LES Cannabis | The Lower East Side (LES) is renowned for its dynamic energy—a melting pot of art, music, food, and history. In this neighborhood where creativity thrives, cannabis has become an integral part of urban life. Visitors and locals alike can experience this vibrant blend at CONBUD’s flagship store at 85 Delancey St, where the spirit of the LES meets innovative cannabis retail. By reflecting the heritage and modernity of the neighborhood, CONBUD stands as an authentic fixture in the community.
A Community-First Mission and Social Equity
CONBUD isn’t just any cannabis dispensary—it’s built on a foundation of social equity and community empowerment. Founded by Coss Marte on the LES, CONBUD is 100% owned and operated by justice-impacted New Yorkers. As their slogan proclaims, “You Get NY’s Finest, We Get Second Chances,” CONBUD’s mission extends beyond retail, making a positive social impact through:
- Hiring Initiatives: Recruiting LES residents with past convictions and providing second chances to those often excluded from traditional job markets.
- Educational Outreach: Hosting workshops and in-store sessions that inform customers about safe cannabis consumption and the benefits of legalization.
Learn more about CONBUD’s commitment to social equity in this feature.
Partnering with Local Businesses and Artists
CONBUD’s influence in the LES is deepened through active partnerships with local entrepreneurs, artists, and community groups. A standout example is the collaboration with CONBODY, a fitness initiative led by formerly incarcerated individuals, right in the same building. This collaboration not only creates a unique “Con Corner” where fitness meets cannabis, but it also reinforces CONBUD’s dedication to uplifting LES residents.
Local artists have also left their mark on CONBUD’s space by creating murals and installations that celebrate the LES’s rich artistic tradition. These creative partnerships pay homage to the neighborhood’s legacy of street art and cultural expression, further embedding CONBUD into the local fabric.
Engaging Community Events and Educational Programs
CONBUD is a hub for community interaction, and its calendar is filled with events that bring together cannabis education, local culture, and fun. Here are some highlights:
- Grand Opening Celebration: When CONBUD opened, local officials like Assemblymember Grace Lee and LES activists attended, reinforcing its roots in the neighborhood.
- Celebrity-Backed Events: In December 2023, boxing legend Mike Tyson visited CONBUD to launch a new cannabis strain, drawing huge crowds and showcasing CONBUD as the only legal cannabis store in the LES.
- Workshops and Pop-Up Events: From home growing classes during the “If You Love Her” event to pop-up art sessions and rolling tutorials, CONBUD regularly hosts free, educational activities that empower local residents with cannabis knowledge.
- Holiday Celebrations: Look out for the annual “420 Rooftop Party” where the community gathers for an unforgettable night of music, art, and legal cannabis fun.
These events—and the positive coverage they receive in local media like THE CITY and The Village Sun—firmly establish CONBUD as an engaged and trusted community leader.
Local Recognition in the Press
CONBUD’s strong community presence and innovative approach have earned it significant local recognition. Prominent NYC outlets have lauded CONBUD as a trailblazer in the legal cannabis industry. For instance:
- THE CITY profiled CONBUD as the only state-licensed shop in a district once overrun by unlicensed bodegas.
- The New York Post spotlighted CONBUD after its landmark event with Mike Tyson, noting how legal cannabis in the LES is reshaping the neighborhood’s retail landscape.
- Time Out New York highlighted CONBUD as “a pioneering, community-driven space” that truly represents the LES’s spirit.
Local media have repeatedly emphasized that CONBUD’s success is a direct result of its commitment to social justice and community engagement.
Experience Authentic LES Cannabis Vibes with CONBUD
Every element of CONBUD—from its curated cannabis offerings to its community events—reflects the enduring spirit of the Lower East Side. A visit to CONBUD is an invitation to:
- Explore Authentic LES Culture: Engage with the neighborhood’s hidden gems, from iconic cafes and offbeat galleries to vibrant street art that tells the story of the LES.
- Enjoy Premium Cannabis: Whether you’re seeking a mellow indica or an energizing sativa, CONBUD’s product menu is curated to enhance your LES adventure.
- Join a Community: At CONBUD, customers aren’t just buying a product—they’re joining a movement that supports second chances and celebrates the unique cultural fabric of the LES.
Visit CONBUD Today
Ready to experience the magic of the LES firsthand? Stop by CONBUD and immerse yourself in the fusion of rich cultural history, community pride, and top-notch cannabis. Whether you’re exploring local art or looking for expert cannabis advice, CONBUD is here to elevate your NYC adventure. Visit CONBUD today and become part of the community that’s shaping the future of the Lower East Side.