Four new dispensaries are opening in New York after the state recently saw its Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) scheme put on hold.
New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has confirmed four new adult-use dispensaries across the state will be opening. The dispensaries are located in Saranac Lake, Astoria (Queens), Harlem (Manhattan), and the Lower East Side (Manhattan), as well as with a fifth delivery operation opening in Rome.
The businesses have been granted permission to begin operations despite a temporary injunction placed on the CAURD scheme which halted the process following a legal case that was brought against The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
The latest development follows the recent news that New York’s Judge Bryant issued court orders allowing two dispensaries – Kush Culture Industry LLC and ConBud LLC – to open.
The four dispensaries and the delivery operation that have now been granted permission to open include Elevate ADK, Lake Flower Avenue, Air City Cannabis, Terp Bros and Gotham Buds.
Executive Director of New York’s Office of Cannabis Management, stated: “Today, we are proud to announce the openings of five brand-new adult-use dispensaries across New York State.
“Creating a new cannabis industry centered around equity requires resiliency in the face of adversity and we’re grateful for the licensees’ perseverance and commitment to launch their legal, licensed operations. We want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued support of our efforts to build the nation’s most equitable cannabis industry.
“We’re making remarkable strides toward providing New Yorkers with safe, tested cannabis products. New York is building something special, and these entrepreneurs represent the best of what our State has to offer.”
Eli Emery, Owner of Elevate ADK stated: “I’m so excited and grateful to be bringing the North Country’s first licensed recreational dispensary to Saranac Lake. I look forward to everything we can do at Elevate ADK to offer safe access to a wide variety of New York State cannabis products. Being able to bring this plant and its many benefits to our area in this way is a lifelong dream come true.”
Jeffrey Lopes, Owner of Gotham Buds, added: “As Gotham Buds opens its doors, it feels like a dream evolved.
“This dispensary is more than business—it’s the creation of our legacy in an industry where we’re carving new paths. Being Black + Brown-owned, Woman-owned, and family-owned isn’t just a label; it’s our pulse. And as a partner and now sister to our founders and team, the pride I feel is overwhelming. Harlem isn’t just our location—it’s our community, our commitment.
“We’re here to grow roots and become a pillar of dreams realised. It’s all about passion, vision, and a purpose bigger than ourselves.”
The OCM gas confirmed it will accept applications for review and will begin awarding licenses for cultivators, processors, distributors, microbusinesses, and retail dispensaries in early 2024.
