I remember walking into an On The Revel event with Lulu Tsui, one of On the Revel’s cofounders, and seeing big bold words that declared: “THIS IS NEW YORK CANNABIS.” It got me thinking—what is New York Cannabis?
Cannabis is a shape-shifter. It’s a California sunset rolled into a joint, a Colorado alpine hike in edible form and now, a New York hustle bottled into a THC beverage. As legalization sweeps the nation, each state is defining its own cannabis culture, but nowhere does it feel more quintessentially itself than in New York.
New York doesn’t just adopt trends; it reinvents them, and the cannabis industry is no exception. This isn’t a state of cookie-cutter dispensaries and generic brands. It’s a cultural petri dish where legacy, innovation and good old-fashioned hustle collide to create something entirely unique. In true New York fashion, cannabis here is loud, bold and unapologetically diverse.
Take ayrloom, for instance. Rooted in Central New York, the brand is the modern embodiment of a time-tested agricultural tradition. For generations, the family behind ayrloom grew apples—honeycrisps that became local staples. Now, they’re turning their expertise toward cannabis, creating a product that’s as refreshing as an orchard breeze and as potent as the New York spirit. Their THC drinks aren’t just another cannabis drink; it’s a tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage, reimagined for the modern consumer.
“Ayrloom is New York in a can,” the founders like to say. And they’re not wrong. It’s crisp, innovative and deeply rooted—much like the state itself.
Further south, in Poughkeepsie, Dank by Definition is redefining New York cannabis with its boutique, high-quality flower for the discerning local. Produced at HPI Canna and born from the same creative energy that fuels the city’s nightlife scene, Dank’s ethos is pure New York: bold, meticulous and unapologetically boutique. Consistently dominating the state’s flower market, Dank owes its success to hyper-local, small-batch products. Think farm-to-table, but for weed—crafted for New Yorkers who demand the best and won’t settle for less.
In the city, cannabis takes on an entirely different personality, and no brand captures that better than Her Highness. Designed through the female lens, their products don’t just meet women where they are—their goal is to elevate the entire experience.While their cannabis line is crafted to work harmoniously with the female body, it’s the accessories that truly stand out turning everyday rituals into moments of glamour. “Weed is chic, and it is glamorous, and it makes you feel good,” the founders explain. In a city that thrives on style and speed, Her Highness is where indulgence meets empowerment.
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New York’s dispensaries are no less bold. Take NYC BUD in Long Island City, which transforms a mundane retail experience into a love letter to the MTA. Its life-sized subway car installation is Instagram bait, sure, but it’s also a nod to the city’s enduring grit and charm.
Meanwhile, Alta Cannabis nestled in Chinatown, tells a different kind of story. Founded by a family whose journey spans Taiwan, Mozambique and New York, Alta is a celebration of global resilience and multiculturalism. It’s a place where cannabis meets culture, offering a unique perspective in a state that thrives on diversity.
That diversity is what truly sets New York’s cannabis industry apart. In a state where cultures, ideas and industries collide daily, cannabis has become a microcosm of the city’s melting pot. Organizations like the Asian Cannabis Roundtable (which I am part of) and Jews in Weed exemplify this, carving out spaces for dialogue, innovation and representation. The Asian Cannabis Roundtable is amplifying the voices of communities often overlooked in the industry, while Jews in Weed builds connections rooted in shared values and a collective passion for justice and entrepreneurship.
New York has always been a mosaic of ideas, cultures and industries, and its cannabis market is no different. From upstate farmers reimagining their harvests to stylish urban brands, immersive retail experiences and diverse cultural collectives, New York cannabis is forging a path that reflects the state’s indomitable spirit.
As more states embrace cannabis legalization, New York’s unique approach offers a blueprint for how regional identity can shape a thriving industry. These brands and dispensaries don’t just sell products—they tell stories that could only happen here.
In the end, that’s what makes New York cannabis so special: it’s not just about getting high—it’s about reaching higher. This is New York Cannabis.
