It’s nearly 4/20 — the unofficial but widely-celebrated holiday dedicated to marijuana – and for the first time ever, Brooklynites can buy their supplies legally at a local dispensary.
Legal complications delayed the debut of licensed cannabis shops in Kings County, but the borough’s first legal dispensary opened in Gravesend late last year — and there are now eight licensed and legal marijuana stores in the borough.
Illegal and gray-market dispensaries are a dime a dozen across the city, but marijuana sellers and government officials encourage Brooklynites to shop legal.
As part of New York’s cannabis legalization law, all licensed dispensaries are at least partially-owned by justice-involved people who suffered disproportionately from marijuana prohibition — plus, all of their goods are regulated and standardized, so you know just what you’re getting.
Here are all of Brooklyn’s legal dispensaries — and a handy map — where you can stock up for 4/20:
2370 Coney Island Ave. in Gravesend
Grow Together, owned by Christopher Ledlum and Steven Sapoznik, was Brooklyn’s first legal dispensary. The shop bills itself as a “community hub dedicated to promoting wellness, education, and empowerment” with a commitment to the highest standards in the industry.
1056 Flatbush Ave. in Flatbush
This husband-and-wife owned store reopened in January, months after they were forced to put the kibosh on their first store after a judge placed a temporary hold on new retail marijuana licenses.
Online, BK Exotic says it’s “more than just a dispensary — it’s a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.” The store is packed with edibles, flower, and more for those “seeking alternative forms of pain relief and relaxation.”
85 Suydam St. in Bushwick
Affiliated with the cannabis publication The Emerald Magazine, this dispensary made news when its owners, concerned about state policy, covered a beloved mural of Biggie Smalls on the side of their building – but quickly restored it once the Office of Cannabis Management gave their blessing.
In addition to edibles and pre-rolls, the dispensary carries a wide selection of tinctures and topical creams.
1511 Neptune Ave. in Coney Island
A more recent addition to the cannabis scene in Brooklyn, Tiki Leaves is still getting its bearings, with its website still under construction, but that hasn’t stopped customers from placing orders.
According to its website, Tiki Leaves’ bestselling products in March included pre-rolls, gummies and a hybrid THC and CBD syrup.
533 5th Ave. in Park Slope
Matawana is Brooklyn’s first Black woman-owned dispensary, and its ribbon-cutting in February was attended by Mayor Eric Adams. Matawana’s owner, Leeann Mata, has said her father and three of her brothers were either assaulted by police or charged with marijuana-related offenses before legalization.
“Draconian prohibition laws cost my family almost everything, but the plant itself is a healing herb,” Mata said when the store opened.
Now, with Matawana, Mata is dedicated to helping Brooklynites through marijuana products.
299 Knickerbocker Ave. in Bushwick
Misha’s Flower Shop just had its soft opening for in-person shopping on April 12, and is gearing up for a grand opening ceremony on May 4, but the shop is still open daily from noon-10 p.m., with products from well-loved brands like Ayrloom, Eaton Botanicals, and Cannabals NY.
Owner Misha Morse-Buch was one of the first Brooklyn-based entrepreneurs to receive a license to sell marijuana last spring.
122 Flatbush Ave. in Downtown Brooklyn
The Travel Agency’s store in Manhattan was one of the first legal dispensaries in the entire city, and the biz has expanded to a Downtown Brooklyn pop-up as they build out a full-scale shop right next door.
The store is staffed by dozens of highly-trained “budtenders,” founder Arana Hankin-Biggers told Brooklyn Paper in January, eager to help both experienced consumers and newbies find something that will work for them.
152 Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg
With their grand opening party scheduled for April 19, Williamsburg’s first legal dispensary is opening just in time for 4/20! The store opened for business on April 17, but prospective customers can head down to the store starting at 4:20pm on April 19 to celebrate with music and plenty of marijuana products.
