Kelsy Yates, Co-Founder of Police and Thieves – Interview Series

The association between cannabis and counterculture has been a historical symbiosis, with the plant intertwined in the fabric of rebellion, artistic expression, and social change. As the cannabis industry undergoes a transformative journey toward mainstream acceptance, there’s a concern that dispensaries might lose the essence of counterculture that has been synonymous with the plant. The challenge lies in retaining the authenticity, the laid-back vibe, and the spirit of defiance that have characterized the cannabis movement. 

It’s within this context that Police & Thieves emerges as a beacon, refusing to dilute the counterculture touch. Co-founded by David Martinez and Kelsy Yates, Police & Thieves is not just a dispensary but a cultural haven challenging stereotypes, advocating for social justice, and weaving a narrative deeply rooted in the counterculture ethos.

In this interview,  Kelsy offers her perspective on the cultural significance of marijuana, the challenges of maintaining inclusivity in the workplace, and the aspirations of Police & Thieves as it seeks to redefine the narrative around cannabis.

MyCannabis: Kelsy, your journey from interior design to the cannabis industry is quite unique. Can you elaborate on how your background in design and creative writing influenced the vision behind Police & Thieves?

Kelsy: Certainly, Lydia. My background in interior design, particularly working on restaurant designs, instilled in me the concept of storytelling through materials. When David and I ventured into the cannabis industry, we aimed to create a dispensary that went beyond selling products. We wanted Police & Thieves to be a narrative—a cultural hub that tells a story, challenges norms, and emphasizes our commitment to artistic expression.

MyCannabis: The name “Police & Thieves” holds a fascinating backstory. Could you share more about how the ’90s beach cruises and roots reggae influenced the dispensary’s identity and mission?

Kelsy: Absolutely. David’s youth, cruising with friends to roots reggae tunes, particularly Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves,” painted a vivid picture of camaraderie. The song’s theme, portraying armed police and thieves as two sides of the same coin, encapsulates the raw vibes of Jamaica. It became the heartbeat of our company, symbolizing our mission to break stereotypes, navigate life’s twists, and approach it all with a laid-back vibe—a perfect fit for the new direction of Police & Thieves.

MyCannabis: Police & Thieves goes beyond being just a dispensary, actively engaging in community building and social responsibility. How do you see marijuana contributing to these goals, and what unique experiences or events does the dispensary offer to foster community?

Kelsy: Marijuana, rooted in ancient rituals across cultures, plays a crucial role in motivating the mind, inspiring creativity, and building community. At Police & Thieves, we emphasize these positive aspects through events that bring local artists, partners, and the community together. Our aim is to provide a space that goes beyond the transactional nature of retail, fostering connections and uplifting marginalized groups.

MyCannabis: As a women and minority-owned dispensary, inclusivity is at the core of Police & Thieves. Can you share how this commitment has positively impacted the company, both in terms of workplace culture and public reception?

Kelsy: Emphasizing inclusivity has created a harmonious workplace culture. Our hiring practices prioritize women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a team that supports one another. While we haven’t faced negative backlash, our intentional focus on inclusivity has resonated positively within our niche community. We believe it’s vital to represent diversity not only in our ownership but also in our team to contribute to a more inclusive cannabis industry.

MyCannabis: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Police & Thieves in the next three to five years? How do you envision the dispensary’s impact on the local economy and the broader cannabis community?

Kelsy: With our internal structure now dialed in, the next phase involves expanding our presence in Denver and becoming a recognized cultural touchstone. We aim to advocate for cannabis rights, engage in community outreach, and form deep partnerships that extend beyond just selling products. Our vision is to be synonymous with positive change in the cannabis industry, contributing to a more inclusive, enlightened future.

MyCannabis: It’s evident that Police & Thieves is deeply committed to its mission. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about the dispensary’s journey and future endeavors?

Kelsy: I’m grateful for the opportunity to discuss Police & Thieves. Our journey has had its challenges, but we are resolute in our commitment to authenticity, social responsibility, and artistic expression. As we continue to evolve, our goal is to make a lasting impact in the world of cannabis while providing a welcoming space for our community to connect, learn, and celebrate.

It was a great pleasure to have this conversation with Kelsy Yates, co-founder of Police and Thieves. Learn more about Police and Thieves from their website.