A Perfect Green Wednesday in New Yorkđ˝: Exploring the City's Top Cannabis Gems
The crisp morning air carries the buzz of Green Wednesday across New York Cityâa day to celebrate and support the ever-evolving cannabis community. As you sip your coffee and glance over your carefully planned itinerary, thereâs a palpable sense of excitement. Green Wednesday isnât just a day to shop; itâs a celebration of the progress, innovation, and potential of New Yorkâs burgeoning cannabis industry. With your favorite tote bag in hand, youâre ready to explore the best dispensaries, brands, and stories that make the cityâs cannabis culture so unique!
As you walk the city streets on Green Wednesday, itâs impossible not to think about the future of cannabis in New York. With projections suggesting the industry could generate over $4 billion in annual sales within a few years, the economic potential is immense. Cannabis tourism is also on the rise, and New York is poised to become a global destination with cannabis-friendly lounges, events, and educational experiences. The industry is already innovating with sustainable cultivation practices, cutting-edge product development, and consumer-friendly technologies. Dispensaries like Electraleaf and brands like Uptown Cannabis are leading the charge, delivering premium products while championing new techniques and solutions. Curious about whatâs next? Stay updated with our New York Cannabis Guide, which explores the trends, innovations, and movers and shakers shaping the industryâs future.
8:00 AMâď¸ â Morning Bliss at Bliss & Lex
Start your day on the Upper East Side with a visit to Bliss & Lex, a trailblazing dispensary that holds the distinction of being Manhattanâs first Black woman-owned cannabis shop. Founded by the visionary duo Nicole and Chris Lucien, this family-run establishment blends luxury and inclusivity, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and approachable. As you step inside, youâre greeted by a sleek, modern interior that reflects their dedication to quality and style.
The menu is a testament to their passion for curating only the finest cannabis products. From premium flowers to artisanal edibles, every item is thoughtfully selected to cater to a diverse clientele. The staff, warm and knowledgeable, guide you through the options, helping you pick out a pack of pre-rolls that will perfectly complement your Green Wednesday plans.
Stepping back out onto Lexington Avenue, you take a moment to savor the peaceful morning vibes of the Upper East Side. With your tote bag a little fuller and your spirits high, you feel ready to dive into the dayâs adventures, knowing youâve started with one of the cityâs most inspiring cannabis pioneers.
9:00 AMâď¸ â Midtown Marvels at Urban Leaf
By mid-morning, you arrive at Urban Leaf, a family-owned dispensary in Midtown East founded by Joseph Abramov, who brings his expertise from a successful real estate career into the cannabis world. Josephâs vision for Urban Leaf was to create more than a dispensaryâhe wanted a community hub where quality, education, and accessibility meet. Inside, the warm and knowledgeable staff guide you through their curated selection, helping you choose a hybrid strain perfect for Thanksgiving relaxation. Before leaving, you take a moment to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the shopâs design and mission. With your purchase in hand, you grab a coffee at a nearby cafĂŠ and set off for your next stop, already impressed by the care and dedication Urban Leaf brings to the industry.
10:00 AMâď¸ â Alto Cannabis Dispensary: Tribeca's First Dispensary
Head to Tribeca and visit Alto Cannabis Dispensary, the neighborhoodâs first licensed cannabis shop and a true family-run operation. Founded by the Savocchi familyâparents Guido and Sandra, along with their five children, including Andre and StephanieâAlto is the embodiment of resilience and community spirit. The familyâs journey into cannabis is deeply personal, rooted in overcoming challenges after Guido faced a marijuana possession conviction in the 1990s. Now, with a license under New Yorkâs social equity program, theyâve transformed adversity into a thriving business.
Inside Alto, youâll find a curated selection of premium products, from top-shelf flowers to delicious edibles, all backed by a passion for quality and education. The Savocchi siblings are often on-site, adding a personal touch to the experience. Alto isnât just about cannabis; itâs about turning challenges into opportunities and bringing a fresh, progressive vibe to Tribeca.
12:00 PMâď¸ â Uptown Adventures at Sparkboro and Polanco Brothers
As lunchtime rolls around, head uptown to Sparkboro in Washington Heights, a trailblazing dispensary known for its commitment to community engagement and cannabis education. Sparkboroâs partners have created a welcoming space that blends high-quality products with a deep focus on customer empowerment. After browsing their extensive menu, you add a soothing tincture to your bag, perfect for unwinding during the holiday rush.
