For The Bronx Defenders, the Hub is the culmination of decades fighting to protect people against marijuana criminalization. Beyond serving 20,000 people every year in criminal, civil, family, and immigration courts, The Bronx Defenders has used its proximity to these legal systems to advocate for systemic transformations in drug law and policies – from starting the Marijuana Arrest Project in 2011, to joining as a core member of the Start SMART NY campaign to legalize the plant in 2017. Today, The Bronx Defenders is using its hard-earned legal expertise and pro bono network to help New Yorkers navigate the new cannabis market through the Hub.
The Bronx Cannabis Hub is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to ensuring equitable inclusion of New Yorkers impacted by the state’s marijuana laws in cannabis licensing. The Hub aims to transform lives, create generational wealth, reinvest in underserved communities, and set a national example.
Our Impact
Through partnerships with pro bono attorneys, we help social equity applicants navigate the licensing process, ensuring they have the legal backing to succeed. Our work has been primarily focused on the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) initiative in New York. We screened over 600 individuals for this program from across the State. Ultimately, we accepted 40 into our cohort; 27 of those individuals were conditionally approved for licenses, and 15 individuals have already opened legal dispensaries. The Bronx Cannabis Hub is proud to have supported each of these businesses.
Read more about the Hub’s first three years of impact
Celestial Herbs Founded was founded by a system-impacted entrepreneur and built alongside his family in the community that raised him.
3430 Boston Rd., Bronx, NY
Diamond Dispensary’s mission is to make top-tier cannabis accessible, affordable, and approachable — empowering their community with products they can trust and an experience they feel good about.
455 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Every detail of Hand in Bush was designed with good vibes in mind. Located in Bed-Stuy, this mother and son team has created something with a lot of hard work and passion.
834 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn, NY
RENAISSANT NYC’s mission is to innovate, inspire, and provide a transformative approach that reflects our passion and commitment to excellence.
40-07 A Queens Blvd., Sunnyside, NY
Stoops NYC is more than just a cannabis dispensary – it is a community that cultivates compassion, creativity, and connection.
182 Fifth Ave., New York, NY
Chrome Flwrs is Greenpoint and North Brooklyn’s first legal, licensed cannabis dispensary focused on selling the best and safest cannabis products to the neighborhood.
185 Nassau Ave., Brooklyn, NY
The Flowery Bronx brings premium cannabis to the East Bronx, offering an extensive selection of high-quality flower, edibles, vapes, and more.
3551 Boston Rd., Bronx, NY
We’re more than a dispensary — we’re part of the Upper West Side community.
716 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY
Royal Blend Dispensary is dedicated to providing the Rosedale, NY community with the highest quality cannabis products in a welcoming and knowledgeable environment.
2223 New York Route 32, Kingston, NY
Founded by a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur with Jamaican roots, Two Buds is the first legally licensed and rigorously tested dispensary in its neighborhood.
696 East 241 St., Bronx, NY
CONBUD is a cannabis brand that hires formerly incarcerated individuals to legally educate and sell cannabis products to consumers.
85 Delancey St., New York, NY
2412 Third Ave., Bronx, NY
898 Gerard Ave., Bronx, NY
Gotham is a female-founded, mission driven, arts-and-culture-forward legal cannabis dispensary unlike any other in the greatest city in the world.
296 Kent Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Quality Roots is thrilled to offer expert knowledge, exceptional service, and a carefully curated selection of premium products.
330 Tompkins Ave., Brooklyn, NY
Smacked Village is NYC’s 1st Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD) & Black Owned legal retail cannabis dispensary.
144 Bleecker St., New York, NY
202 Cannabis Co. is committed to offering high-quality cannabis products from top New York cultivators, all while providing a safe, welcoming, and educational shopping experience.
81 West Ramapo Rd., Garnerville, NY