THE TOP OF THE TOWN: Local Roots Cannabis Co.

With more than two dozen dispensaries dotting the map of Greater Lansing, and many of them bankrolled by multi-million-dollar cannabis empires, this year’s standout favorite for best provisioning center may seem unusual — especially for its backwoods locale in rural Laingsburg. But get to know the folks behind the curtain and it’s not at all too surprising that our readers selected Local Roots Cannabis Co. by a landslide margin as the region’s top pot shop. 

Roy Liskey and his mother, Ronda Liskey, who have spent most of their lives in Laingsburg, decided to open a one-off retail location there in April. And as it turns out, the hometown charm of a mom-and-pop (or mom-and-son) provisioning center is more appealing for some smokers than the Urban Outfitter vibes at some of the more modern local retail chains.

“I think there’s a trend out there where people like to shop local and eat local — and also smoke local. That’s kind of our new slogan. We’re trying to get people to pay attention to the brands they consume, and here at Local Roots, we really give precedence to the brands with Michigan roots,” Roy Liskey explained. “A lot of the brands we carry are also run by former caregivers.”

The Liskeys said most of their recent success can be attributed to loyal customers who live within a few miles of the shop. But plenty of Lansing residents have also made the trip — in part because the store offers some of the most affordable bud in Michigan as “home of the $5 gram.”

Local Roots also sponsored four concerts (with big-name acts like Root Doctor and The Ragbirds) this summer at the McClintock Park amphitheater. The Liskeys plan to turn those festivities into an annual concert series — maybe someday with the ability to smoke on site.

“We really try to stay involved in this community. I’ve lived here for 40 years, and it’s honestly a treat for us to be able to bring these fun things and big acts into town,” Roy Liskey added.

Don’t worry BigCanna: Local Roots has no plans to expand to a second location. The Liskeys are perfectly content with one location in Laingsburg. In fact, they both intend to retire there.

Support City Pulse  -  Donate Today!