Pure Blossoms on the UWS: 600th NY Dispensary with a Local Focus

When I first heard about Pure Blossoms opening on the Upper West Side via Reddit, the top comment criticized the opening of another dispensary, as they put it, in the area. This new dispensary on Amsterdam Avenue between 94th & 95th is officially the 600th legal dispensary in New York State.

I went to the grand opening on March 31st, expecting a stale experience. What I found was community, the exact thing people claim to go to Reddit for, but rarely find.

Opening Ceremony Marks 5 Years of the MRTA in NY

The ribbon-cutting ceremony had some heavy hitters in attendance.

A speech by Wesley Caines, Deputy Executive Director of The Bronx Defenders, highlighted the value of the MRTA (The Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act).

John Kagia, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management, noted that five years after cannabis regulation, the regulated market has surpassed $3 billion in revenue, with $5 million of that reinvested in communities.

There was even local City Council Member Gale Brewer, who jokingly dubbed herself “Zaza Waza” because when she spotted an illegal cannabis shop across from her office, she said “HELL no” and worked to get it shut down.

Outside these speeches, the highlight was Mike’s story, brought to light by his public defender and policy advocate-turned-friend, Eli Northup.

Eli commented that when he first met Mike around four years ago, he “had his files organized, was asking the hard questions, and was tuned in. If I had to bet on anybody, I was going to bet on Mike.”

The UWS Native’s High Hopes

The new shop’s owner, Michael Rodriguez, or Mike, grew up just around the block on 93rd & Columbus.

Mike and his sister Nanette, seen throughout the opening ceremony working behind the scenes, greeting friends, and cheering on her brother, attended St. Gregory’s Catholic School on 90th Street. They are Upper West Siders through and through.

“I was justice impacted. Once I read up on MRTA and I qualified, I was like, wow, this is structured for someone like me,” Mike relayed to me.

And now, as the doors finally opened after three years of extensive effort, he sees an opportunity.

When I asked Mike what he loves about the Upper West Side, his demeanor brightened.

“All the community, you know. I have a small, boutique-style family business, and that’s exactly what the Upper West Side is. That’s what it represents. Family, closeness, boutique, everybody, camaraderie.”

And as nearby shops, like The Throwback and Rancho Tequileria, passed out free food and snacks, this camaraderie was on full display. Decades-old friends, family, and neighborhood members rubbing shoulders in real life and supporting local businesses.

Pure Blossoms’ Goal for the Neighborhood

When I asked Nanette, Mike’s biggest supporter throughout the entire multi-year process to open Pure Blossoms, what they hoped to accomplish in the next year, her answer brought it all home.

“We just hope to be able to get where we need to be financially, of course, for the investment part of things, and then hope to grow and be able to pass things down, contribute to the neighborhood. [We want to] contribute and work with the other local businesses and make this community really hot.”

She continued, “Amsterdam Avenue feels a little dark sometimes. And just the lights alone from these businesses have, I feel has changed the energy out here.”

So, if you’re looking for a dispensary on the UWS, know that buying from Pure Blossoms is one way to truly support a local, longtime resident in their goal for building community.

And to the commenter bemoaning another dispensary, maybe step offline and go shake Mike’s hand. 🤝