New York's First Legal Dispensary Opens In Greenwich Village

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY — Spark up a doobie, puff the magic dragon, enjoy that jazz cigarette: New York's first legal cannabis dispensary opens Thursday in Greenwich Village.

The Housing Works Cannabis Company at 750 Broadway, on Eighth Street, made its first marijuana sale around 11:45 a.m., before opening to the public at, you guessed it, 4:20 p.m.

“Today marks a major milestone in our efforts to create the most equitable cannabis industry in the nation,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a news release on Thursday.

Housing Works celebrated with a sold-out opening day bash that saw crowds of people (and quite a few reporters) swarm the history-making shop.

Housing Works — the nation's largest minority-controlled HIV/AIDS service organization — says the dispensary will support its work with homeless New Yorkers, people living with HIV/AIDS, and those harmed by the criminal legal system.

According to its menu, Housing Works Cannabis Company will be selling gummies (price range between $30 and $35), flower ($40-$60), pre-rolls ($18-$50) and vape pens ($53-$95).

The Housing Works dispensary will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and serve customers within its spacious 4,400 square-foot storefront.

Gov. Kathy Hochul also joined in on the celebrations (via a press statement).

"The first legal adult-use cannabis sales mark a historic milestone in New York's cannabis industry," Hochul said. "Today is only the beginning."

As of Dec. 21, the New York State Cannabis Control Board has approved 36 retail dispensary licenses, including 28 for businesses and 8 for nonprofits.