By The Metro Record / West Georgia Pulse
SPRINGFIELD, MA — At the intersection of entrepreneurship, equity, and community renewal stands Lamont Clemons, the founder and CEO of Primus Dispensary, a newly established Black-owned cannabis retail space located at 666 State Street in the heart of Springfield’s historic McKnight neighborhood. For Clemons, a U.S. Army veteran and former executive leader behind several of the city’s major development projects, Primus is more than just a business. It is a statement of presence, purpose, and possibility.
“We didn’t just want to open a dispensary,” Clemons shared in an exclusive interview on The Last Page with D. Moss. “We wanted to create an experience—something immersive, artistic, and grounded in the needs of the community.”
A Veteran’s Vision Rooted in Community
Clemons’ path to cannabis entrepreneurship was not traditional. A decorated Army veteran and certified project management professional, he had already made his mark in engineering and construction management. When Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana, a longtime friend, Ryan McCullum, approached him with a compelling idea: build a cannabis dispensary that would serve—and be owned by—the community.
“That conversation lit the spark,” Clemons said. “We had the building, we had the vision, and more importantly, we had the responsibility to do something meaningful with it.”
Realizing that vision required overcoming hurdles. Springfield required a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) for dispensary applicants. Clemons and his team submitted a detailed 226-page response. Their proposal scored first, paving the way for what would become one of the most ambitious community-focused dispensaries in the state.
More Than Cannabis: The Primus Experience
Primus officially opened on February 1, 2025, and did so with celebration and community in mind. On opening day, the parking lot overflowed with supporters. Food trucks, barbers, local musicians, and even elected officials turned out to welcome the new venture. But the true innovation lies inside.
The dispensary is designed to be immersive and ever-evolving. It features a rotating “Speakeasy” theme, a curated sneaker boutique, and a gallery-style art space. Renowned local artist David Jackson has installed work throughout the store, turning the dispensary into a vibrant cultural space. One mural connects Springfield and Holyoke through artistic symbolism, depicting Holyoke’s Volleyball Hall of Fame blowing a kiss of smoke to Springfield’s Basketball Hall of Fame. The piece celebrates the shared roots and aspirations of two neighboring cities.
“We’re showing people that cannabis retail can also be about art, culture, and connection,” Clemons said. “It’s a full experience.”
Commitment to Safety, Quality, and Education
Primus stands out not only for its design but also for its operational integrity. Clemons and his team uphold rigorous safety and quality standards. All cultivators are personally vetted. Products are sourced only from trusted partners, and compliance with state regulations is meticulous. Every customer is carded multiple times using high-tech ID scanners that verify age and identity.
Staff receive Responsible Vendor Training certified by the Cannabis Control Commission. In addition, daily briefings and weekly training sessions ensure employees stay informed on safety updates, community events, and industry standards.
Giving Back is Built In
For Clemons, Primus is a platform to give back. The dispensary has committed to supporting several local organizations, including the Springfield Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Springfield Partners for Community Action, and the Association of Black Businesses and Professionals.
“This is the neighborhood I grew up in. I went to church just a few blocks up,” Clemons said. “We’re focused on giving back to the same streets that raised us.”
In addition to financial support, Clemons takes mentorship seriously. He currently mentors 37 individuals, helping them launch and sustain businesses across various industries—from construction to health services.
“Several of them now have seven-figure businesses,” he said. “I’ve been through the ups and downs. I want to help the next person avoid the pitfalls.”
Equity in Cannabis: A Moral Imperative
Clemons is clear-eyed about the cannabis industry’s fraught racial history. As a Black man operating in a space that once criminalized people who look like him, he sees Primus as part of a broader effort to repair and reimagine.
“Too many people of color were locked up during the war on drugs for the same thing that’s now legal,” he said. “That’s not right. We talk to politicians about it every time they walk through our doors.”
Clemons believes ownership is key to equity. “We can’t talk about fairness in this industry unless people from impacted communities have a real stake in it,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Growth with a Purpose
Primus isn’t staying put. Over the next five years, Clemons hopes to open additional dispensaries within Massachusetts’ three-license limit. Expansion into nearby Connecticut is also on the table, along with potential delivery services and a micro-cultivation operation. The goal is to become one of the state’s first vertically integrated cannabis companies with a Black owner at the helm.
“Our business model works. Our community supports us. Now it’s time to grow,” Clemons said.
Leadership and Legacy
When asked about the leadership values that have carried him from military service to entrepreneurship, Clemons cited integrity, preparation, and collaborative leadership.
“Success never comes before work—except in the dictionary,” he said. “I don’t lead by command. I lead by collaboration. I want my team to feel valued and heard.”
Clemons maintains a calm and consistent presence whether in boardrooms, barber shops, or block parties. It’s a trait he credits to his upbringing, his family, and now, his daughter Aurora, who recently turned one.
“She’ll keep you grounded,” he said, smiling.
In reflecting on what he hopes his legacy will be 100 years from now, Clemons said simply, “I want people to say I took risks, helped people grow, and never forgot where I came from. I want them to say I delivered.”
Visit Primus Dispensary
Primus is open seven days a week at 666 State Street in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the heart of the McKnight neighborhood, near Springfield Technical Community College and just blocks from AIC and Springfield College. Whether you’re there for the flower, the fashion, the art, or the community, one thing is certain—Primus is unlike any other dispensary in the state.
Store Hours
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Primus Dispensary — Where community, culture, and cannabis come together.
