ConBud Dispensary brought strains and social justice into the Mott Haven section of the Bronx with the grand opening of their newest location in Mott Haven on Saturday.
Eager community members and consumers alike came out to enjoy live music spun by DJ Steph Cakes, DJ Camillo, and DJ Ted Smooth, a complimentary bite to eat, and an opportunity to shop for cannabis.
"We have been afforded the opportunity to paint a Picaso," said Coss Marte, co-founder and CEO of ConBud. "New York state is a blank canvas that we can paint now, and now we can develop the culture of what New York really is in the cannabis space."
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and District 16 Bronx Council Member Althea Stevens were also attended and honored ConBud's newest owner, Michael Montas, with a decoration of success to display within the store. Previously incarcerated on drug charges, Montas is now a proud business owner and entrepreneur.
"These young men of color we're formally incarcerated under the Rockefeller drug laws," Gibson said. "Guess what? to God be the glory they are here turning that pain into purpose, into passion, into an industry."
Marte told News 12 that a portion of the proceeds will go towards empowering the Bronx community.
"Thirteen percent of our sales tax is actually going back," Marte said. "Forty percent of that 13% is going to back to nonprofit organizations. Plus, we're actually donating an extra 1% to a nonprofit Bronx foundation."
According to Marte, ConBud's success is only the beginning and it is owed to its loyal community.