Ventura County has always been a special place. Before Spain’s colonial soldiers and priests arrived, Chumash Native Americans made the area their home. And like today’s inhabitants, the Chumash people benefited from the bountiful gifts that the teeming ocean, sparkling rivers, fertile fields, and the majestic mountains provided. To this day, Chumash cave paintings exist in the boulder-strewn hills above Simi Valley. HPC is proud to call Ventura County our home and to be the best cannabis dispensary near you!

Ventura County History

Spain first colonized the area in 1769, and Mexico took control of California in 1822 after winning its independence from Spain. California then became part of the U.S. following the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848. Ventura County officially formed on January 1, 1873, after separating from Santa Barbara county. The city of Ventura, formally known as San Buenaventura, became the county seat. Development occurred pretty quickly as a courthouse, bank, wharf, and a public library opened in 1873. Planning for Port Hueneme began in 1874, and the Southern Pacific Railroad connected San Buenaventura to its railroad line in 1887. Historical records reveal that Southern Pacific shortened the city’s name to Ventura when printing its maps, and the unofficial Ventura name stuck. The area’s first high school opened in 1890, and Ventura County was well on its way to becoming the place we know and love today.

East Meets West

There are two distinct areas of Ventura County, East County, and West County. They’re separated geographically by the Conejo Grade, a steep mountain incline. East County and the Conejo Valley are near the Santa Monica Mountains and includes the cities of Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Hidden Valley, Lake Sherwood, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Santa Rosa, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and part of Westlake Village. West Valley communities include Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Somis, and Ventura.

Black Gold

In 2018, California was the seventh-largest producer of crude oil in the U.S., and oil has been part of the county’s fabric for a very long time. The Chumash people used tar oil bubbling to the surface as a sealant and waterproofing for baskets and canoes. The Union Oil Company started in Santa Paula in 1914. The Shell Oil Company began large scale extraction operations in 1916, which remain to this day near Highway 33. Tourism, agriculture, government, and the U.S. Naval Base at Point Magu makeup the majority of jobs in Ventura County. The economy is diverse, as are the people who live here.

Cannabis History

In general, Ventura County politicians have not openly welcomed cannabis businesses. Following the passage of Prop 64 legalizing adult-use cannabis in California, the Ventura city council adopted an ordinance extending a citywide moratorium on commercial cannabis facilities and cultivation. Circumstances may be changing, though. Ventura city residents vote in November 2020 for a ballot measure legalizing cannabis businesses. Currently, only Port Hueneme and Ojai have medical and adult-use dispensaries. The Thousand Oaks city council approved two dispensaries, but neither has opened for business. Oxnard has licenses pending review. Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Santa Paula, and Ventura (pending the November vote) still ban cannabis dispensaries. HPC Ventura Marijuana Dispensary and Delivery welcomes all county adults to our cannabis dispensary in Port Hueneme, and it’s well worth the drive.

A Modern, Relaxed Place to Live

Before the finalization of U.S. Route 101 in 1969, Ventura County was a somewhat isolated place to visit. Today, the West Valley cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Ventura see increasing growth as people seek greener pastures in Ventura County. Just as the Chumash people discovered, the Pacific Ocean, mountains, valleys, and rivers provide incredible recreational and business opportunities. An outdoor lifestyle beckons as the temperate, Mediterranean climate offers year-round enjoyment. There are distinct differences between East and West Valley communities, but all enjoy a more easy-going lifestyle than our Los Angeles County neighbor.

HPC Marijuana Dispensary and Delivery is community-focused and we strive to provide the best cannabis products at our dispensary. Come on in and talk with our budtenders and find the right products to enjoy the peace and tranquility that is Ventura County. We look forward to seeing you at HPC Marijuana Dispensary, the best cannabis dispensary in Ventura County!