Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Videos

Why Are Big Cannabis Players Afraid of Legacy Collaboration? | The Edge ft Christine & Vlad
Why Are Big Cannabis Players Afraid of Legacy Collaboration? | The Edge ft Christine & Vlad
The Bluntness, Inc.
Industry

Culture Before Corporate: The Perils of Legal Cannabis Without Legacy Amnesty

The increase of legal cannabis in the United States is almost yesterday’s news, but something that remains top priority for cannabis consumers, entrepreneurs, and lawmakers in the wake of almost-fully legal cannabis, is legacy amnesty. 

As important as it is for the legal cannabis industry to address past injustices by expunging records and ensuring equity exists in today’s market, the industry must also provide the proper pathways for members of the legacy market to transition into the legal one without being left behind. 


For this episode of The Edge, The Bluntness’s Gregory Frye sat down with co-founder and CEO of The People's Dispensary, Christina De La Rosa, and co-founder and managing member of Happy Munkey LLC, Vladimir Bautista. The pair discuss their experiences in cannabis, culture vs. corporate, and what to expect for true legacy amnesty.

Bringing Legacy Cannabis Experience to the Legal Market Today

De La Rosa began using cannabis medicinally in 2015 to treat symptoms of lupus, after being unsuccessfully prescribed eleven synthetic drugs over the course of five years. “It changed my life,” De La Rosa says. “I went from not being able to work for five years, to my body feeling better than ever.”

De La Rosa was working as a database architect at the time, but her experience with cannabis inspired her to pursue it as a career with the hope that she could help destigmatize the plant, specifically among communities of color.

“I didn’t think I could go back to my ‘normal’ life again knowing there were so many People of Color, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses, who didn’t understand that this was not a ‘drug’ – it was a medicine,” De La Rosa says.

Her experiences inspired De La Rosa to open The People’s Dispensary, a multi-state footprint that prioritizes cannabis wellness education and social equity within the industry.

For Bautista, a born-and-raised Harlemite, he noticed how difficult it was for his community to obtain quality cannabis at a young age. As a teenager, he and his friends had to travel a few miles north just to find good product, which eventually inspired Bautista to start selling on his own.

“I told myself, I’m going to buy an ounce of weed from over here, and if it doesn’t sell, I’ll smoke it,” Bautista grins. “That’s how my legacy career got started. That was 22 years ago.”

His experience in the legacy industry brought Bautista to where he is today: co-founder and managing member of Happy Munkey LLC, a New York City lifestyle company that has become synonymous with cannabis. 

From Legacy to Legal: Collaborating for the Betterment of All

“About five years ago, my co-founder Ramon [Reyes] went to Amsterdam and had an amazing experience at one of their cafes. He smoked with people from all over the world and got his first taste of what a consumption lounge could look like,” Bautista says. “He saw the impact it had on people – the socialization.”

Reyes returned to New York with a plan: to do the same thing here. Bautista was initially hesitant, but Reyes was convinced this would be the future of cannabis. 

“We started doing events, and it felt like people had been waiting for that. Being here in a place where people don’t have spaces to consume, it was an instant hit,” Bautista said. 

The partners saw they were onto something and quickly began to expand, bringing Happy Munkey to what it is today, connecting lawyers, politicians, chefs, doctors, athletes, influencers, creative artists, and everyone in between with one common denominator: a mutual love for cannabis. 

Bautista and Reyes didn’t stop at Happy Munkey either – the partners played a role in successfully influencing the New York policymakers to include a social aspect in the 2021 cannabis legislation

“It wasn’t just about our business model – it was a social justice concern in general,” Bautista says. “A place like New York has one of the biggest populations in the country as a city, and we knew that if people didn’t have a safe place to consume, it was going to put people in a bad place.”

With around half a million New Yorkers living in federally funded public housing, this automatically renders those with lower income less likely to have a safe and private space to legally consume cannabis, even with the plant’s new legal status. This puts a large amount of the population at risk of losing their homes or benefits if they’re caught consuming cannabis.

See what kind of impact legacy stakeholders can make? This critical piece of New York’s cannabis legislation would have been otherwise overlooked.

