The Eureka Planning Commission has granted a conditional use permit for a new retail cannabis business named “Black Market Cannabis,” located at 2235 Broadway. The decision was made at the commission’s October 14, 2025, meeting. This approval allows applicant Caleb Salstrom to operate a retail cannabis sales and cultivation business in a 1,590-square-foot building.
Business Features and Vision
“Black Market Cannabis” is set to offer more than just retail sales. The business plans to feature interactive and educational cultivation viewing rooms, allowing customers to see into designated Sativa, Indica, and auto-flower rooms. This unique approach aims to educate consumers about cannabis plants by showcasing their different phenotypes and genotypes. Additionally, the business will offer seeds and clones for sale, supporting customers interested in their own cultivation journey. The retail area will include display cases and viewing windows into the cultivation spaces, with drying and storage rooms kept private. Initially, the business plans to operate with two part-time employees alongside the owner-operator, with the potential to expand to four employees at full capacity. The proposed hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m.
Regulatory Context and Community Impact
The approval comes as Eureka and Humboldt County have a significant presence of cannabis businesses. The city’s current cannabis regulations do not impose strict spacing requirements or limits on the number of dispensaries allowed. Staff reports indicate that the presence of multiple cannabis retail businesses reflects market demand and that Broadway is a desirable location for such enterprises, often revitalizing vacant or underutilized spaces. The project site at 2235 Broadway, historically a commercial hub, is located near a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.
While the California Department of Transportation recommended denying the permit due to potential future impacts on Broadway’s on-street parking, the Planning Commission noted that off-street parking could be developed on nearby properties. A neighbor of the proposed site expressed support for the project, anticipating the added lighting and security it would bring, especially given past issues with burglaries in the area. The project has been deemed exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The “Black Market” Name and Industry Trends
The choice of the name “Black Market Cannabis” for a legally operating business is notable, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by legal cannabis markets in California and elsewhere. Despite legalization, a significant portion of cannabis sales still occur in the black or traditional market, often due to high taxes, complex regulations, and startup costs that make it difficult for legal businesses to compete. The existence of a legal entity embracing such a name could be seen as a branding strategy to acknowledge this reality or to attract attention in a trending and competitive industry. The Eureka cannabis landscape, with numerous dispensaries, reflects a dynamic and evolving market. This news is part of the ongoing narrative surrounding the cannabis industry’s development and regulation.
Looking Ahead
The approval of “Black Market Cannabis” adds another business to Eureka’s growing list of cannabis establishments. The unique educational aspects of the business, combined with its retail and cultivation components, aim to offer a distinct experience for consumers. As Broadway undergoes potential future improvements, businesses like this are set to play a role in the corridor’s economic vitality.
