Roland Conner is making history as the first Black-owned cannabis store in New York City.
After serving time in prison in the early 90s for drug-related charges, Roland, 50, has now transitioned into a successful cannabis entrepreneur.
Conner’s pop-up shop, Smacked, is located in the heart of the city in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village and opened on Tuesday.
In a statement, Conner said, “I am so excited to become a part of history as the first individual to open a legal cannabis dispensary in New York City. Given my experience with cannabis, I never could have imagined that I would be opening a store like this. I’m grateful for the opportunity to open a business with my son and wife at my side and build generational wealth, working together right here in New York. But this is not just about me and my family. This is about everyone who was harmed by the draconian drug laws of the past. New York’s commitment to righting those wrongs through the law is inspiring. I am proof of that commitment because I’m standing here today.”
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New York legalized the recreational use of marijuana in March 2021 but the rollout has been slow.
Conner received support from the Bronx Cannabis Hub, which was founded by the Bronx Defenders and the Bronx Community Foundation to support individuals applying for the first round of licenses.
For 15 years, Conner has operated a property management business, and he is currently managing a transitional housing facility in the Bronx, allowing him the expertise needed to apply for and be granted his license.
Governor Hochul said in a statement, “This dispensary is the latest example of our efforts to build the most equitable and inclusive cannabis industry in the nation. As we continue to work toward righting wrongs of the past, I look forward to new dispensaries – owned by those most impacted by the over-policing of cannabis prohibition – opening soon.”
