Cannabis retail shop opens in Canton

By John Fitts Staff Writer

CANTON ­ – High Profile has begun the soft opening period for its cannabis retail location on Route 44, the first in the state for the company.

“We’re excited to serve the community there, excited to give people a more local option," said Ankur Rungta Chief Executive Officer of C3 Industries, an Ann Arbor, Michigan company that operates a series of stores under the High Profile name. "I think right now there’s a pretty far distance you have to travel to go to a cannabis retailer, so we’re excited to have that location option."

As required by a local commission, the store will operate on a pre-order basis for at least two weeks.

“It will be a relatively slow start and will hopefully ramp up over time, but we’re excited to get the doors open and it’s our first location in Connecticut," Rungta said. "So, it’s nice to finally have an active presence there.”

On March 1, 2023, Slap Ash, LLC received approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission to operate a retail facility in the former 3,042-square-foot Bank of America location at 195 Albany Turnpike. While Slap Ash still owns the business, the company has partnered with C3 Industries (High Profile) to run the Canton location, as well as one in Hamden.

"It's been a long journey to get this store open but we are thrilled to now be open and serve the community. We look forward to being able to welcome customers inside and show them how we have transformed the space," said Amanda Ostrowitz, who owns Slap Ash with Ashley Vaughn.

As stipulated in their Canton Planning and Zoning Commission approval, High Profile is currently taking pre-orders only for the location, one condition set in response to concerns from some town residents, particularly those who live nearby. Access to the facility is from Canton Valley Circle, which in addition to two commercial buildings, includes a “circle” of residential homes behind the businesses.

Additionally, there is a private duty police officer on duty and signage and other infrastructure to discourage patrons from driving on to the residential portion of Canton Valley Circle.

While the conditions of pre-order system and private duty officer and additional parking lot monitoring can be extended to 30 days if necessary, Rungta anticipates full store operation in approximately two weeks.

“We’re anticipating that after two weeks, we’ll go to regular operations,” said Rungta, who does not foresee any issues. “We’re not anticipating a high volume of customers right away.”

He also expressed confidence that the state’s program will continue to grow and help lower prices. The company, under another of its brands, will be opening a production facility in East Hartford.

A grand opening will likely happen on Labor Day weekend, but those details are being worked out, he added.

Hours of operation are currently 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Drive-through service is also planned but some additional approvals could be required.

For order, potential job opportunities and more, visit https://highprofilecannabis.com/shop/canton-dispensary