Those living in the state of New York may also be living in a state of satisfaction due to new cannabis laws. Given the fact that the state now allows the sale of recreational cannabis – many have been taking advantage of the selection offered at dispensaries.
Somehow, NYS fumbled the rollout for this extremely lucrative endeavor. They awarded the first couple hundred licenses to people with past criminal convictions to give disadvantaged individuals an opportunity to own and operate a dispensary business. An equitable move by NYS – the part that failed to make sense is why those without a record are unable to open a dispensary?
From a monetary standpoint, this move makes no sense as it is hypocritical and does not provide equal playing ground to all New York citizens. Sure, allow those with a criminal past to line up first and get a headstart. But refuse to let anybody else get in line after them? Less money for the state and less progress overall for the ecosystem of legal cannabis.
Did that brief political stanza nearly send you to another website? C’mon back here! This article is about the top three dispensaries in the Capital Region of Upstate NY.
Browse below to see which dispensaries rank highest based upon in-store experience, customer service and firsthand product quality.
3) Royale Flower – this woman owned dispensary carries a great story alongside strong products. When a state first legalizes, the cannabis varies greatly at each dispensary because they are trying to figure things out. Not Royale Flower – they have carried some serious quality kush since the beginning when they were selling product out of a Bud Truck.
Once they merged from the parking lot truck to an entire in-store experience they truly elevated above many dispensaries in the area. Most people want to go into a dispensary to take some sort of memorable visit. Rather than shuffling patrons through like some sort of fast-food dispo – Royale takes their time to provide you with superior product and a noble experience.
Also – this is one of the first stores in the area to carry the Botanist brand. If you are a seasoned dispensary traveler you would know that the Botanist never misses.
Firsthand Product: Mike Tyson Knockout OG [8.8/10][Redeeming Quality – Effect]
2) Stage One Dispensary – this place provides a very customer-centric dispensary experience. The workers make you feel welcome and are very knowledgeable about the subject at hand. Most dispensaries make you check in before shopping and it is done in a location that is separate from the store. Not at Stage One – you feel right at home the minute you check in as it is not secluded from the rest of the store. Workers buzz by to check in and see if you need any information or recommendations. They deliver within a 25 mile radius of their Rensselaer location and they keep affordable flavors on deck.
This store is smart to carry a recognizable brand – Tyson Ranch in many varieties. Mike Tyson’s brand resonates with users because it packs a potent punch and comes from a celebrity that people know and respect.
Firsthand Product: Revert Sticky Buns [7.7/10] [Redeeming Quality – Flavor][Tasted like Cinnabon]
1) 420 Bliss – this dispensary provides more than just a place to purchase cannabis. This store fully immerses the customer into a lounge type atmosphere that invites them in immediately. With cardboard cut-outs, collectible items and tangible products such as boxing gloves near Tyson station, literature about the product inside of sleek and unique display cases.
This place sits atop the list because they contribute mightily to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a boutique in Colonie Center Mall, a booking agency that brings the most relevant talent to this area and multiple dispensaries in NYC – this dispensary serves as the most versatile. When you make a living selling clothes, trees and concerts you’re doing alright!
Firsthand Product: Tyson Tiger Mintz [7.8/10][Redeeming Quality: Stickiness]
We are loosely connected with the owners of 420 Bliss and A Little Higher Dispensaries. Once we hoenn in on what product to create and come up with solid concepts/graphics there will be a zine produced for 420 Bliss.
Rather than box ourself in by only writing articles – we are trying to produce content in different mediums. Look for this zine to be published as a product in our Summer Newsletter. The booklet will be no more than $10 shipped and there will be 10 zines made.
Over and above all else – NYS has a long way to go before they catch up with their neighbor state Massachusetts in the legal cannabis game. Certainly, dispensaries in NYS will scale their business to include stronger products, lower price points and better experiences altogether.
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