“And it goes deeper,” Bautista says. “Even if you go to the other side of the tracks, in Manhattan, 80 percent of all apartments owned are co-ops, which means a board can kick you out at any given time. So even the more affluent people would have been in jeopardy. It was something that was going to impact society in a negative way all around if they didn’t have a safe space to consume.”

Concepts like these reinforce the importance of the legacy market having a say in today’s legal industry – these are the players who’ve been in the weeds (literally) since the start, and their experiences with both the wins and struggles of having to operate underground for so long have called quite a few issues to attention. 

Why Legacy Amnesty is Critical for the Legal Cannabis Market

“You’ve heard it called the ‘black market’, the ‘informal market’ – each of those have different connotations, but neither of them are correct,” De La Rosa says. “Cannabis has never been an informal market; it is an actual market. If it wasn’t a market, then all of these white corporates wouldn’t be rushing in, merging and acquisitioning each other trying to get in.”

However valid the legacy market has always been, the growers, distributors, manufacturers, and cultivators who’ve carried the industry on their backs for decades, are having to fight being pushed aside today. And although the legacy market is represented by several demographics, Black and Brown people have been most targeted by anti-cannabis laws over time.

The People’s Dispensary is one of the companies that began operating within the legacy market and is now running legally, since California’s legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2016. De La Rosa shares that the transition from legacy to legit was not an easy one.

“There was no pathway for us to come into the legal market,” De La Rosa says. “We couldn’t utilize anything we’d made previously in the legacy market as our financials. We couldn’t show that our brand had traction – all of the things a normal company would be able to do.”

As legislation rolled out, De La Rosa and her team noticed that the regulations did nothing to support legacy folks moving into the formal market. 

“That’s why we see this huge number disparity. $20 billion of revenue in 2020 in the legal market, and $60 billion in the informal market,” De La Rosa says. “Why is that? Because we weren’t able to bring a lot of our legacy operators into the formal market.”

This lack of support has forced much of the legacy market to continue operating as is, which puts them at a legal risk their newly-licensed counterparts do not experience. 

This is startlingly similar to the risk that continues to affect people with lower incomes who don’t have a safe space to consume legal cannabis. 

“I think Vlad hit upon that with the Section 8 housing – these are all places where another prison pipeline could be developed if we don’t do these things right now, to ensure it doesn’t,” De La Rosa says.

These concepts inspired De La Rosa to launch a campaign in support of legacy amnesty, calling for all legal states to provide pathways for legacy operators to transition with ease. 

In order for the legacy market to transition successfully, operators need to be able to use their existing funds without needing to verify the source, sell existing and tested products, exclude assessment of and charges for back taxes, get assistance in workforce development, and enjoy discounted fees for license applications.

How New York Can Set the Stage for Legacy Amnesty

Legacy amnesty is absolutely critical to consider when legalizing the plant, and with New York having one of the highest populations in the country and one of the most prominent hubs for the legacy market in the world, the industry is looking to the state as a model for how legacy amnesty should be handled. 

“Most people entering this market on the legal side have absolutely no data or experience on how to deal with it,” Bautista says. “So, why wouldn’t you work together instead of against, to make this a fully-optimal market where everybody benefits?”

Between the legal and legacy markets, Bautista estimates New York’s cannabis sales to sit somewhere around $8-$10 billion per year, but these numbers may be greatly affected if the legacy market isn’t treated with respect.

“These numbers were built on the backs, freedom, and blood of the legacy market,” Bautista says. “Why wouldn’t you be willing to cooperate and join forces? You can’t beat someone who’s been operating for 80 years.”

Bautista and De La Rosa believe that if the legacy and legal markets are able to work together efficiently, rather than being pitted against one another, the industry would be at its absolute strongest. 

Twenty percent of New York cannabis’s gross revenue is supposed to go to the people that have been most negatively impacted by the War on Drugs – mainly poor Black and Brown communities. This revenue will only grow if the legacy market is included, allowing everyone to benefit: the communities, the taxpayers, the government, and the people of the state overall.

With a large amount of benefits and no cons other than time and effort, it just doesn’t make sense to leave out pathways for the legacy market when creating cannabis legislation. 

