Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — In the days leading up to 4/20, the unofficial holiday for cannabis users, the very first state-licensed dispensary in the City of Rochester was given the green light to open its doors.
“We didn’t want to skip a step at all so it was important to do everything right and there were things we couldn’t control,” said Hiram Hernandez, co-owner of Good Life Collective on Monroe Avenue.
Legal challenges to New York’s cannabis industry drew out the process for nearly two years. This week, the shop was finally able to start serving customers.
“We have edibles, drinks, flower, pre-rolls, oil, wax,” said co-owner Antonio Hernandez.
“It was a great experience,” said Damien Poles, who was visiting from Boston. “Easy to navigate. Came in, great experience. They had music playing.”
Cannabis only just became legal in New York State three years ago, in March 2021.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced new initiatives Friday to shut down illegal stores and protect the legal marketplace.
“We’re going to weed out the unlicensed shops and clear the way for the license owners so they can grow their budding businesses and grow out their dreams,” said Governor Hochul.
After a long road, the co-owners
