Cannavita Dispensary: Redefining Cannabis Retail with Hospitality and Community in Astoria, Queens

Astoria, Queens, is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, from authentic Greek fare to innovative Venezuelan cuisine. Now, this vibrant neighborhood has embraced another indulgence: legal cannabis. Cannavita Dispensary, located at 30-30 Steinway Street, has quickly become a standout destination, blending fine-dining hospitality with cannabis retail and prioritizing equity, social justice, and community engagement.

A Fusion of Hospitality and Cannabis Retail

Cannavita’s co-owner Marko Popovic and general manager Allie Carney are veterans of New York City’s restaurant industry. Drawing on their years of experience delivering exceptional dining experiences, they’ve reimagined cannabis shopping with the same focus on service, atmosphere, and quality.

“Our mission is to provide Astoria with the best possible products from the cannabis market,” Popovic explains. This ethos drives their commitment to crafting a welcoming and luxurious environment where every customer feels valued.

A Neighborhood-Centric Approach

Situated along a bustling street filled with restaurants and shops, Cannavita is designed with the local community in mind. The dispensary’s fleet of budtenders hails predominantly from Queens, ensuring that customers receive personalized, authentic recommendations.

Cannabis Offerings

Cannavita’s expansive menu caters to a wide range of preferences, featuring products from top-tier brands such as:

Electraleaf

Chef For Higher

KIVA

Aeterna

Blotter

Customers can choose from a variety of cannabis options, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vaporizers, and concentrates. This diversity makes Cannavita a one-stop shop for seasoned users and newcomers alike.

Equity and Social Justice: At the Heart of Cannavita’s Model

Cannavita is more than just a retail space—it’s a business committed to advancing equity in the cannabis industry. Popovic obtained his Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license through a partnership with a justice-involved individual who had previously faced a cannabis-related charge.

Community and Advocacy

Cannavita actively collaborates with organizations like the Last Prisoner Project, which works to address the injustices of the War on Drugs. The dispensary also hosts regular events to foster community engagement and educate locals about the benefits of cannabis.

“Allie and I are deeply committed to prioritizing people whose lives have been impacted by outdated cannabis laws,” Popovic shares. “We aim to contribute meaningfully to these efforts.”

Creating a Luxurious and Relaxing Experience

Stepping into Cannavita feels like entering a tropical retreat from the hustle of city life. The posh interior is thoughtfully designed to create a sense of peace and comfort.

Events and Experiences

Cannavita regularly hosts unique events that enhance the shopping experience:

Morning Yoga Sessions: Combining wellness and cannabis for a holistic approach to relaxation.

Art Gallery Parties: Evening events that celebrate local artists and foster creativity within the community.

These events align with Cannavita’s mission to go beyond retail, offering patrons a cultural and social experience alongside cannabis products.

Astoria: A Neighborhood Worth Exploring

Cannavita is more than a destination—it’s a gateway to all that Astoria has to offer. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the neighborhood’s rich culture, from its riverside parks to its renowned eateries.

Local Highlights

Museum of the Moving Image: An interactive museum celebrating cinema, television, and visual media.

Diverse Restaurants: Enjoy global cuisine ranging from Vietnamese to Mediterranean.

Outdoor Spaces: Explore Astoria Park for breathtaking waterfront views.

Popovic and Carney emphasize that a visit to Cannavita should be part of a larger Astoria experience, blending cannabis with the neighborhood’s vibrant offerings.

Looking Ahead: Cannavita’s Vision for the Future

As Cannavita approaches its one-year anniversary in spring 2025, the team remains dedicated to their core values: quality, hospitality, and community.

“Our goal is to foster a sense of peace, community, and comfort for everyone who walks through our doors,” Carney says. This dedication has already made Cannavita a cornerstone of Astoria’s cannabis scene.

Why Cannavita Stands Out

Cannavita is more than just a dispensary—it’s a model for how cannabis businesses can integrate luxury, community, and social responsibility. By applying the principles of fine dining hospitality to cannabis retail, Cannavita offers a shopping experience that is both elevated and approachable.

Stay informed about the latest cannabis industry developments with Cannabis Risk Manager.