“Unless you just really want to ex out Black and Brown people, there is no other justification, morally or business-wise, why this would not be the smart play,” Bautista says.

Businesses like The People’s Dispensary and Happy Munkey aim to set a standard for other operators that prioritizes community and equity, while also giving people what they least expect.

“The reason [Happy Munkey] has become the nexus between corporate and culture, is because we mix both together. We’ve been able to include the doctors, the lawyers, the CEOs, and have them next to the legacy market, next to the artists, next to the athletes...showing them, this is the right way,” Bautista says. 

Happy Munkey’s efforts prove how necessary it is to include both perspectives in the legal industry, speaking to each other for ultimate success. 

“I think it’s helped both sides understand each other. The corporate watches us to understand about the culture, the culture watches us to understand about the corporate. Sometimes, people just have a fear of the unknown. Our events having both sides consuming in peace, love, and harmony, has really shown people that it’s not what they think it is.”

Are you still missing out on The Bluntness newsletter? Sign Up today to stay in the loop.

Up Next

Cannabis Cafes vs. Bars: California’s New Frontier in Social Consumption

California Governor Gavin Newsom signs Assembly Bill 1775 allowing dispensaries to serve hot food and nonalcoholic beverages - The Bluntness

Industry

Cannabis Cafes vs. Bars: CA's Social Shift

As cannabis lounges emerge across California, the debate over health risks and the double standards between cannabis and alcohol consumption heats up.

California's decision to legalize "cannabis cafes" marks a notable shift in the state's cannabis culture, but it also reignites the long-standing debate around public health, worker safety, and the ongoing disparity between cannabis and alcohol consumption. Assembly Bill 1775, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, allows dispensaries to prepare and serve hot food and nonalcoholic beverages, transforming them into cannabis-friendly social hubs. While this move aims to reinvigorate the state's nightlife and support the heavily taxed legal cannabis industry, it also underscores the stark differences between how cannabis and alcohol are treated under the law.

Cannabis Lounges vs. Bars: The Double Standard

In California, the juxtaposition of cannabis lounges and traditional bars highlights a glaring disparity. Alcohol consumption has been normalized in public spaces for decades, with bars and restaurants being common venues for social drinking. Alcohol’s health risks are well-documented, yet society largely accepts the presence of bars where alcohol is served freely. Patrons and workers are exposed to the environment, and aside from basic regulations like age restrictions and serving limits, alcohol consumption remains broadly accessible in social settings.

Cannabis, however, faces an entirely different reality. Despite its legalization for recreational use, the stigma surrounding its consumption persists. The cannabis cafe model, which draws inspiration from Amsterdam’s long-standing coffee shop culture, offers a space for social consumption, yet is fraught with more complex regulations. Patrons in California’s newly legalized cannabis cafes can enjoy a joint with their meal or nonalcoholic drink, but secondhand smoke concerns have put these venues under far more scrutiny than their alcohol-serving counterparts.

Health Concerns and Worker Safety

The heart of the opposition to Assembly Bill 1775 lies in concerns over secondhand cannabis smoke. Public health groups, such as the American Cancer Society, have argued that cannabis smoke poses even greater risks than tobacco smoke, with potential for increased cardiovascular disease, lung irritation, and asthma attacks. These concerns mirror those once raised about indoor smoking in bars and restaurants before smoking bans took effect. The state’s decades-long effort to create smoke-free environments now clashes with the cannabis industry's push for public consumption spaces.

Proponents of the bill argue that robust ventilation systems, along with safety measures for workers such as respirator masks, will mitigate these risks. However, skeptics, including Jim Knox of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, dismiss these precautions as insufficient. "You cannot isolate smoke—it can’t be done," he asserts, pointing out that ventilation systems won’t fully prevent the migration of smoke to other parts of the building or nearby areas.

Yet, it’s hard to ignore the hypocrisy here: While bars are filled with patrons drinking alcohol, a substance responsible for countless health problems and social issues, cannabis lounges face backlash for allowing patrons to smoke in a controlled environment. Alcohol-related incidents, including DUIs, accidents, and violence, continue to burden public health systems, yet no such widespread stigma or restrictions apply to bars.

