From UNT to Up in Smoke: Denton Welcomes Cheech & Chong-Themed Shop

Denton has a new smoke shop, and its name might ring a bell.

Cheech & Chong's Apothicaria, exclusively franchised by Dreamz Capital Investments, has expanded its presence in North Texas with a new location in Denton.

The concept was developed by Andrew Brandt, a Denton County native and University of North Texas alumnus, who is now a business partner of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong.

Located at 207 S. Bell Ave., the shop marks a homecoming for Brandt.

Dreamz Capital Investments was founded by Brandt and father-son duo John and Cody Fisher.

Brandt, who earned his degree in business entrepreneurship from UNT in 2006, expressed his enthusiasm: "I grew a career and then eventually landed a relationship with Cheech and Chong and developed this concept. Now, I get to bring it back to Denton."

In 2018, Brandt and the Fishers launched CBD Pros USA.

While establishing dispensaries in New Mexico, they connected with Cheech & Chong's team.

Although the duo already had branded cannabis products, the trio proposed the idea of a Cheech & Chong-branded retail store.

Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s for their stand-up comedy and films, becoming symbols of the counterculture movement, especially regarding marijuana use.

Their line of cannabis products debuted in 2020.

Brandt hopes to have the pair visit Denton this fall.

Additional Apothicaria locations are open in The Colony, Frisco, Plano, Arlington, and Mansfield.

The Denton store operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Plans are underway to expand throughout Texas and into other states.

"We're just getting started," Brandt said.

Alongside Cheech & Chong's products, the store carries about 20 other brands, emphasizing customer education about cannabis.

"When you come into our stores, we do not focus on selling," Brandt said. "We focus on education."

Some potential new locations have been on hold since February due to concerns about Texas' Senate Bill 3, which sought a total ban on consumable hemp-based products containing THC.

The bill was vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott last month, but revisions are being considered in a special legislative session starting July 21.

Brandt believes a THC ban would drive consumers to obtain cannabis products through other means.

"There are just as many active cannabis users in states where it's not legal versus states where it is legal," Brandt said. "If Texas bans THC products, people are still going to get them. They're going to call their friend, versus getting it from an actual licensed place."

In related news, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Denton location, initially scheduled for July 23, has been postponed. Please check back for updates on the new date.

For more information, contact the store at (940) 218-1570.