Charlotte dispensary Happy Camper expands despite looming THC crackdown
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Happy Camper opened their fourth location in February. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Popular local dispensary Happy Camper has expanded to Echo Hills.
Why it matters: This marks the fourth location for owner Michael Angelicola, who is pushing forward despite the looming THC ban that's threatening the industry.
The vibe: The new 1,000 square foot dispensary has the same grab-and-go products, including flower, gummies, pre-rolls and more.
- Inside, you'll also find Happy Camper clothing and branded merchandise similar to their NoDa shop.
What they're saying: Angelicola says he welcomes regulation of the hemp industry, just not a full shutdown.
- "Since opening our first location, I've been begging for regulation, because there's a bunch of bad actors that put really bad products out there, " he said.
State of play: A federal ban is expected to take effect in November that would ban the sale of products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container.
- Angelicola notes that there has been some version of hemp threats for years, so uncertainty has come with the territory.
- "This is the closest we've ever been to ... something signed on paper. But every year this is a conversation," he said.
Yes, but: New dispensaries are still popping up in North Carolina and beyond, and many entrepreneurs like Angelicola are getting involved now to lobby against the bill.
- Happy Camper is working with nonprofit organization Cultivating Breakthrough in Healthy Development (CBHD) to advocate for regulation rather than eliminating the industry entirely.
Zoom in: Happy Camper has a cannabis lounge in NoDa, which sees hundreds of people daily. Angelicola also recently opened dispensaries in Dilworth and Denver, N.C. He says he can't imagine the state shutting down hemp businesses across North Carolina.
- "I would be very hard pressed to feel in any way, shape or form, that this industry is going to go anywhere," he said.
Stop by: Visit the new Happy Camper at 3748 Monroe Road. It's open Monday through Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 10am-8pm.
