This Gay-Owned Dispensary Is Raising Money For Sheltered Animals and LGBTQ+ Refugees Escaping State-Sponsored Violence
Michigan’s first LGBTQ-owned and operated marijuana dispensary, Green Koi, is committed to the community. Based in Douglas/Saugatuck and right next door to The Dunes Resort, the dispensary’s founders are raising funds to support two important causes: sheltered animals in need and international LGBTQ+ refugees.
“We are assisting those in need on both a local and global level by raising funds for a local non-profit and a global non-profit organization,” said Green Koi Co-Owner Ethan Del Stone.
Green Koi is leveraging its partnership with brands such as Green Gruff CBD pet products and Cresco cannabis products to make this possible. “Between our in-store promotions, charitable social events and donating directly to other non-profit organizations, it is our way of making a difference,” Del Stone shared. “We co-host charitable events with other LGBTQ-owned businesses such as CampIt, The Dunes Resort and Isabel’s Market + Eatery to raise funds. Green Koi is inclusive, and we are open to collaborating with our allies from all walks of life.”
Primarily funded by donations such as those from Green Koi, Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance finds good homes for hundreds of cats and dogs every year. “We are very appreciative of everything Green Koi has done,” said Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance president Jim Sellman. Located in Allegan County, Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance operates the local animal shelter.
“In 2021, we were able to return 199 [lost] animals to their owners,” Sellman added. Prior to Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance, the county did not offer any rehoming or adoption programs.
Rainbow Railroad, whose mission is to assist LGBTQ+ people facing persecution find asylum in safer, more welcoming countries, shared a similar sentiment. “As a grassroots, direct service organization, we rely on community partnerships to power our mission. Green Koi’s partnership with Rainbow Railroad will raise important funds and awareness for our cause,” wrote Dane Bland, Director of Communications for Rainbow Railroad.
Green Koi, Michigan’s first LGBTQ-owned and operated dispensary, is known for having a beautiful facility, quality products and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. “We are loyal to our customers and we love it when we can earn our customers loyalty in return. When we are unified together, it supports us in making the world a better place by directly helping these organizations.”
Green Koi Dispensary is located 435 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, MI 49406 and at GreenKoi.com. Saugatuck and Douglas are popular destinations for LGBTQ+ people all over the United States, including Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. This article is a sponsored editorial produced in collaboration with Green Koi. Pride Source’s journalism is made possible with the support and partnership of advertisers like Green Koi.
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