By Cathy Terwedow
Perched atop the corner of Routes 8 and 20 in Becket is the “down-home” dispensary of Himalayan High. Down-home because they believe in the simplicity and authenticity of living in rural America, a place where you know your neighbors, and you believe in small business. In short, a place like Becket.
Mike Goodenough, one of three owners of Himalayan High, described it this way: “We’re small-town people. We’re all about sustainability, connection with our customers, and high-quality craft products. We’ll never make you stand in line in the cold or push you to buy products you’re not familiar with.”
Budtender Kara Baldwin is easy-going and approachable. Whether you’re new to cannabis or have been using it for years, she can help you find the products that will best serve your needs—whether they’re to quell aches and pains, to help you sleep better, or to give you a buzz for your personal enjoyment.
“When Himalayan High was just an idea, we brainstormed everything we didn’t like about other dispensaries, and we determined not to do that here,” said manager Kyle Gelinas. “We want to be your neighborhood dispensary. We focus on local growers and giving back. We’re even running a Paws for Prerolls promotion through December 15 to deliver pet food and blankets to Becket’s Animal Control program.”
Giving back includes giving to the town itself. While many dispensaries have stepped away from their previously mandated commitment to support local communities, Himalayan High continues to give three percent of their revenue to Becket. “We agreed to share our proceeds with the town in our original Community Host Agreement. We’re not walking away from that promise. When Becket flourishes, we flourish.”
“We’ve been in Becket for two and a half years, and we have a heart for this town. Business is good in the summer when lots of people pass through from New York and Connecticut on their way to Tanglewood and Saratoga Springs, but we love winter, too. It gives us the time to really connect with our customers,” said Mike. “I plan to retire here.”
Himalayan High is open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. Visit www.himalayanhighllc.com to learn more.
