From Powder Turns to Cannabis Roots: The Journey of Dispensary Owner Cory Zila

In California’s volatile cannabis market—where heavy taxes, shifting regulations, and intense competition have caused many businesses to fold—Cory Zila is doing something rare: he’s expanding.

This year, Zila opened Mammoth Roots, his second dispensary, located in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, a mountain town best known for its world-class skiing and outdoor lifestyle. But for Zila, Mammoth isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s home, and it always has been.

Zila’s family roots in Mammoth Lakes run deep. His grandfather worked alongside legendary Mammoth Mountain founder Dave McCoy to build the ski area’s first rope tow, helping lay the foundation for what would become one of California’s most iconic winter destinations. Decades later, Cory would carry that legacy forward—not with a shovel, but with skis.

In the early 2000s, Zila rose through the ranks of the professional ski world. He spent over a decade traveling the globe, filming with production companies, and competing at a high level, backed by major sponsors like Icelantic, Oakley, Dynastar, and Dakine. His style, skill, and authenticity made him a standout in a sport that rewards individuality and fearlessness—traits that would serve him well beyond the slopes.

But while Zila was carving lines through backcountry powder, he was also quietly forging a path in another, much riskier space: medical cannabis. Long before California’s adult-use legalization, he was an early believer in the plant’s medicinal value and potential to change lives. Even as a teenager, he was already immersed in the grassroots medical cannabis movement, advocating for access and awareness at a time when doing so could cost you everything.

In 2006, that risk caught up with him. While delivering medical marijuana to a dispensary in Torrance—then operating in a legal gray area—Zila was arrested and charged with possession and transportation of a controlled substance. The arrest made headlines in the local news, and the fallout was immediate. Some of his ski sponsors pulled out. His public image as an athlete took a hit. And for a moment, his career—on and off the mountain—hung in the balance.

But Zila didn’t back down. He completed community service and avoided jail time, but more importantly, he never turned away from the plant or the principles that brought him to it. Instead, he regrouped, refocused, and slowly began building something more resilient, more impactful, and more sustainable.

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and Zila has emerged as one of California’s most respected—and rare—independent cannabis entrepreneurs. His original dispensary in the Eastern Sierra earned a strong following, and now with Mammoth Roots, he’s bringing that same thoughtful, community-driven approach to his hometown.

Zila’s deep knowledge of California cannabis is evident the moment you step into one of his stores. The shelves reflect a carefully curated selection that speaks to both seasoned cannabis connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike. You’ll find top-tier indoor flower from award-winning cultivators like Sense and Fig Farms, alongside some of the state’s finest sun-grown cannabis from heritage farms like Redwood Roots and Ridgeline. And for those in the know, spotting a jar of Whitethorne Rose—one of the most coveted strains in California—is a clear sign that this is a dispensary run by someone who truly cares about quality.

But Mammoth Roots is more than just a cannabis retail space. It’s a bridge between the old Mammoth and the new—between the town’s deep outdoor roots and a modern, mindful approach to wellness and plant medicine. Zila has made it a point to build something that fits seamlessly into the community. The store reflects the clean, rustic aesthetic of the Sierra Nevada, and the staff are knowledgeable locals who treat cannabis with the respect and nuance it deserves.

For Zila, this business isn’t about chasing trends or capitalizing on a booming industry. It’s about staying true to the culture that raised him—both in skiing and in cannabis. It’s about giving back to a community that helped shape his path. And it’s about helping people find balance, healing, and maybe a little joy, in the same way cannabis helped him.

As California’s cannabis market continues to consolidate and corporate chains crowd out smaller players, stories like Cory Zila’s are increasingly rare. His path—from world-traveling skier to outlaw cannabis pioneer to successful dispensary owner—is a reminder of what’s possible when passion, perseverance, and place all come together.

In an industry that often feels transactional, Zila is the real deal. He’s not just building a business. He’s building a legacy.