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

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. 

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.