Economic Impact and Cultural Relevance

Supporters of the cannabis cafe model believe it will revitalize the legal market, providing a much-needed boost to an industry struggling under high taxes and competition from illegal sellers. Assemblymember Matt Haney, who authored the bill, envisions cannabis cafes as a vital part of California’s future, helping to normalize recreational cannabis and challenge the illicit market. By offering a more welcoming environment for cannabis consumption, these cafes could shift the landscape of nightlife in the state, merging cannabis culture with live entertainment, food, and social experiences.

For cannabis consumers, the ability to partake in a social setting represents a cultural milestone. For years, cannabis has been largely relegated to private spaces due to legal restrictions and lingering stigma. The emergence of cannabis lounges challenges that narrative, positioning cannabis consumption as a normal, social activity—much like grabbing drinks at a bar.

However, this shift is not without its challenges. The balance between promoting the legal cannabis market and protecting public health will be a delicate one. Governor Newsom has already signaled that if worker safety and public health are compromised, further regulation or even reconsideration of the law could follow. Local governments will have to tread carefully as they implement the law, considering both the economic benefits and the potential health risks associated with cannabis consumption in public spaces.

A New Chapter in Cannabis Normalization?

Cannabis lounges represent a step toward normalizing cannabis use, yet they also reflect the ongoing disparity between cannabis and alcohol. As cannabis lounges begin to open across California, they will test whether the public is ready to accept cannabis in the same way they have embraced alcohol—despite the far-reaching public health concerns that have accompanied both substances.

The path forward for cannabis consumption in public settings will depend on how effectively these new venues can address health and safety concerns, while also providing a safe, enjoyable experience for patrons. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, the emergence of these social spaces could redefine the way we think about consumption and community, helping to bridge the gap between the stigma of cannabis and the long-established culture of alcohol.

California’s cannabis cafes could very well become the next frontier in the state’s cannabis journey, merging styles, tastes, and experiences in ways that push the boundaries of the law and public perception. How society navigates the smoke—both literally and figuratively—will determine the future of cannabis as a social experience.

Article Summary:

  • California’s new cannabis cafes, legalized by Assembly Bill 1775, will allow dispensaries to serve hot food, nonalcoholic drinks, and host live events, transforming them into social consumption lounges.
  • Public health concerns over secondhand cannabis smoke, particularly its potential risks to workers and patrons, have sparked debate, with critics arguing that ventilation systems and protective measures may not be sufficient.
  • The disparity between cannabis and alcohol is highlighted, as cannabis lounges face stricter scrutiny despite alcohol's well-known health risks, challenging societal norms around public consumption.
  • NORML activist to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss federal cannabis policies
    NORML activist to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss federal cannabis policies
    Industry

    NORML Activist to Meet with Vice President to Discuss Federal Cannabis Policies

    NORML Activist and Pardon Recipients, hip-hop artist Fat Joe, and Kentucky Governor Andrew Beshear, to Meet With Vice President Harris on Marijuana Reform, Clemency and Justice

    In a significant step towards federal marijuana reform, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet with NORML activist Chris Goldstein and two other Presidential marijuana pardon recipients at the White House this Friday. The discussion will center on ongoing efforts by the Biden Administration to address federal cannabis policies.

    Chris Goldstein, a regional NORML coordinator known for his cannabis activism in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, received a Presidential pardon earlier this year for a misdemeanor marijuana possession conviction dating back to 2014. Goldstein's pardon, along with thousands of others issued by President Joe Biden in October 2022, reflects a growing shift in attitudes towards cannabis at the federal level.

    "These Presidential pardons are a powerful and meaningful action," Goldstein remarked. "They carry a tremendous power of goodwill — not just to those of us who received them, but for the entire country."

    President Biden's decision to pardon individuals with federal convictions for marijuana possession offenses underscores his commitment to criminal justice reform and marijuana policy. In his State of the Union address, President Biden reiterated his belief that "no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana."

