Entrances to Embarc Fresno Shaw (left) and Embarc Madera in a side by side image. Photo by Embarc

Madera welcomed its first cannabis dispensary Wednesday, from the retailer that lays claim to opening Fresno’s first recreational storefront.

It’s also opening its second Fresno dispensary.

Cannabis retailer Embarc hosted a soft opening Wednesday for its dispensary in Madera at 530 E. Yosemite Ave.

That same day, Embarc opened its second location in Fresno at 1784 W. Shaw Ave.

Embarc was one of the first cannabis retail storefronts to open in Fresno in summer 2022, along with the Artist Tree.

With this expansion into Madera, and its second store in Fresno, Embarc now has a total of 15 locations in California.

Madera native Will Oliver is the co-owner of Embarc Madera. He is a former member of the Madera City Council.

“I’m proud to join forces with Embarc and be part of Madera’s historic step towards embracing cannabis,” Oliver said. “We’re here to offer safe cannabis access, change misconceptions and benefit our local economy. Together, we aim to show how cannabis can positively impacts our community.”

Both new Embarc stores have grand opening celebrations on Saturday with exclusive deals. Food tickets will be given out at 10 a.m. for customers who spend $50 in Madera and $75 in Fresno.

Embarc CEO Lauren Carpenter said it is exciting to be the first dispensary to open in Madera.

“Hundreds of people stopped by in Madera with questions and excitement and I think a lot of gratitude of finally having access in their community,” Carpenter said.

The Madera dispensary is about 4,500 square feet and currently has 19 employees. The second Fresno location is approximately 2,000 square feet and has 22 employees.

Carpenter said the City of Madera took a similar approach as the City of Fresno for its cannabis permitting process. Madera took a multi-phased, merit based process to review potential applicants and select a handful to operate in the community. The process began in 2018.

Carpenter said they were eager to open quickly after being approved about a year ago.

The opening of both new shops represents a renewed focus and commitment to the relationships Embarc has been able to cultivate in the Central Valley.

“It’s exciting for us as a team because we really continue to grow at a rapid rate at a time when many cannabis retailers are, unfortunately, really struggling,” Carpenter said.