Embarc wins Stockton cannabis lottery amid eligibility concerns

In spring 2025, the city of Stockton in California opened its cannabis dispensary application process for only a month. During this timeframe, four applications were submitted; however, only one, by cannabis company Embarc, was deemed eligible for the random lottery drawing. The City of Stockton announced that Embarc would receive the license by default, since all other applications were considered ineligible. Embarc has a significant presence in California with 17 stores and expressed excitement at the prospect of expanding into Stockton. The company is currently collaborating with the city to continue the development process. Devon Wardlow, Embarc's vice president of public affairs, noted that their co-founder is originally from the Stockton area, which adds a personal connection to their plans for the city. The specific location of the new dispensary remains undisclosed while Embarc prepares to navigate the necessary approvals from the city's planning commission. This step is crucial as it could lead to groundbreaking later or a final decision by the city council. Embarc has differentiated itself from other dispensaries by its commitment to giving back to communities, pledging over $2 million in profits to community projects. Moreover, they intend to establish a local workforce that will be unionized, promoting job creation not just as employment but as career opportunities in the cannabis industry. This progressive approach is framed as a means of benefiting the community they serve. Despite the success of Embarc's application, the unclear reasons for the disqualification of the other submissions have raised questions about the transparency of the application process. As the developments unfold, everyone involved is hopeful for a seamless transition into an operational dispensary, marking a significant milestone for both Embarc and the city of Stockton.