    Joining Goldstein at Friday's meeting will be hip-hop artist Fat Joe and Kentucky Governor Andrew Beshear, both of whom have also received Presidential pardons for marijuana-related offenses. Together, they intend to raise awareness about the impact of federal marijuana convictions and advocate for further reform, including the descheduling of cannabis.

    Goldstein emphasized the importance of using the meeting with Vice President Harris to highlight the need for additional federal action, such as descheduling or rescheduling marijuana - i.e. moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. He noted that thousands of individuals are still eligible for pardons, and increased awareness of the pardon process is essential.

    "We will help represent tens of millions of Americans who have been arrested for marijuana in nearly a century of prohibition," Goldstein stated.

    Ahead of the White House meeting, Goldstein and NORML's Political Director Morgan Fox will meet with several members of Congress to discuss marijuana reform. Following Friday's discussion, Goldstein and other NORML staff members will participate in a live session to further engage with the public on this pressing issue.

    The meeting with Vice President Harris marks a significant milestone in the ongoing push for federal marijuana reform, with advocates like Goldstein leading the charge for change. As momentum continues to build, the voices of those impacted by outdated cannabis policies are being heard at the highest levels of government, signaling hope for a more just and equitable future in cannabis regulation.

    Weedmaps: Innovative Online Ordering and Delivery
    Weedmaps: Innovative Online Ordering and Delivery
    Industry

    5 Revolutionary Ways Weedmaps Is Reshaping Access To Cannabis

    Weedmaps is revolutionizing how we access and interact with cannabis products. Since its inception, this innovative platform has redefined the norms of cannabis purchase and education, making it a household name among enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

    It not only connects users with an extensive network of dispensaries and diverse products but also advocates for informed and responsible use. It breaks down barriers, offering seamless and enlightened experiences to users in states where cannabis is legal either recreationally or medically, truly reshaping our approach to cannabis accessibility.

    Comprehensive Dispensary and Product Listings

    Weedmaps is like a cross between Google Maps, Amazon, and Uber Eats, but specifically for cannabis. The platform offers an impressively comprehensive listing of dispensaries and products. Imagine a world where you can find every strain, edible, or topical you've ever dreamed of – that's Weedmaps.

    It’s a treasure trove for cannabis aficionados and newbies, offering a rich catalog of products, complete with detailed descriptions, to satisfy every curiosity and need. Whether you're a fan of the classics or eager to explore the latest in cannabis innovations, Weedmaps makes it effortlessly easy to discover and explore, all with a few clicks.

    Innovative Online Ordering and Delivery

    Gone are the days of confusing cannabis purchases. Weedmaps simplifies the whole process by enabling orders to be reserved with local retailers for pick-up and/or delivery.

    Picture this: selecting your favorite products from the comfort of your home and having them delivered right to your doorstep. Whether you need a quick restock or are eager to try something new, Weedmaps makes it all happen with just a few taps on your screen.

    This seamless integration of technology brings unprecedented convenience and accessibility to the cannabis experience, transforming how we interact with our green favorites.

    Weedmaps is revolutionizing how we access and interact with cannabis productsWeedmaps: Educational Resources and Cannabis Advocacy

    Educational Resources and Cannabis Advocacy

    Weedmaps goes beyond just being a marketplace; it's a hub of knowledge and advocacy in the cannabis world. The platform is rich with educational resources, empowering users to make informed choices about their cannabis journey. They're big on social equity, too, championing initiatives that promote fair access and representation in the cannabis industry.

    This dual commitment to education and social justice reflects Weedmaps' deep-rooted belief in the positive power of cannabis and its potential for societal benefit.

    Community and Customer Reviews

    At the heart of Weedmaps is a thriving community grounded in genuine customer reviews. These reviews are more than just opinions; they guide new users navigating the vast cannabis landscape. They offer insights into the quality of products and the reliability of dispensaries, helping others make informed choices.

    This community-driven approach fosters trust and helps maintain high standards across the platform, ensuring that everyone's cannabis experience is nothing short of excellent.

