The cannabis industry is known to be quite wasteful. Compliance has added many layers to the packaging laws, labeling laws, and of course – the many METRC tags used to track the plants from seed to sale. And then there are the indoor growers needlessly drawing on power supplies when the plants can only truly reach their full potential when grown outdoors in their natural environment.

The conundrum for many cannabis companies is that their value systems include prioritizing sustainability, yet they operate in an industry that often fights against their efforts. To truly honor their standards, extra measures need to be taken. 

One of those cannabis companies decided to change its course and make an even bigger impact by joining 1% for the Planet, becoming the first and only cannabis dispensary to do so. 

Solful Standards

Solful, a Northern California-based cannabis dispensary, was founded with the mission of cultivating community health and happiness through the responsible use of clean and effective cannabis. The company was started by local entrepreneurs Peter Dickstein and Eli Melrod, who entered the industry after watching a loved one experience the benefits of cannabis during their successful battle with pancreatic cancer. 

This shared experience led to their belief in the power of cannabis to improve people’s lives, and the creation of Solful as a “destination dispensary brand” focused on making cannabis understandable, accessible, and “normal” for people seeking to enhance their health and happiness. After thoughtful planning, Solful opened its doors in 2017. 

Solful sources its flower exclusively from the Emerald Triangle region, known for producing some of the highest-quality cannabis in the world. The company works closely with a group of farmers who they believe represent the strong roots of cannabis in their community. 

Solful and its partners believe that hands-on care, regenerative, community-focused agriculture, and meticulous attention to detail make all the difference. They hold all products to high standards, from edibles to tinctures to topicals, and only work with local producers whenever possible because of the accountability and community that goes hand in hand with these close relationships. This 1% for the Planet membership is a natural next step to show their continued commitment to the environment.

Solful Joins 1% for the Planet

Solful is proud to be the first and only cannabis retail dispensary to become a business member of 1% for the Planet. 1% for the Planet is an organization that certifies businesses that donate 1% of annual sales to environmental causes. By committing 1% of all Solful branded product sales to non-profit organizations that focus on sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation, they are helping to offset their impact on the environment and support the preservation of the planet.

The goal of 1% for the Planet is to “accelerate smart environmental giving,” and they are proud to have directed more than $435 million in funding to approved environmental partners since the start of their initiative. 

By forging connections with esteemed environmental partners that align with our members’ values and enhance their brand narrative, they provide a personalized approach to philanthropy. Their dedication to understanding the specific causes that matter to each member is exemplified by partnerships like the one they hold with Klean Kanteen, who, since 2008, has supported NatureBridge as a means of providing environmental education to young people. 

With over 5,000 members committed to preserving the planet, 1% for the Planet continues to make meaningful progress in protecting our earth’s future. Solful is committed to honoring its values and membership with this organization.

Current Nonprofit Beneficiaries

Solful’s decision to join 1% for the Planet is a natural extension of its mission to provide its customers with high-quality cannabis products while positively impacting the environment and community. 

“Solful has always existed for the health, well-being, and happiness of our community, customers, and the planet. Now, more than ever, as recreational cannabis takes off and medicinal awareness grows, we want to ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment, which includes supporting important organizations that are working diligently to make our world a better, more liveable place,” said Eli Melrod, CEO and co-founder of Solful.

Solful is already providing support to three local nonprofits in Northern California that are also recipients of 1% for the Planet’s contributions. 

The Ceres Community Project is a non-profit organization that aims to provide support to low-income families facing serious illnesses by providing nutritious meals, community support, and love. The organization started with a small group of teens who prepared meals in a donated church kitchen and has grown over time. The organization has a strong focus on youth development.

The Botanical Bus is a mobile clinic that provides holistic herbal health services to Latinx and Indigenous communities through culturally responsive, community-driven programs. The bilingual bus allows the organization to better serve the community by providing services in their preferred languages.

Daily Acts is a non-profit organization that aims to create more nourishing, connected, and resilient communities by promoting sustainable practices. The organization addresses the climate crisis by sharing solutions, promoting community leadership, and working towards a change in culture and policy.

The Solful Experience

Visiting Solful is unlike any other dispensary trip. Its team of Health and Happiness consultants is ready to educate, listen, and offer their best recommendations based on personal needs. Now, as a part of their continued sustainability efforts with 1% for the Planet, the Solful experience is even richer. 

Solful places high value on engaging and educating customers and staff about the importance of sustainability. This new partnership will only strengthen these efforts through various means such as in-store educational materials and social media campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues.

“Environmental sustainability in the cannabis industry is critical. As this industry grows so does our footprint, and we have a responsibility to act responsibly and proactively,” said Eli Melrod, CEO and co-founder of Solful.

Solful operates two locations in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol and has recently opened a third location in the Bay Area, bringing a new 2,513-square-foot cannabis storefront to the Irving Street corridor in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. This new location represents the company’s community-oriented and boutique retail experience, and they look forward to serving the neighborhood and the broader San Francisco community.