DERBY — Something new is growing in Connecticut’s cannabis scene — and it’s not just what’s in the jars.
Hi! People Cannabis Market, a locally owned cannabis marketplace, is setting a bold new standard with the launch of Connecticut’s first-ever live bud bar — now open at its flagship Derby location at 90 Pershing Drive. The space offers adult-use customers a rare chance to explore flower strains in person, engaging their senses in a way that has been off-limits — until now.
While most Connecticut dispensaries limit shopping to screens and menus, Hi! People is breaking down barriers. At the new bud bar, customers 21+ can see, smell, and examine the flower up close, offering a more personal, informed way to shop.
“We’re all about people having the greatest experiences,” said David Salinas, Cofounder & CEO. “This is what cannabis should feel like — relaxed, open, and community-driven.”
The launch marks a major milestone for Connecticut’s still-young cannabis market. It also signals where the industry is headed: toward a more transparent, accepted, interactive, and elevated customer experience. Hi! People worked closely with the Department of Consumer Protection to ensure the live bud bar met all compliance standards — a sign of the brand’s dedication to doing things the right way while still leading with experience and innovation.
But the team isn’t stopping there.
To kick off the 4/20 weekend — especially with the official holiday falling on Easter Sunday this year — Hi! People is hosting a 420 Eve Block Party on Saturday, April 19 from 4:20 PM to 7:20 PM. The free community event will take place outside the Derby store and promises:
Live DJ sets
Local food trucks
Special deals & giveaways
Vendor pop-ups
A first look at the new live bud bar
For those planning to partake, Hi! People encourages online pre-paid, pre-orders to avoid long wait times and make the most of the experience.
With discreet home delivery and new locations in Hartford and New Haven on the horizon — each designed to feature the same immersive bud bar — the future of cannabis retail in Connecticut looks brighter than ever.
Hi! People isn’t just selling cannabis — it’s building a movement. And it starts with community, culture, and connection.
About Hi! People Cannabis Market
Hi! People is Connecticut’s only locally owned cannabis marketplace dedicated to delivering exceptional, community-centered experiences. Built on the belief of being by the people, for the people, we provide an inclusive and accessible environment for cannabis consumers throughout the state. With our first retail location open in Derby and new storefronts launching in Hartford mid-summer and New Haven this fall, Hi! People is rapidly expanding to better serve our Connecticut communities. We offer online ordering with convenient in-store pickup and reliable home delivery services, ensuring safe, seamless access to quality cannabis wherever you are.
At Hi! People, we proudly curate a diverse selection of Connecticut’s finest cannabis products — from flowers to edibles and vapes to beverages. Our commitment to quality and community means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the experience. Visit us and discover a welcoming cannabis experience designed just for you at www.hipeople.com or (860) 420- BUDS.
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This is a sponsored post.
