Store Manager Jowan Gonzales Naranjo, left, and his brother Trisdan Mountain, Bud Tender, hold a store sign Tuesday March 16 in front of Oso Cannabis Company in Pojoaque. Photo by Jenn Bartram/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
OSO Cannabis Company officially opened for business Jan. 11 across the highway from Buffalo Thunder in Pojoaque. It is defined as a medical cannabis dispensary and when the new state law goes into effect April 1, it will become a medical and recreational cannabis dispensary.
“This is an unconventional business in relation to fundamentals,” Managing Partner James Mountain said. “OSO Cannabis Company – Pojoaque is a franchise through a five person partnership made up of Native women and minority members. We have a dispensary soon to open in Taos and are working on opening locations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and to expand beyond that throughout Northern New Mexico.”
Mountain is a Los Alamos High School graduate and former governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo. He serves as a managing partner of the company, overseeing store operations. His sons Jowan Gonzales Naranjo and Trisdan Mountain work in the store. Gonzales Naranjo is store manage and Trisdan is a bud tender as is employee Valeen Martinez.
“Our goal is to be a one-stop-shop for care and compassion for our patients,” Mountain said. “We’re driven to provide quality care for those who need it most. Our highly trained store personnel and support staff help determine the most effective treatment method, then guide our patients through every step of the process so they’ll know exactly what to expect, answer any questions, and provide any resources needed.”
There also is an ATM in the store, he said.
“The response we’re getting is that our product is top quality and that we offer more variety, and we appreciate that very much,” Gonzales Naranjo said, adding that the local staff is prepared to answer any questions patients may have regarding the selection of flower, pre-rolls, infused edibles, concentrates, tinctures and topicals available.
The OSO Cannabis Company – Pojoaque store online menu reflects a variety of medicinal cannabis products available at osocanna.com including flower, concentrates and tinctures. Customers and patients may place an order ahead of time online for pick-up at the store through Dutchie … arrive and avoid the wait … it’s that easy, Mountain said.
In addition to cannabis products, OSO Cannabis also carries a full selection of glass and accessories to ensure all needs are met, Gonzales Naranjo said.
How It Works
There are 28 qualifying conditions for the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) administers the Medical Cannabis Program, in accordance with the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act while at the same time ensuring proper enforcement of any criminal laws for behavior that has been deemed illicit by the state.
A Primary Caregiver (PC) may be designated by the Qualified Patient (QP) to take responsibility for managing the well-being of the QP in the use of medical cannabis.
New Mexico residents must obtain a New Mexico State issued ID to qualify for the program. Patient and Caregiver ID cards expire every three years. Being a patient in the program allows a patient to buy up to 230 units (about 8 ounces) of cannabis over three months.
“Our intent here at OSO Cannabis Company is to offer patients a quality alternative and product,” Mountain said. “We aim to meet every standard of customer and patient care, which will transfer into recreational cannabis customers as well.”
Mountain explained that he plans to hire several new employees over the next few weeks. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and pass a background check. For employment information, store hours and other details, call 505.455.9937, email oso@osocanna.com or visit osocanna.com.
The community is invited to attend the official grand opening of OSO Cannabis Company with daylong festivities beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, April 1 in Pojoaque.
Bud Tender Trisdan Mountain prepares to greet patients March 16 at Oso Cannabis Company in Pojoaque. Photo by Jenn Bartram/ladailypost.com
Greeting customers March 16 at Oso Cannabis Company, from left, Bud Tender Valeen Martinez, Store Manager Jowan Gonzales Naranjo and Bud Tender Trisdan Mountain. Photo by Jenn Bartram/ladailypost.com