    Weedmaps is enhancing how we access and interact with cannabis productsWeedmaps is enhancing how we access and interact with cannabis products

    State-of-the-Art Tech for Enhanced User Experience

    Weedmaps isn't just about connecting you to cannabis; it's about enhancing that connection through cutting-edge technology. Their platform is a tech wonderland, offering personalized recommendations that adapt to your preferences and history.

    Location-based searches make finding local dispensaries a breeze, ensuring you're always just a few clicks away from your next cannabis experience. This seamless integration of technology ensures that every interaction with Weedmaps is intuitive, satisfying, and tailored to your individual cannabis journey.

    Weedmaps offers personalized recommendations that adapt to your preferences and history.Weedmaps offers personalized recommendations that adapt to your preferences and history

    Learn More

    Weedmaps stands out as a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, revolutionizing how we access and interact with cannabis. From its vast network of dispensaries fulfilling online orders and deliveries, coupled with educational resources and a robust community of reviews, Weedmaps has reshaped the cannabis experience.

    So click here to dive into this tech-driven, user-friendly platform and learn how it can transform your cannabis journey.

    Please note: We may receive a commission for purchases made through the links in this article.

    40 Tons NY Launch (l-to-r): 40 Tons' COO Anthony Alegrete, Chef for Higher's Hawaii Mike Salman, 40 Tons' Corvain Cooper and CEO Loriel Alegrete.
    40 Tons NY Launch (l-to-r): 40 Tons' COO Anthony Alegrete, Chef for Higher's Hawaii Mike Salman, 40 Tons' Corvain Cooper and CEO Loriel Alegrete.
    40 Tons
    Industry

    Beyond Good Intentions: How 40 Tons is Advancing Real Social Equity in Cannabis

    It is clear for anyone to see, 40 Tons represents the vanguard of mission-driven cannabis brands using business as a force for social repair.

    In the burgeoning legal cannabis industry, it's easy for brands to pay lip service to social justice without taking meaningful action. But California-based 40 Tons is beyond good intentions. Through innovative initiatives centered on employment and education, this Black-owned brand is driving tangible impact for communities harmed by the War on Drugs.

    In a significant move towards both advocating and advancing social equity in New York's budding cannabis industry, 40 Tons, has announced its official entry into the Empire State marketplace through strategic partnerships with HPI Canna

    Founded by Loriel Alegrete, 40 Tons has its roots in a deeply personal journey. 40 Tons was created when her husband, Anthony, and lifelong friend, Corvain Cooper, were unjustly incarcerated on cannabis-related charges. Thankfully, both men have since been released, and together with Loriel, they have transformed 40 Tons into a powerful advocate for restorative justice, decriminalization, legalization and rehabilitation.

    As 40 Tons prepares to make its debut in New York, the brand unveiled a series of unique activations intended to give back to the entire cannabis supply chain. The journey began on Saturday, January 20th, with an appearance at the New York Cannabis Retail Association's (NYCRA) Industry Party in Brooklyn. Set against the backdrop of Bushwick's Fine & Raw Chocolate Factory, this event offered industry stakeholders the first opportunity to network and collaborate with the 40 Tons team. 

    “It's a chance to connect with a brand that stands for social justice and community empowerment,” said NYCRA’s Britni Tantalo.

    For co-founder Corvain Cooper, January 20th also held special significance as it marked the three year anniversary since his release from a life sentence for cannabis. "It feels so empowering to now help create opportunities for those overcoming similar challenges," he shared with Honeysuckle Magazine, underscoring the importance of 40 Tons' mission.

    Corvain Cooper, Co-Founder, 40 Tons40 Tons' Co-Founder Corvain Cooper

    On Sunday, January 21st, 40 Tons held a public launch at CONBUD’s new dispensary at 85 Delancey Street. These events were not only opportunities for the public to engage with the brand but also serve as recruitment forums. 

    With their entry in the New York market, 40 Tons is actively seeking brand ambassadors and account representatives to join their team and further their mission along the East Coast.

    In the near future, consumers in New York will be able to find 40 Tons-branded flower and pre-rolls at state-licensed dispensaries, such as CONBUD. 

    These collaborations extend beyond delivering quality cannabis products; it is a collective effort to support legacy cannabis operators in New York and across the country, from the supply chain to retail, with a strong commitment to advancing social justice initiatives.

