When cannabis was legalized in New York in March 2021, it was only a matter of time before the first regulated NYC dispensaries opened up. Or so we thought. While the black market flourished, lawmakers took nearly a year to put all of the guidelines in place for legal sales to begin. In the meantime, illegal sales skyrocketed, and thousands of black-market storefronts opened up across New York City.
Now, as we ring in the new year, New Yorkers also ring in the commencement of the regulated adult-use cannabis market. In November of last year, the first 36 Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) cannabis licenses were issued— all to either those who have been affected by the prohibition of cannabis or nonprofits with a history of helping the aforementioned. On December 29th, the latter opened the first recreational dispensary in NY called Housing Works Cannabis Co. On January 25th, the second legal adult-use dispensary, Smacked Village, was opened by Roland Conner, a former cannabis convict.
New York City Recreational Cannabis
The First Legal Recreational Dispensary in NYC: Housing Works Cannabis Co.
Operated by the NYC-based nonprofit Housing Works, Housing Works Cannabis Co. is situated just a few blocks from Washington Square Park on 750 Broadway. The unassuming Noho storefront is hidden behind the city’s signature scaffolding, and the inside is just as modest. While the selection of products is minuscule compared to the local black market and states like California, Housing Works has an impressive stock for just opening.
Though lacking concentrates outside of cartridges, the inaugural NYC dispensary has a considerable selection of flower, pre-rolls, edibles, drinks, and vapes.
Flower can be found for as little as $40 for an eighth by Back Home Cannabis Company, with premium options available for $60 by brands like FlowerHouse NY and Lobo Cannagar. Pre-rolls start at $18 for a gram, with a variety of sizes and quantities available from brands like oHHo, Florist Farms, as well as the previously mentioned. Vape pens can get pretty pricey— Ayrloom vapes are $85 for a gram. However, budget options by Jaunty are available if you’re lucky enough to catch them in stock. Edibles seem to be the hardest to get ahold of, whereas drinks are frequently stocked.
Image via Housing Works
These prices and inventory model those of a new market as well as many medical programs. Hopefully, these minor inventory gaps and steep prices even out as more of the industry is established and other brands emerge.
The First Black-Owned Adult-Use NYC Dispensary: Smacked Village
Convicted for a string of marijuana-related crimes as a teenager in the 90s, Roland Conner is the first license holder affected by the war on drugs to open a legal adult-use dispensary in NYC. Located in Greenwich Village about half a mile from Housing Works, walk through the towering white pillars at 144 Bleecker and enter Smacked Village, a dispensary supported by the New York Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund and Bronx Cannabis Hub.
Smacked has a similar product selection as Housing Works, offering a variety of flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles from brands like Theory FX, Fat Nell, and FlowerHouse. However, the Greenwich Village dispensary is a bit pricier. For example, the cheapest vape at Housing Works is a one-gram cartridge by Jaunty for $50; at Smacked the same cartridge is $57. The cheapest whole flower option is $61 for an 8th of Florist Farms flower, while the most expensive is a $73 8th from Harney Brothers Cannabis.
Currently, Smacked Village is operating as a temporary pop up and will close on February 20th for three to five weeks while the retail space is built out.
Image via Smacked Village
“I am so excited to become a part of history as the first individual to open a legal cannabis dispensary in New York City. Given my experience with cannabis, I never could have imagined that I would be opening a store like this…New York’s commitment to righting those wrongs through the law is inspiring. I am proof of that commitment, because I’m standing here today.”
Roland Conner, Smacked Village CEO, via Smacked’s website
What’s Next?
So far, 36 NY marijuana retail licenses have been issued, and up to 175 will be granted in total. Thus, we can expect a string of dispensary openings throughout the new year. Rumor has it, the next legal dispensary set to open is Union Square Travel Agency. It will be located in a former Chase Bank at 835 Broadway, a block from Union Square.
More Content
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BACKWOODS AND HIP-HOP
TERPENES FOR ANXIETY: 3 TERPS IN CANNABIS WITH STRESS-RELIEVING PROPERTIES
RAPPER WEED: WHICH RAPPERS HAVE CANNABIS PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET? WHO ACTUALLY HAS THE FIRE?
18 COMPANIES THAT DON’T DRUG TEST THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR WEED
7 TIPS FOR MARKETING CANNABIS AND CBD ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM
