SCHENECTADY DISPENSARY LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS MODEL TO SUPPORT CAURD LICENSEES

A woman-founded cannabis dispensary in Schenectady is paving the way for a new era in the cannabis retail industry. On Thursday, Cannabicity, located in Mohawk Harbor, became the first dispensary in the Capital Region to introduce a formalized business model aimed at supporting Conditional Adult-use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees. The initiative, known as Powered By Cannabicity, was launched as part of the store’s grand opening ceremony for cannabis retail sales.

From CBD to THC: A Landmark Expansion

Cannabicity originally opened its doors in March 2024, but at that time, it was limited to selling CBD products. With the recent expansion, the store now offers both CBD and THC products, marking a significant milestone in its journey within New York’s growing cannabis market.

A New Model for Cannabis Retail Success

The Powered By Cannabicity model is designed to help dispensary owners with CAURD licenses establish successful businesses through structured partnership agreements with managed service providers. Under this framework, dispensary owners retain majority ownership while service providers contribute investment, operational expertise, and business knowledge. This collaboration allows both parties to share in the profits and success of the dispensary while ensuring that CAURD licensees—many of whom face financial and operational challenges—have the necessary resources to thrive.

Welcoming the First Licensee: Coastal Green

As part of the launch, Cannabicity proudly announced its first official licensee partner, Coastal Green. Through this partnership, Coastal Green will soon open a dispensary on Delaware Avenue in Albany, which is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to welcome customers by summer 2024.

Coastal Green’s journey has been particularly significant, as its original licensee was impacted by the state’s previous restrictive cannabis laws. Despite holding a CAURD license, they were unable to successfully launch and operate a dispensary due to financial and regulatory barriers. With the support of Powered By Cannabicity, Coastal Green now has a pathway to success.

A Grand Opening Celebration with Customer Perks

To celebrate the grand opening of its expanded retail operations, Cannabicity is offering special promotions through Sunday, March 9. Customers visiting the store will have the chance to win up to 50% off their total purchase by spinning the JackPOT Wheel at checkout, adding an element of excitement to the shopping experience.

A Step Forward for the Cannabis Industry

The introduction of Powered By Cannabicity represents a significant shift in the New York cannabis industry, providing a structured and sustainable pathway for CAURD licensees to enter and succeed in the market. By fostering strategic partnerships and sharing industry knowledge, Cannabicity is not only supporting small business owners but also strengthening the foundation of the legal cannabis industry in the state.

As more dispensaries look for ways to navigate the complex cannabis landscape, the Powered By Cannabicity model could set a precedent for future collaborations and expansions in the industry.