Returning to its roots: Satori evolves into POM Cannabis

The term “satori” comes from the Zen Buddhist tradition, and describes a moment of waking, self-awareness and greater comprehension.

Justin Wilson had his Satori moment in 2014 when Washington voters approved adult-use cannabis, and he immediately saw the need for high-quality stores to serve this new customer base.

Wilson knew the cannabis community somewhat. Since 1997, he has owned Piece of Mind shops in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and California. The retail/culture establishments have provided customers with an impressive selection of functional glassware, apparel and various other accessories and gadgets, even if they are only intended for tobacco smoking only. (At least that’s what the signs say.)

So he took the plunge and licensed a group of Satori stores that focus only on cannabis products. Today there are two Satoris in Spokane plus locations in Pullman, the Fremont area of Seattle, Bellingham and Anchorage, Alaska.

Some shops, like North Spokane and Spokane’s South Hill, are located next to a Piece of Mind, and great effort has gone into making sure there’s a distinct look and feel between both brands. This means no shred of tie-dye, no whiff of incense, or any funky music to be heard at Satori. Instead, these shops are bright, shiny, spacious, even subdued to some degree. But if you need tools and accessories to partake, you need to head next door.

This fall, it’s time to bring both worlds closer together.

Wilson has spent the summer putting together plans to rename and rebrand all Satori stores POM Cannabis.

Starting this fall, shoppers will be able to visit any POM Cannabis location to buy premium cannabis from producers/processors around the state. They can also receive useful advice on what products can best help with any mental or physical health condition, or just to make shoppers feel good.

Then they can head to a Piece of Mind store to get the tools to consume it, like quality dab rigs, pipes and bubblers. Cool POM Cannabis apparel and merchandise will also be available.

“We’re getting back to our roots,” Wilson said. “We’re going to have a different look, more in line with Piece of Mind.”

What’s not going to change is exceptional service at either shop. There’s a high number of budtenders with medical marijuana certification at POM Cannabis who are always happy to help customers figure out which products could potentially benefit their health and aid their quality of life.

The stores also offer an innovative program which provides inexpensive cannabis for card-carrying medical patients, along with occasional information/education nights at off-site locations. Piece of Mind employees are equally knowledgeable and can make excellent recommendations as well as promote the work of skilled regional glass artists.

The new look for POM Cannabis will phase out the signature skull but add new colorful elements featuring cannabis leaves.

Wilson said having a new unique brand in place will also be perfect when cannabis products expand nationally – licensing rights to the name and look could be easily made available to entrepreneurs in every state. Wilson has his eye particularly on California’s new adult-use cannabis market.

“We’re able to help people with their medical needs, their wellness needs, and general cannabis needs,” Wilson said. “Our brand is now a congruence of all of these different areas.”

It’s a perfect time to make this move. Cannabis sales are up in Washington and education and awareness of the benefits of cannabis and CBD products are also growing, especially as options for anxiety and mental health.

“People need cannabis now more than ever,” he said. “Philosophically we’re thinking more long-term. If Satori represented a one-time epiphany, POM is going to be a longer journey toward enlightenment.”

For more information, visit pomcannabis.com.