A new medical marijuana dispensary named Blüm will occupy the building at 1085 S. Virginia St. in Reno's Midtown district, replacing the Scotland Yard Spy Shop after its owners sold the property for about $1.2 million. The move signals growing commercial interest in Nevada's medical cannabis market, driven by state regulations that attract out-of-state operators. Set to open in April 2016, Blüm marks the first Northern Nevada location for MediFarm, a subsidiary of Irvine-based Terra Tech.
Local Business Relocates Amid Sale
David and Debbie Currier, owners of Scotland Yard Spy Shop, secured a property across the street for roughly half the sale price of their former site. David Currier stated the business will relocate and expand its inventory in the coming months. This transaction underscores shifting retail dynamics in Midtown, where high-value sales enable nearby relocations and adaptations to new tenants.
Blüm Enters Unique Midtown Location
Operated by MediFarm, Blüm differs from existing dispensaries like Reno's Sierra Wellness Connection and Sparks' Silver State Relief by sitting closer to residential areas and commercial foot traffic. Terra Tech CEO Derek Peterson reported no concerns from neighbors after direct outreach to surrounding businesses. The company commits to local hiring, prioritizing military veterans, with events starting in January 2016.
Nevada Regulations Draw National Players
Nevada's medical marijuana laws permit non-resident applicants and offer multi-state reciprocity, allowing patients from other states to purchase legally with valid cards. These rules, combined with a cultivation facility under construction, fueled MediFarm's expansion from other states into Northern Nevada. Peterson highlighted the entrepreneurial framework as a key draw, alongside potential recreational legalization on the November 2016 ballot.
Market Growth and Broader Outlook
Blüm will initially source products from Nevada cultivators before shifting to its own facility. Peterson predicted Nevada's recreational market could rank among the nation's largest if voters approve the measure. Such developments reflect cannabis's evolution from stigmatized medicine to regulated industry, reshaping urban commercial spaces and local economies in states with permissive policies.