Just a few blocks away, Polanco Brothers catches your eye with its vibrant storefront and carefully curated selection of edibles and concentrates. Inside, the teamâs passion for quality and connection shines through. Be sure to say hi to Swaroop Suri, whose hands-on approach makes every visit memorable. With your purchases in hand, youâre ready to continue your Green Wednesday adventure, inspired by the spirit of these local pioneers.
2:00 PMâď¸ â Exploring Queens at Good Grades and New Metro
After your visit to New Metro Dispensary in Bayside, where Sean Kang and his team provided excellent recommendations on premium vapes and flower, continue your journey by hopping on the 7 train to Jamaica, Queens. Your destination is Good Grades, a trailblazing dispensary co-owned by cousins Extasy and Michael James. As the first woman-owned retail cannabis dispensary in Queens, Good Grades is deeply committed to cannabis education and community empowerment. Their mission is to offer high-quality cannabis products while fostering a deeper understanding and responsible use among their patrons. The dispensary provides a curated selection of edibles, tinctures, and topicals, all sourced from reputable producers. The knowledgeable staff is dedicated to guiding customers through their choices, ensuring a personalized and informative experience. After exploring their offerings, you select some delectable edibles to enjoy later, confident in the quality and care that Good Grades embodies.
4:00 PMâď¸ â Afternoon Delights with Liberty Buds and Electraleaf
The afternoon takes you back to Manhattanâs Lenox Hill neighborhood to visit Liberty Buds, a sleek dispensary known for its welcoming vibe and top-notch product selection. Their house pre-rolls, made with premium flower, are a standout favorite, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
Next, explore Electraleaf, a brand celebrated for its award-winning flower and over 30 years of cultivation expertise. Their 18,000-square-foot greenhouse uses advanced techniques and premium genetics to produce top-shelf cannabis. Guided by their ethosââgrown by smokers, trimmed by smokers, loved by smokersââElectraleaf delivers exceptional quality in every hand-trimmed product. You pick up a strain known for its flavor and potency, confident youâve added a true gem to your Green Wednesday haul.
6:00 PMâď¸ â Late-Day Discoveries with Greenery Spot and Uptown Cannabis
As the day winds down, make your way to Greenery Spot, a standout in the cannabis scene known for its premium offerings and commitment to quality. This dispensary prides itself on delivering products that cater to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Among their standout selections are flavorful gummies, which are perfect for a discreet and enjoyable experience, and potent concentrates, favored by those seeking elevated effects. Greenery Spotâs knowledgeable team is always on hand to guide you, ensuring you leave with products tailored to your preferences. Whether you're looking for relaxation or an energy boost, their curated menu has something for everyone.
After exploring Greenery Spot, head to Uptown Cannabis, a brand that is redefining innovation in the industry. Known for their thoughtfully crafted products, Uptown Cannabis focuses on blending premium quality with accessibility. Their range of offerings is both approachable and refined, making them a great addition to any collection. Whether youâre stocking up on their signature flower or exploring new product lines, Uptown Cannabis delivers an elevated experience that highlights the potential of modern cannabis innovation. Both stops offer a perfect balance of quality and variety, rounding out your Green Wednesday with style and satisfaction.
8:00 PMâď¸ â Evening Unwind at The Bakery and Secret Garden 716
Under the evening glow, stop by The Bakery, a family-owned dispensary founded by a proud local in the capital region. The Bakery team is happy to chat while showcasing their premium offerings.End your day with a visit to Secret Garden 716, a family-owned gem nestled in the Gates Circle neighborhood of Buffalo. Owned and operated by William and Mariaâs extended family, the dispensary is a haven for cannabis enthusiasts seeking superior products and innovative experiences. Secret Garden 716 stands out for its dedication to education, offering a welcoming space where customers can learn and explore with confidence. Known for their exceptional customer service, they pride themselves on making every visitor feel like part of the family. Before heading home, you pick up a calming indica strain, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration, and leave inspired by the care and community spirit that defines both of these standout dispensaries.
