Tioga Green, located in Lee Vining, California, is the closest cannabis store to Yosemite National Park and is gearing up for a busy weekend as Tioga Pass reopens. This annual event allows access to the park’s highest elevations and connects Eastern Sierra towns to the rest of California. With the reopening, Tioga Green expects a surge in customers, as owner Cory Zila notes that sales can reach unexpectedly high levels once the pass opens, often resulting in long lines of eager park visitors waiting for the store to open at 9 a.m.
Lee Vining, a small mountain town just eight miles from Yosemite’s entrance, experiences a dramatic shift in business when Tioga Pass closes for winter. During the winter months, access to the park becomes a six-hour drive around the mountains, leading to a significant drop in customers. When the pass is closed, Tioga Green primarily serves locals and tourists heading to Mammoth Mountain, along with Nevada residents seeking quality California cannabis.
Zila opened Tioga Green in October 2019 in a log cabin-style building on Highway 395, choosing to capitalize on the permit opportunity that arose. The store has thrived during the summer as park visitors flock to the area for recreation. Zila reports that the business has remained stable, allowing him to avoid debt, unlike many cannabis retailers facing financial struggles in the current market.
Despite the success of Tioga Green, there is an irony in its relationship with Yosemite National Park. Federal laws prohibit bringing cannabis into the park, and visitors are advised to report any marijuana use or possession. Tioga Green includes a warning on its receipts that cannabis is illegal within park boundaries.
Zila, whose background includes a decade as a professional skier, has deep ties to the local community. He recently opened a second store, Mammoth Roots, in Mammoth Lakes, further establishing his presence in the region. Zila’s family history in the area goes back to his grandfather, who helped build the first rope tow in Mammoth Mountain with its founder, Dave McCoy.
His journey in the cannabis industry began as a teenager, and despite facing legal troubles early on, including an arrest in 2006 for selling medical marijuana, Zila persevered. He turned his passion for cannabis into a successful business, featuring a range of products from reputable farms across California.
Tioga Green’s initial opening faced opposition from locals who submitted a petition against Zila’s permit. However, after engaging with the community and demonstrating his commitment to the town, he gained support. Now, Tioga Green is recognized as an integral part of Lee Vining, even earning a place on the town’s welcome sign, which features a marijuana leaf.
Zila’s success reflects a changing attitude toward cannabis in rural communities, showcasing how local businesses can thrive by adapting to the needs and concerns of their residents. With a growing acceptance of cannabis, Tioga Green stands as a testament to community integration and entrepreneurial resilience in an evolving market.
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