ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Upper Peninsula dispensary is one step closer to expanding its operations into Delta County.
Higher Love currently has locations in Marquette, Munising, Crystal Falls, Houghton, Ontonagon, Norway, Ironwood, and Menominee. The cannabis retailer is now on course to add Escanaba to that list.
On Thursday, the Escanaba Planning Commission approved a special land use permit for the dispensary. Higher Love plans to move into the former Staples building at 421 North Lincoln Road, which has been vacant for several years.
According to Facilities Director Matthew Treado, Higher Love would only occupy about 25% of the building, leaving space available for other businesses that could potentially utilize the rest of the property. Higher Love expects to bring an initial 15 full-time jobs to the area, and Treado says more will be added as the business grows.
“We’re looking forward to revitalizing that existing space and bringing in the Higher Love retail chain that has developed an excellent reputation here in the Upper Peninsula, provide some high-paying jobs, and continuing to help out in the U.P. by improving the communities that we operate in,” said Treado.
Taylor Busch-Anderson, Higher Love’s Marketing Director, sent a written statement to WZMQ 19 about the future Escanaba site. She said, “Higher Love, known for its organic flower, is excited to bring another flagship location to one of the largest cities in the Upper Peninsula! This will be an unparalleled cannabis destination in the Midwest and a must-see tourist spot — even attracting your favorite cryptid, Sasquatch. Our team is hard at work, ensuring full compliance with the local community during this planning phase. Born and raised in the U.P., Higher Love was recently named Best Brand in Michigan, Best Farm-to-Table Cannabis, and Best Sativa. We’re looking forward to spring and can’t wait to share the fun and squatch those bad vibes!”
Higher Love hopes to open for business in Escanaba by late spring of 2025.
