Redbarn Dispensary Celebrates Ribbon Cutting As Winston’s First Cannabis Retailer

WINSTON — Community members gathered Friday afternoon, April 3, to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Redbarn Dispensary, the first marijuana dispensary to open within Winston city limits.

The event, held in partnership with the Winston Area Chamber of Commerce, marked a milestone for the city after years of debate over whether recreational marijuana businesses should be allowed in Winston. Redbarn is owned by brothers Todd (co-founder) and Tony Theiss (founder).

For years, Winston did not allow dispensaries. That changed in August 2025, when the Winston City Council approved Ordinance No. 75-724, allowing dispensaries within the city. The decision followed years of discussion and public debate over the issue.

Now, Redbarn has officially opened its doors at 161 N. Main St., becoming the first dispensary operating inside Winston city limits.

Teresa DeWald, president of the Winston Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed RedBarn on behalf of the chamber during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“On behalf of the chamber, it’s a pleasure to officially welcome Redbarn to Winston,” DeWald said. “Moments like this are about more than just business. They represent growth in Winston, opportunity and community investment. We all care about Winston, and we all want it to grow, so anytime we have an opportunity like this, it’s amazing. We want to congratulate the owners, Tony and Todd, and their team. They’ve worked hard on this location. We’re grateful to everyone who came out - our community partners, community members and everyone supporting Redbarn and the Winston community.”

Winston Mayor Christie Knutson also spoke during the ribbon cutting, calling the opening an important step for the city.

“It’s a dream come true for many people in the city,” Knutson said. “It’s a growth for everyone involved, not only for the Theiss family, but for the citizens of Winston to be able to do other things with the funds they will make from this business. It’s a blessing.”

Todd Theiss said the business has strong local ties.

“Winston is really near and dear to our heart” he said, noting that his mother grew up in Tenmile and was the woman who named Douglas High School.

The Winston location also features a drive-thru service for online orders, a feature Todd said is one of only four or five of its kind in Oregon.

During Friday’s event, Todd presented a $1,000 check to WAID, the Winston Area Independence Day organization. He said Redbarn has been making donations to WAID since 2021. Onikka Driscoll, the WAID president, accepted the check on behalf of the organization and said the contribution was greatly appreciated.

“We are excited to partner with the city and continue to do so,” Todd said. “We like to give money we can with projects.”

Winston City Manager Thomas McIntosh said the economic benefit reaches beyond simply adding another business to town.

“The economic impacts are more than just another business in town and Todd providing his products,” McIntosh said. “With this type of operation, the city is allowed to tax 3%. This is a good tax because it’s Todd and his operation saying - "we’re not going to just support the community with another product - we’re going to support the community with law enforcement, parks, community center funding, and funding that can support many city services", which is just phenomenal.”

Under Winston’s local marijuana tax, 3% of retail sales will go toward supporting city services.

Redbarn’s opening marks a notable shift for Winston, where dispensaries were once prohibited. Friday’s ribbon cutting reflected both the business opening and the broader change in city policy that made it possible.

The store carries a variety of THC and CBD cannabis products, including concentrates, edibles, flower, pre-rolled joints and blunts. It also offers branded merchandise along with accessories such as lighters, rolling papers, cartridge batteries and glassware.