In a licensing process dominated by billion-dollar cannabis corporations, a homegrown Utah company beat the odds to bring a medical cannabis pharmacy to Moab.
Grand County’s first medical cannabis pharmacy is slated to open this summer in the former WabiSabi space at 160 East 100 South, bringing legal, regulated access closer to patients.
“We were awarded this license over a two billion dollar holdings corporation from Chicago,” said Olivia Kulander, chief science officer for Boojum. “While we might not have over 150 dispensaries to our name, that means we will be pouring everything we have into this one pharmacy.”
Boojum was selected through a highly competitive state process that limited eligibility, but ultimately drew massive, multi-state operators into the race. According to Kulander, the licensing board cited Boojum’s local connection as a key reason for its decision.
“We’re really happy that that was acknowledged as an important factor,” she said.
Kulander said her family’s experience during her mother’s cancer shaped how they view the role of the business in the community.
“The support our family felt from the whole community really showed us what a close-knit, compassionate place this is,” she said. “That will always be a roadmap for us when it comes to how life-changing showing up for one another can be.”
The nearest Utah medical cannabis pharmacy is currently in Price, a drive that often pushes patients to seek medicine out of state.
“We do know that this distance drives a lot of people to go out of state, which carries legal risks,” Kulander said. “Having dependable local access to cannabis means that those who need it most will be able to access it safely and legally.”
Boojum’s Moab pharmacy will operate as a medical-only facility, offering products including flower, edibles, vapes, capsules, concentrates, and topicals.
The pharmacy plans to open with walk-in service and curbside pickup, with delivery to Grand County and neighboring areas to follow.
A licensed pharmacist will be on site at all times, and the company plans to host educational events and work with local medical providers to help patients navigate Utah’s medical cannabis card process.
“Only medical cannabis patients will be allowed into the controlled area,” Kulander said, encouraging residents who may benefit to begin the card application process.
For Kulander and her brother, Boojum CEO Dashiel Kulander, the Moab location is personal.
“It’s a trip!” she said. “Dashiel and I grew up in Castle Valley and still have such a solid foundation of friends and family that we can’t wait to return to.”
Boojum says it plans to hire locally and reinvest in the community through volunteering and donations.
“We are Castle Valley kids, Moabites, and Red Devils,” Kulander said. “Finding a way to bring an industry we love to our Grand County neighbors has been a long road—and we’re excited to finally be here.”
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