At ConBud, our mission isn’t just about cannabis; it’s about creating opportunity, fostering equity, and building something meaningful in the heart of the Lower East Side (LES). Recently, our founder, Coss Marte, shared his journey in a CNBC “Make It” interview, offering a deeper look into how personal transformation and purpose have shaped ConBud into what it is today.
Turning a Prison Sentence into a Purpose
In the CNBC interview, Coss reflected on his early life in the LES, a neighborhood filled with challenges and resilience. By age 23, he was running a multi-million-dollar drug operation, but that success came at a steep price: incarceration. While serving his sentence, Coss faced not only confinement but also health challenges that forced him to confront his lifestyle.
Determined to turn his life around, Coss developed a fitness routine in his 9×6 cell, shedding over 70 pounds and finding a new sense of purpose. This commitment to personal transformation became the foundation for his ventures: first with ConBody, a fitness studio hiring formerly incarcerated trainers, and later with ConBud, a cannabis dispensary with a mission to rewrite the narrative around cannabis and incarceration.
ConBud: More Than a Dispensary
Coss’s transition from fitness to cannabis wasn’t just a business decision—it was a natural progression of his mission to create opportunities and challenge stigmas. As he shared in the interview, ConBud was built with the belief that cannabis can be a force for good, healing, and connection.
ConBud isn’t just a place to buy cannabis; it’s a space that reflects the LES’s spirit—diverse, resilient, and forward-thinking. We prioritize:
- Inclusivity: By hiring individuals impacted by incarceration, ConBud gives people a second chance to thrive.
- Education: Through workshops and events, we empower our customers to make informed decisions about cannabis use.
- Community Connection: Every aspect of ConBud, from our location to our partnerships, is designed to celebrate and uplift the LES.
Changing the Cannabis Industry
One of the most striking parts of Coss’s CNBC interview was his emphasis on cannabis’s potential to address systemic inequalities. While legalization has opened doors for many, it has also highlighted disparities—especially for those previously criminalized for cannabis-related offenses.
ConBud exists to bridge that gap. Through advocacy, hiring practices, and outreach, we’re committed to ensuring the cannabis industry doesn’t just grow—it grows equitably.
Lessons from Coss’s Journey
Coss’s story offers insights not just for aspiring entrepreneurs but for anyone looking to create meaningful change:
- Growth Through Adversity: Transformation often begins in the most challenging moments.
- Lead with Purpose: Businesses that align with values can create lasting impact beyond profits.
- Lift Others as You Climb: True success comes from empowering others and building community.
What’s Next for ConBud?
As highlighted in the CNBC piece, ConBud’s journey is just beginning. We’re expanding our community initiatives, building deeper connections in the LES, and continuing to challenge perceptions around cannabis and justice. Every product we sell and every event we host is a step toward a future where cannabis is both accessible and transformative.
Join the Movement
Coss Marte’s interview with CNBC underscores what we at ConBud have always believed: that second chances can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether you’re stopping by for a curated cannabis experience or joining one of our community events, you’re part of something bigger—a movement to redefine opportunity and equity in the LES and beyond.
Read more about Coss’s story and our mission in the full CNBC “Make It” interview. Together, let’s build a brighter future—one step, one story, and one connection at a time. Be sure to check out our blog archive for all things ConBud.
