Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Statton.
Hi Joseph, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Southern Smoke Craft Dispensary officially opened its doors on October 5th, 2024. This business was built with deep love, dedication, and relentless hard work. Before stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, I spent 10 years as a first responder. That decade instilled in me a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to serving my community—values that now drive this venture in a completely new and meaningful way.
Throughout my career, I always felt a pull toward doing something more—something creative and impactful. I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember, though I didn’t yet know how or where it would manifest in my life.
In late 2023, everything changed. I began experiencing severe side effects from a medication prescribed by my doctor—imagine the onset of a never-ending anxiety attack with no explanation. What followed was a frustrating and painful journey through a medical system that focused on treating symptoms rather than finding the root cause. After months of misdiagnoses, ER visits, medication changes, and ultimately a prolonged hospital stay, the truth finally came to light—and I began to get real answers and real treatment.
But by then, my world had been flipped upside down. I lost my career as a first responder due to my FMLA expiring, with no clear timeline for if—or when—I could return. I found myself jobless, nearly 40 pounds lighter, and facing the daunting task of rebuilding my health, my life, and my future.
While in the hospital, I was introduced to cannabis as a natural alternative to the pharmaceuticals that had caused so many complications. That moment planted a seed. I began researching the 2018 Farm Bill, exploring the cannabis landscape in North Carolina, and experimenting with cannabis for my own recovery—no longer restricted by employment drug policies.
Over time, I was able to stop taking all pharmaceutical medications. I began to heal—mentally, physically, and spiritually. And with that healing came clarity. I realized there was a real opportunity to serve others who may be going through similar struggles. That’s when the vision for Southern Smoke Craft Dispensary truly came to life.
My mission was clear: to build a cannabis company rooted in trust, community, and quality—working exclusively with other North Carolina-based cannabis businesses to bring a unique and reliable source of plant medicine to Wilmington.
In just one year, I lost everything—my health, my career, and my grandfather. But in that same year, I reconnected with God, found myself again, and built something from the ground up. On October 5th, 2024, Southern Smoke Craft Dispensary was born.
My vision is to grow and expand this business while always giving back to the Wilmington community and any surrounding areas we reach. This isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to heal, empower, and serve.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’re a North Carolina-based cannabis company committed to partnering exclusively with other NC farms and businesses to deliver the highest quality, locally sourced products to our customers.
At Southern Smoke, what we’re most proud of is the diverse community we serve. We often meet customers who walk in hesitant—shaped by past negative experiences with cannabis. Seeing those same individuals return, more confident and empowered after having a positive experience with us, is exactly why we do what we do. Everyone deserves a trusted, welcoming space when exploring plant medicine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southernsmokecraftdispensary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernsmokenc/
