Spotlight: CNA Stores Exemplify Philanthropy and Sustainability in the MA Cannabis Space

If you’ve spent any time in the New England cannabis community, you’ve definitely heard of CNA Stores and their product line, Claravita. They’re a mainstay in the Massachusetts cannabis industry and are deeply committed to serving the community. They also happen to be one of Sana Packaging’s clients. 

Since we started working together in June 2023, CNA Stores has diverted and reclaimed over 12,000 pounds of ocean-bound plastic. They’ve done their part in helping us reclaim over 750,000 pounds of ocean-bound plastic so far, and they’ve made an incredible impact through their charitable initiatives, too. 

About CNA Stores Dispensaries

CNA Stores owns two of the most well-loved dispensaries in Massachusetts and boasts one of the only deli-style experiences in the state. The company has locations in Amesbury and Haverhill and is also eyeing expansion into Boston. 

CNA Stores is a veteran-owned family business, which is evident in everything the company does, from its dedication to the local community to the welcoming atmosphere of every store.

The dispensary group is also intentional about supporting diversity by employing people from groups historically underrepresented in the regulated cannabis industry and providing the support they need to feel at home in the Bay State cannabis community. CNA Stores serves a wide range of customers, from first-time consumers to seasoned connoisseurs, and every budtender behind the counter prioritizes friendly, educational experiences. CNA Stores also upholds values of sustainability and philanthropy and is dedicated to improving the cannabis industry while propelling it into a more equitable future. 

About the Claravita Cannabis Brand

Claravita is CNA Stores’ signature line of cannabis products. The brand manufactures high-quality flower and edibles designed to fit functionally into customers’ lives, with bespoke terpene and cannabinoid blends to achieve varied effects. 

Sana Packaging proudly supplies reclaimed ocean-bound plastic containers for Claravita’s products. 

CNA Stores’ Impact on the Massachusetts Community

Like Sana Packaging, CNA Stores is a cannabis company with a mission. For CNA Stores, it’s all about supporting the local community from every angle. 

Community Service and Volunteering in New England

Serving the Massachusetts community is built into CNA Stores’ identity. The company regularly exceeds community service hour requirements, with well over 2,500 hours on record since the first location opened in 2019. 

CNA Stores leads the Snow Angels project, a coalition of dispensary employees and other community members who band together to shovel the snow off of senior citizens’ and veterans’ driveways in the winter, free of charge. CNA Stores employees also regularly volunteer at the local food bank and community outreach organizations. 

Monetary Donations to Hyperlocal Charities

The dispensary chain also donates money to local charities. Every month, CNA Stores chooses a different hyperlocal charity to support through the store charity jars (which are used instead of tip jars). This initiative is similar to Sana Packaging’s own customer donation program; great minds think alike!

Here’s how CNA Stores’ charity jar model works in real-time: In 2023, CNA Stores customers donated $137,000 to store charity jars. At the start of 2024, CNA matched and distributed that amount via bonuses for CNA hourly retail staff based on their total hours worked, which came to $4-6,000 per employee. Accordingly, this results in a system where employees are incentivized to share information about that month’s charity jar pick with customers.

The veteran-owned cannabis company also regularly donates to charities and organizations —  like Veterans North East Outreach Center (VNEOC) — that are dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and other community members. CNA Stores greatly values the work of VNEOC, and in addition to donating extensively, they work with the center weekly on projects, outreach, and stocking their food pantry.

A Focus on Sustainable Cannabis Packaging and Practices

Like us here at Sana Packaging, CNA Stores recognizes that environmental activism is social activism.

Claravita packages all of its products in sustainable cannabis containers from Sana Packaging. Since MA doesn’t have sustainability requirements for cannabis packaging, Claravita and CNA Stores are taking the initiative and going above and beyond.

As they grow and manufacture high-quality cannabis, Claravita also uses water-saving methods to cool their equipment and other sustainable practices. 

Join Us in Making a Difference

The amount of care CNA Stores funnels into its community is truly inspiring. We believe that cannabis companies have the power to do good and improve our communities, and CNA Stores is providing an incredible model for how to do just that. 

If CNA Stores’ story inspires you and you want to do your part to create a more sustainable future, contact Sana Packaging today to learn more about our sustainable cannabis containers and how you can join our coalition of cannabis companies working to make a difference.