    Sephida Artis-Mills, Chief Strategy Officer of HPI Canna, emphasizes their dedication to both quality products and social justice, stating in Honeysuckle Magazine, "This collaboration is the beginning of a collective community effort."

    CONBUD, led by founder and CEO Coss Marte, who himself has a unique origin story which include cannabis convictions, is deeply committed to its mission of employing formerly incarcerated individuals and sharing their stories. 

    Marte believes that the partnership with 40 Tons is a step toward reshaping the national narrative surrounding cannabis, bridging the gap between exceptional cannabis experiences and their shared mission to empower, educate, and uplift those impacted by injustice.

    Beyond merely offering cannabis products, 40 Tons also donates a portion of proceeds to nonviolent cannabis prisoners and provides formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities.

    Their 40 Tons Careers division connects marginalized communities with education and jobs through conferences and partnerships. By actively recruiting top cannabis companies committed to hiring and training system-impacted talent, 40 Tons Careers opens doors for diverse applicants. 

    "We want to empower these communities to thrive in the legal market which they helped establish," said CEO Loriel Alegrete.

    Loriel Alegrete, CEO, 40 Tons40 Tons' CEO Loriel Alegrete

    40 Tons New York welcome tour continued with an exclusive product launch event on Thursday, January 25th, in collaboration with Chef For Higher, an esteemed culinary culture brand led by "Hawaii" Mike Salman. Alongside showcasing their products, 40 Tons previewed a 15-minute documentary and engaged in a fireside chat with attendees.

    40 Tons co-founder and Chief Operations Officer Anthony Alegrete shared his personal connection to New York with Honeysuckle Magazine, saying, "As someone who knows the history and deeply respects the New York culture, it's important to me that these roots are reflected in our brand."

    It is clear for anyone to see, 40 Tons represents the vanguard of mission-driven cannabis brands using business as a force for social repair. By aligning sustainable revenue with community uplift, 40 Tons offers a model for grounded, accountable social equity programs. One that moves beyond rhetoric to drive institutional change.

    As the cannabis industry matures, the principles of inclusion and justice must not be forgotten. 40 Tons' work breathes life into these ideals, forging paths to economic mobility for the communities who suffered most under prohibition.

    Their success only serves to illustrate the positive ripples one ethically focused company can generate. By starting with and focusing on those people most impacted, 40 Tons transforms hardship into hope.

    In summary, 40 Tons' entry into New York's cannabis market is not just about selling cannabis products; it's a powerful statement of commitment to social equity and justice reform. 

    Through partnerships, recruitment efforts, and a passionate team, 40 Tons is set to make a lasting impact, bringing hope and opportunity to those who have been impacted by the injustices of the past. 

    Their touch down in New York simply represents a homecoming, a return to roots, and a promise to reflect the essence of the city in their brand. As the cannabis industry matures here in New York and across the country, it will be brands like 40 Tons that remind us that business can be a force for positive change and community upliftment.

    To that, we say welcome to New York 40 Tons! 

    40 Tons Launches in New York40 Tons Launches in New York

    New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA)
    New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA)
    Industry

    Together We Thrive: New York Cannabis Retail Association's Vision of Collective Progress in Cannabis Retail

    How NYCRA's Mission of Collaboration over Competition is Building a Bridge to the Future of NY Cannabis

    On a bitter cold Saturday night in January, the New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA) hosted one of the most electrifying events of the year for cannabis aficionados and industry insiders. 

    Set to transform the New York cannabis landscape, this soirée in Bushwick, Brooklyn was not just another party; it was a long overdue milestone in the journey of cannabis industry evolution in the Empire State.

