Key Takeaways:
- Budr Grows 74% in Connecticut, adding three former Botanist dispensaries, expanding from four to seven locations.
- It’s a “customer-first” expansion, with a focus on quality, consistency, and experience over scale.
- Our founder comes full circle, as CEO Carl Tirella returns to lead locations he once managed.
- Hybrid model continues, with renewed focus on access and affordability.
- Micro-cultivation lies ahead, with a 10,000-square-foot facility planned to enhance quality and local ties.
Connecticut cannabis is evolving, and Budr is proud to be leading the way.
With our recent acquisition of three former The Botanist dispensaries in Danbury, Vernon, and Montville, we’ve taken a major step forward in our mission to redefine what cannabis retail can look and feel like in Connecticut. This move grows our footprint by 74%, expanding Budr from four locations to seven across the state.
But for us, this isn’t just about growth. It’s about delivering on a promise: an elevated, welcoming, and reliable cannabis experience rooted in community and care.
A Mindset, Not Just a Milestone
This acquisition represents more than just a shift in numbers. It’s a reflection of what we believe cannabis should be: accessible, inclusive, and built around the customer.
“We’re not chasing size for the sake of size,” says Carl Tirella, our founder and CEO. “We’re focused on integration, quality, and providing a consistent experience that truly puts the customer first.”
From our early beginnings in West Hartford, Tolland, Stratford, and Danbury’s east side, we’ve built Budr with intention, location by location, relationship by relationship. Taking over The Botanist’s hybrid retail spaces is a natural next step that brings the Budr vibe to even more communities across Connecticut.
A Full-Circle Moment
For Carl, the acquisition is especially personal. Before founding Budr, he helped manage The Botanist’s Connecticut operations. Now, returning to those same spaces under the Budr banner, he sees opportunity, not just to grow, but to evolve the standard for cannabis retail in the state.
This deal—made possible with support from Poseidon Investment Management—underscores our long-term vision and the confidence others have in it. While The Botanist is exiting Connecticut, Budr steps in with a renewed focus on connection, consistency, and care.
Why Customers Choose Budr
At Budr, we do things differently. From our curated interiors to our knowledgeable and friendly teams, we create an environment that puts people at ease, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
The former Botanist locations were hybrid dispensaries offering both medicinal and recreational products. Now, they’ll carry Budr’s commitment to both segments, with a special emphasis on supporting medical patients.
“I come from a medicinal background,” Carl explains. “And we’ll continue to honor that by ensuring patient access, education, and affordability are always part of our offering.”
Eyes on Micro-Cultivation
Retail is only part of the story. To truly deliver on quality, we believe in growing what we sell.
That’s why we’re actively searching for a warehouse in the New Britain area, with the goal of launching a micro-cultivation facility (micro-cultivation refers to cultivation practice focused on maximizing yields within a limited space). This next step will allow us to bring even more of the Budr ethos into our products, from seed to shelf.
“Micro-cultivation is going to put us in control of our distribution,” says Carl. “It gives us the ability to maintain quality, support local communities, and create something truly special for our customers.”
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow, one thing remains unchanged: our commitment to creating the best cannabis experience in Connecticut.
With seven locations and a cultivation facility on the horizon, Budr is well-positioned to become not just a major player—but a trusted partner—in Connecticut’s cannabis space. We’re not here to follow trends. We’re here to lead with heart, purpose, and an unwavering focus on our community.
This is just the beginning. We hope you join us on our journey!
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
