Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Tabor.
Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Redding, California, I am the youngest of three daughters, raised by a single mother after the loss of my father in 1966, just months before I was born. My early life was marked by both hardship and resilience, including entering the foster care system at the age of 12. These formative experiences instilled in me independence, adaptability, and a deep sense of perseverance.
At 19, I became a single mother to my first son while working multiple jobs and attending college to earn my degree in business. Life continued to evolve as I married and expanded my family to include two more sons. After my divorce in 2000, I reentered the workforce, beginning as a cashier at a local grocery store and advancing to bookkeeper—reaffirming my foundation in business operations and financial management.
In 2001, I remarried and together we built a blended family of six children while launching a Mercedes-Benz specialty repair business. As an entrepreneur, I later opened an upscale clothing boutique, curating unique fashion lines and formalwear. During this time, I also pursued certification as a colon hydrotherapy therapist, driven by a growing passion for health, wellness, and helping others improve their quality of life.
Following my second divorce, I redirected my focus toward alternative health and healing. In 2010, I was approached to assist in stabilizing a struggling business, which introduced me to the emerging cannabis industry under California’s early collective model. This experience, including navigating complex legal challenges, became a pivotal learning period that shaped my understanding of compliance, risk, and responsible operations within a highly regulated environment.
In 2014, I founded an Alternative Wellness center in Mount Shasta, integrating cannabis access within a broader model of holistic health. My vision was to redefine the perception of cannabis dispensaries—creating a clean, professional, and welcoming environment that emphasized education, healing, and intentional use, rather than stigma or recreational escape. The center offered a range of services including colon hydrotherapy, massage therapy, aesthetics, chiropractic care, and physician consultations, positioning cannabis as one component of a comprehensive wellness approach.
With the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2016, I successfully transitioned my business model to align with new state regulations, ultimately becoming a fully licensed retail dispensary in 2018 after extensive collaboration with local city officials. This process required persistence, education, and advocacy, as I worked to build trust and understanding within the community and regulatory environment.
Throughout my journey, my mission has remained consistent: to provide a safe, professional, and compassionate space where individuals can explore alternative wellness options. My background in business, combined with my commitment to helping others, continues to guide my work in the cannabis industry today.
My goal is not only to operate a successful dispensary, but to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the industry—elevating standards, reducing stigma, and ensuring that cannabis is recognized as a legitimate and valuable component of holistic health and well-being.
I secured a 10,000-square-foot building on Main Street and founded La Florista Cannabis, named from the Spanish word for “the flower,” reflecting both the plant itself and its potential for healing. My intention was to create a refined and elevated approach to cannabis—one that emphasized its medicinal value and broke away from outdated stereotypes.
From the beginning, I committed to being an integral part of the local community. I have actively supported numerous organizations, charities, and community events, and proudly served as President of the local Chamber of Commerce. Since opening in February 2018, La Florista has remained the first and original dispensary in downtown Weed, California.
In collaboration with the city, I also helped establish one of the area’s first permitted on-site consumption lounges, creating a safe and responsible environment for cannabis use. This initiative was designed to protect public spaces, including parks and federal lands, while promoting responsible consumption within a controlled setting.
La Florista has maintained a consistent reputation for full compliance with all California state and local laws and regulations. Beyond operations, I have taken pride in helping normalize and professionalize the cannabis industry, demonstrating that dispensaries can be clean, welcoming, and community-oriented businesses.
Today, My amazing family, my two sons, my daughter in law now are deeply included in my mission our mission to remain rooted in providing a safe, professional, and compassionate environment where individuals can explore cannabis as part of their wellness journey. I am committed to continuing to elevate industry standards, reduce stigma, and contribute meaningfully to both my community and the evolving cannabis landscape.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While it has been incredibly rewarding, it has also required resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to navigate an ever-evolving landscape. One of the most significant challenges has been working to change the long-standing stigma associated with cannabis. For many, it has historically been labeled as “dope” or viewed as a gateway drug, and shifting those perceptions—both within the community and among local leadership—has taken time, consistency, and a commitment to professionalism.
Another ongoing challenge has been maintaining full compliance within a highly regulated and constantly changing industry. California cannabis laws, tax structures, and local ordinances continue to evolve, requiring continuous education, attention to detail, and operational discipline. Staying compliant is not a one-time achievement, but an ongoing responsibility, and ensuring that all aspects of the business meet state and local requirements has been a critical part of long-term success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My Work:
As a single female cannabis retail operator and entrepreneur with a focus on creating compliant, professional, and community-centered dispensary environments. I specialize in building and managing operations that not only meet, but exceed, California state and local regulatory standards, while also delivering a high level of customer care, service and education. My background in business, combined with my experience in alternative health and wellness, allows me to approach cannabis from a more holistic perspective—bridging the gap between traditional retail and wellness-focused care.
I am particularly known first, for my education of cannabis use, helping/assisting individuals with various products for differing health issues. Educating my employees personally and through alternative medical education courses in order to provide the up most service to all clients who visit our facility.
Redefining what a dispensary can look and feel like. From the beginning, I have been intentional about creating clean, welcoming, and elevated spaces that move away from outdated stereotypes. Rather than a transactional “retail-only” experience, I focus on providing an environment where customers feel comfortable, informed, and supported in their choices.
What I am most proud of foremost, is the blessing of being a family run business, family first, providing jobs and education. Building a business that is both fully compliant and deeply rooted in the community. From working collaboratively with local officials to helping establish safe, regulated consumption spaces, I have prioritized responsibility and long-term sustainability. I have also remained actively involved in community efforts, supporting local organizations.
What sets me apart is my combination of lived experience, business acumen, and genuine passion for helping others. I don’t just operate a dispensary—I work to elevate the industry, reduce stigma, and create a model that reflects professionalism, integrity, and care for both the customer and the community.
What makes you happy?
First, out side of business, is Family, and being a grandmother.
I carry so much love, and I am so very proud of my three son’s and their families.
Second, always helping others, I get so much gratitude / feel blessed from knowing I have the ability to help others, and many times,
I believe in random acts of kindness, trying to remind people that there are still good people in the world, and to keep the faith.
Pricing:
- All taxes are included in our pricing
- Out the door pricing on all Cannabis items
- Our Pricing often get compared to the State of Oregon which is very different
- Price’s are far less then Bay Area and Southern California
- Tax is only added to non-cannabis items
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lafloristacannabis.com/
- Facebook: laflorista420
