For the owner of Jackson’s first cannabis dispensary, there wasn’t a rush to be first. The inaugural cannabis facilities in Mississippi opened at the end of January in Brookhaven and Oxford, followed by several others in the central Mississippi area, including Canton and Byram. However, Jenni Sivils and Kathy Hartwell have achieved the distinction of opening the first-ever cannabis dispensary in Jackson.
Uptown Funk’s Launch
The co-owners of Uptown Funk, located off County Line Road, officially opened their doors on Thursday, adopting a low-profile approach as they hone their operations and hire staff. Sivils, a seasoned entrepreneur and part-owner of three businesses in Ridgeland and Jackson, recognizes the unique challenges posed by the cannabis industry.
“Because there are so many rules and regulations associated with medical marijuana, we were waiting before we were pushing it out,” Sivils explained. “But we are ready, we have product, and we are hiring knowledgeable staff. We just want to keep on medicating Mississippi.” Their products are sourced from Good Day Farms in North Mississippi, along with Mockingbird Cannabis in Hinds County and other suppliers, with plans to diversify offerings as they grow.
Commitment to Compliance and Community
While they may not have been the first on the market like The Cannabis Company in Brookhaven or Hybrid Relief in Oxford, Sivils emphasized their commitment to responsibly launching their Jackson dispensary. The duo obtained a lease at Pear Orchard Village in July 2022, carefully choosing to ensure compliance with the regulations that govern Mississippi’s cannabis landscape.
“It has been a year-long process,” Sivils noted. “Honestly, I was not as prepared as I should have been. There are just so many details to ensure everything is exactly right, and Jackson’s regulations are a bit stricter than some other places in the state.” This diligence reflects their commitment to respecting the regulatory process and establishing a functional business in accordance with state laws.
Building Relationships within the Community
Sivils and Hartwell initially met as advocates for medical marijuana in Mississippi before forming a business partnership. Their shared commitment to the cannabis movement is evident, as Hartwell has even traveled to Washington, D.C., advocating for the decriminalization of cannabis. Their collaboration was built on mutual interests, including their experiences as women business owners.
They have tackled nearly every aspect of business setup themselves, from paperwork to designing the retail space. Hartwell has focused on the legal and research components, while Sivils has taken charge of marketing and branding. “I have physically painted every surface of this building,” Sivils remarked, categorizing their work as a “soul project.” They emphasize that their aim isn’t merely profit but rather a passion for serving the community with quality products.
Future Prospects in Mississippi’s Cannabis Market
Despite there being just over 2,000 approved patients eligible to purchase products statewide, Sivils remains optimistic about the viability of their dispensary and others as the market evolves. She believes that with time, both dispensaries and patients will navigate the system more effectively.
Uptown Funk, inspired by the hit song by Bruno Mars, is deeply rooted in the mission of serving individuals facing serious medical conditions. “We are not your typical business looking to profit off of people,” Sivils emphasized. “We have created a comfortable environment that encourages individuals dealing with real issues to come back.” This approach highlights their dedication to fostering lasting relationships with their customers.
