 5 amazing years of service. We’ve sponsored many events, worked with some great community partners and started beloved events that people in the community look forward to every year.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Chapman Dickerson to talk about the past 5 years and what to expect in the future.
What are some of your favorite moments from the past 5 years of Bask?
To start, 2 of my favorite moments were opening the doors for sales on Medical and AU. After a grueling licensing and application process, the sense of accomplishment was such a great achievement. Little did I know when the doors opened, the real work just began. Another favorite moment every year is the Free Trees event at Bask I love how it brings the community together and makes a difference in our environment.
Did you see Bask growing to what it is now?
I did, but I really thought it would have been faster. It turns out that the cannabis industry is really difficult and it takes an incredible amount of dedication and effort. It also can’t be done by one person; it truly takes a village.
What were the deciding factors for switching from an indoor grow to a greenhouse?
Moving from indoors to the Greenhouse was an easy decision. Bask is in it for the long haul and being relevant down the road means being the most efficient grow possible. I also want to be part of a solution and not the problem when it comes to energy consumption. We use a lot fewer resources by capturing the sun as our lighting source.
What were some unexpected challenges you have seen in the past 5 years?
There were plenty of unexpected challenges over the last 5 years, the biggest being covid. Never in my life did I believe we would come to a standstill because of a pandemic. Who would have thought it was going to be a 2020 plus a few-year issue? It also put me in a very uncomfortable position with my Team. I’ve always believed in “your body, your choice,” but because we have over 100 employees somehow the federal government believes it’s my responsibility to make sure everyone is vaccinated. I’m grateful it was thrown out but still a little bitter that I was put in that position.
How has being a veteran influenced how you look at both the grow and retail side?
Being a veteran has influenced the way I look at both the retail and cultivation side of Bask. First off, anyone who has served knows the expression “hurry up and wait”. Those few words sum it all up! You must have patience and know there is a reason for everything, even if it’s not clear. “Shoot, communicate, move it on out.” The only direction to move is forward. We can’t be afraid to make the hard decisions, you own it.
What can we expect from Bask in the future?
2023 and beyond certainly have a lot in store for Bask. Expansion and growth! After 3 long years battling it out in Taunton, we finally have a license and will be opening this summer. It’s exciting to recreate what we have accomplished in Fairhaven and bring it to the Taunton community. Also, Happy Chappy’s Home Delivery is gaining traction so we can service those in the New Bedford area who can’t make it to our brick-and-mortar. Product development is in full swing, and we intend to release a handful of unique products. It starts with the “ Bad Larry”, an affordable infused blunt.
At Bask, we’d like to thank everyone for helping us get to where we are today, and for helping us in the future. Without you, we would not be where we are. From all of us at Bask, thank you.