For Eddy Ríos, one of the first buyers at the first legal marijuana store in Queens, it is a relief not to have to go all the way to Manhattan to purchase this product.
“Because the quality is not known that one sees in these places that are sold like this, they have to be mixed with different drugs and this is from the state. They have to have a license and it’s better that way,” Ríos said.
‘Good Grades’, located at 162-03 Jamaica Avenue, is the first legal marijuana dispensary in the city to open outside of Manhattan, where three already operate.
And it’s also the first in the entire state to be owned by a woman.
This is Extasy James, 26 years old, who opened this place with his cousin, Michael James Jr. who is a lawyer.
Products offered.
“It would be a great opportunity for the community to know that we are here for them and that it is safe,” Extasy said.
The launch of this establishment is supported by the New York State Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund. This is a $200 million fund that allows the state to finance the leasing and equipping of up to 150 retail marijuana stores in New York State.
This aid is given to people who have been convicted of a marijuana-related crime or to their close family members.
Extasy said that when she was three years old, her father was deported to Jamaica for selling marijuana, leaving her mother alone with three children to support.
She says that receiving support from the state has been like a reward for her family for all the years that her father could not be with them.
Early demand.
But not everyone is happy with this new legal marijuana store.
“It’s a bit insecure, if you already saw that people were selling on every corner, then it’s legal that anyone can come to buy, well no, we’re going from bad to worse,” said Claudia Pérez.
“Well, we don’t know if the area is going to continue as it is, a bit calm or if it’s going to get worse,” said another neighbor.
To obtain the list of legal marijuana stores you can visit the website