    Unlike typical industry meet-ups, this grand event served as a vibrant showcase for over 50 leading cannabis companies in New York’s budding legal cannabis industry with the best of the state’s cannabis retailers, cultivators, processors and service providers including but not limited to On The Revel, Nanticoke, Chef for Higher, Dagmar Cannabis, Feel Good, ConBud, Terp Bros, Honeysuckle Magazine, Airo Brands, Ayrloom, Dutchie, Veterans Choice Creations, Heavy Hitters, AlphaRoot, Jaunty, Jetty Extracts, PAX, Nabis, Cannabis Collective, Temeka Group, Lobo, Kiva, Eureka, Alchemy Pure, Ravens View Genetics, FLAMER, TribeTokes, The Flowery, Park Jordan, FlowerHouse, Ten-Ten Cannabis, NOWAVE, The Heavy Smoke, Asian Cannabis Rountable, Cat Ouelette, StupidDOPE, NY Cannabis Insider, 40 Tons, among many others.

    Among the event’s highlights, social impact brand 40 Tons made its official entrance into New York’s marketplace through partnerships with CONBUD and HPI Canna, a state-licensed processor.

    40 Tons is recognized across the country for its work in providing second chances to people with cannabis convictions, and its efforts to help currently incarcerated citizens. Now, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to support the brand in their own backyard, as sales of their packaged flower and pre-rolls will boost business for dispensaries across the state. 

    With such a large contingent of NY's legal cannabis industry in the building, the event fully embodied NYCRA’s commitment to nurturing a thriving, responsible cannabis market, serving as a hub for connections, knowledge-sharing, and empowerment for cannabis industry professionals. 

    As a non-profit organization, NYCRA is a bastion of support, education, and networking for stakeholders in the cannabis market. it’s a nexus for future-forward ideas and collaborations. 

    On the heels of the New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA) biggest event of 2024, NYCRA also announced a strategic partnership with LeafLink, the nation’s largest wholesale cannabis marketplace, further solidifying its commitment to revolutionizing the New York cannabis landscape.

    The NYCRA and LeafLink Partnership

    The collaboration marks a significant step for both organizations. LeafLink's expertise in creating efficient marketplaces will be instrumental for NYCRA members, helping New York operators to reduce operational costs and streamline business processes. The partnership aims to introduce a cash-back rewards program, offer discounts, and boost advertising opportunities for sellers affiliated with NYCRA.

    Jayson Tantalo, VP of Operations at NYCRA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to provide members with access to a platform that simplifies transactions and back-office functions. 

    Jayson Tantalo, New York Cannabis Retail AssociationNYCRA Co-Founder and VP Operations, Jayson Tantalo

    Rodney Holcombe, Director of Public Policy at LeafLink, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the support this partnership will offer to retailers in the burgeoning market.

    NYCRA’s 230 members, already engaged in a vibrant community via a dedicated Discord channel, stand to gain significantly from this partnership. LeafLink will provide a secure, efficient platform for these members to expand upon their established relationships. The platform offers functionalities for placing and tracking orders, making payments, and monitoring business activities.

    For brands looking to sell to retailers and already active on the NYCRA Discord channel, LeafLink is offering a 10% discount on annual contracts. This initiative is set to enhance visibility and sales opportunities for these brands, further driving the growth of the New York cannabis market.

    Another key feature of this partnership is LeafLink’s Payment Solutions, which offers a cost-effective method for retailers to pay vendors directly through the marketplace. This system not only ensures security and compliance but also reduces the reliance on cash transactions. NYCRA retail members will have the opportunity to earn additional cash back for all 2024 wholesale purchases made through LeafLink’s Payment Solutions.

    NYCRA’s partnership with LeafLink is a testament to its commitment to fostering a thriving and responsible cannabis market in New York and stands as a beacon of innovation and efficiency, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous cannabis community. 

    The NYCRA extends an open invitation to all industry stakeholders to join its ranks. By signing up at newyorkcannabisretailassociation.org/join/, you can be part of this exciting industry transformation. It’s a chance to align with the pioneers and visionaries of the cannabis world.

    For those eager to keep a finger on the pulse of this event, NYCRA is active on Instagram @nycannabisretailassociation. Followers can expect a stream of updates, exclusive content, and info about lobbying efforts. 

    The excitement within the New York cannabis community is palpable and despite all the hurdles faced to date, 2024 is shaping up to be a watershed year for the industry here in the Empire State. 

    Because, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. But let’s be honest, making it here is really all that matters. And, NY cannabis is going to make it, just you watch.

    Recent