Meet Casey Benczo of Native Notion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Benczo.

Hi Casey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A few years ago, I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. My husband and I lived in Las Vegas then, and cannabis was just legalized. I opted to try cannabis to help manage the pain caused by the accident. I’m studying to become a psychologist as well, and after using it, I noticed that it helped me with pain-related issues, as well as overall mood, and creativity. I also found it to be a great solution to help me manage my ADHD symptoms.

Since I experienced so much relief from using it, I wanted to be able to offer plant-based solutions as an alternative to traditional medication. It’s always been a dream of mine to build a business that will have a positive impact, so when we relocated to Tennessee, I opened a dispensary and wellness space. I found many of the options here to be what was sold in convenience stores/gas stations, or in environments that felt more like a bar than a solution for emotional and physical well-being.

I knew I wanted my dispensary to feel welcoming and to prioritize education and safe consumption, especially for first-time users who may be overwhelmed by the options. Cannabis is a heavily stigmatized industry, and I felt it was important to create a space that shifted the perspective to one of wellness. I’ve been fortunate to find an amazing team, and we’ve developed an incredible community through Native Notion. It’s been so rewarding to hear stories from our guests about how their lives have improved with cannabis.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. As I mentioned before, cannabis is heavily stigmatized. I ran into challenges every step of the way. I got turned down over 10 times by retail spaces before I found the space Native Notion occupies now. When searching for a bank to set up my business account, I got told no by several banks before finding a local one with a hemp-compliant division.

I was not able to take out any business loans, so I had to have capital up front to make this dream a reality. I am also limited in my ability to market in traditional ways, as many social media platforms censor cannabis-related accounts and science-based information. Finding ethical, responsible vendors that are transparent about their safety protocols and testing methods also remains a challenge, as well as making sure the products we receive are of the highest quality. Since we are limited in so many ways, we rely heavily on word of mouth from our current customers. Our brand experience remains our top priority, so having a quality product that guests can trust and feel safe suggesting to a friend is an essential component of our business.

I’ve encountered other challenges as well, given that the cannabis industry is an ever-changing landscape in our country and state. As soon as I figure out one thing, another law might change. Needless to say, it’s been an adventure. But as with any business, challenges occur and you find a way to adapt. It’s all about trusting your ability to navigate whatever comes your way.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Native Notion is a dispensary and wellness space located in Franklin, Tennessee. Our team is passionate about finding the right product for your specific concerns. We’re your personal Cannabis Concierge, tailoring suggestions based on what your mind and body need. We wanted to provide a space rooted in education and advocacy for safe and responsible consumption. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding the plant, and we believe in helping people feel comfortable with what they are consuming. All of our products are carefully selected based on ingredients, testing, and ethical business practices. We need to work with people we trust so that we can extend that same energy to our customers.

What I am most proud of is that we are doing it in a way that feels authentic to us. We’re not your typical vape or smoke shop. You won’t see walls of products that feel overwhelming, or grab something off the shelf that may or may not work for you. It was imperative to me that when people walked in, they felt comfortable. My team won’t be intoxicated behind the counter, and they truly care about each customer so they take the time to suggest proper dosing practices. I’ve taken my experience working in operational excellence at a luxury resort in Vegas and used that to shape how we crafted our guest experience. We are committed to providing the highest quality cannabis products and exceptional service.

One thing to know about your experience with us: we’re curious! We want to know what’s going on, what you’ve tried, where you found relief, and what didn’t work for you. Everyone is different, and we are here to help you find the perfect solutions to suit your needs.

We offer a wide range of products, including flowers, gummies, edibles, tinctures, and topicals, all from trusted, ethical, and reputable brands in the industry. Our selection is constantly evolving, so you can always find something new and exciting to try! We take your health and safety seriously. That’s why all products go through third-party testing to ensure they are free of harmful chemicals and contaminants. We also only partner with vendors that share those values. You can trust that what you’re putting into your body is of the highest quality! At Native Notion, we also offer a sustainability program. Customers can bring back their glass product jars for a discount. It’s a win-win. Guests get a discount, and we do what we can for the planet by reusing or recycling those jars. It’s been such a cool experience to see that program take off the way that it has!

We’re trying to normalize cannabis by creating a space rooted in education, safety, and no judgment. Whether you’re a first-time user with any questions or a seasoned consumer, we’re here for you. We believe that everyone should feel heard and appreciated, and we go above and beyond to make sure that you do.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I loved art, writing, and anything creative. I could spend hours in my bedroom in made-up lands with my stuffed animals or reading the countless books I got from the library or writing my own. One year I got in a lot of trouble because I drew a scene from one of those books on my bedroom wall.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thenativenotion.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/thenativenotion
• Facebook: facebook.com/thenativenotiontn
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/native-notion-dispensary-franklin
• Other: tiktok.com/thenativenotion 

Image Credits
Jeremy Cowart