9:30 PMâď¸ â A Sweet Finish at The Flowery and GoodLife Dispensary
Your final stops on this Green Wednesday journey bring you to two standout destinations that showcase the diversity and excellence of New Yorkâs cannabis scene: The Flowery in Staten Island and GoodLife Dispensary in Lower Manhattan.
At The Flowery, located on Staten Island, youâre welcomed into a dispensary that prides itself on delivering exceptional quality with a personal touch. Known for its boutique feel, The Flowery offers a curated selection of premium flowers, edibles, and tinctures, all sourced from trusted growers and producers. The staff, passionate about education and service, take the time to guide you through their offerings, ensuring you leave with products tailored to your preferences. Whether youâre looking for a calming indica to wind down or a flavorful edible to elevate your holiday spirit, The Flowery delivers on all fronts, making it a must-visit spot for cannabis enthusiasts in Staten Island.
From Staten Island, your journey concludes at GoodLife Dispensary in Lower Manhattan, a family-run gem with a mission to enhance everyday wellness through cannabis. Located in the heart of the city, GoodLife combines convenience with a welcoming atmosphere, offering a diverse menu of high-quality products. Their flower selection is especially notable, with strains chosen for their potency and flavor. The dispensaryâs commitment to community and education is evident in every interaction, with staff eager to help you discover products that suit your needs, whether youâre a first-timer or a seasoned user. Before leaving, you pick up a carefully selected strain and a sleek vape pen, confident that youâve ended the day on a high noteâboth literally and figuratively.
As you step back into the evening air, your Green Wednesday journey feels complete. These final stops at The Flowery and GoodLife Dispensary not only capped off your day with exceptional purchases but also reminded you of the heart and dedication behind New Yorkâs cannabis community. You leave with a smile, knowing youâve supported businesses that are shaping the cityâs cannabis culture, one thoughtful product at a time.
A New Era for New York Cannabis
New Yorkâs cannabis industry is undergoing a monumental transformation. Since the passing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in 2021, the state has made significant strides in rolling out adult-use cannabis. The focus on social equity licensing has been a cornerstone, prioritizing entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis laws. This emphasis on equity has fostered the growth of family-owned businesses and minority-led enterprises, creating a more inclusive and vibrant industry.
New York is also leading the way in consumer education and experience. Todayâs dispensaries are more than just retail spacesâtheyâre hubs for community connection, education, and innovation. Whether itâs the luxurious boutique vibes of Bliss & Lex on the Upper East Side or the warm, family-run charm of Secret Garden 716, every dispensary tells a unique story of resilience and vision.
For a deeper dive into these standout businesses, check out our Green Wednesday Cannabis Guide. It highlights must-visit dispensaries and brands across New York, offering insights into their history, products, and what makes them shine.
What sets New Yorkâs cannabis industry apart is its deep connection to the community. Many of the cityâs dispensaries are family-run operations where youâre greeted by the owners themselves. For example, stop by Polanco Brothers in Harlem and meet the team behind this vibrant shop, or visit Good Grades in Jamaica, Queens, where the owners pride themselves on educating every customer who walks through the door.
Brands like Urban Extracts also embody this ethos. Based in New York, they focus on creating high-quality, sustainable cannabis products while fostering local partnerships. Their commitment to authenticity and innovation has earned them a spot among the cityâs most exciting cannabis brands. Be sure to explore our guide for a closer look at Urban Extracts and other leading names in the industry.
Supporting Local and Small Businesses
This Green Wednesday, your journey through New Yorkâs cannabis landscape not only highlights the cityâs best dispensaries and brands but also underscores the importance of supporting small businesses. As the weekend continues into Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, take advantage of in-store promotions and online deals to stock up on your favorite products. By choosing local, youâre fueling innovation, supporting communities, and strengthening New Yorkâs vibrant cannabis culture.
Looking Ahead to the Holidays
Green Wednesday is just the beginning of a season filled with opportunities to support local dispensaries and brands. As the weekend continues with Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, you can shop exclusive deals in-store and online to stock up on your favorite products. And as the holidays approach, donât miss our Holiday Cannabis Guide for Christmas and New Yearâs. From the perfect gifts for cannabis enthusiasts to tips on hosting a festive cannabis-inspired celebration, weâll help you make the most of the season.
