empowering their community.”
Bliss + Lex: Manhattan’s First Black Woman-Owned Cannabis Dispensary Takes the Industry by Storm
In a groundbreaking announcement on March 20, Bliss + Lex proudly declared itself as the first Black woman-owned cannabis dispensary in Manhattan. This is a major milestone for the city, as licensed adult-use cannabis businesses are finally starting to emerge and compete with unlicensed ones.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Black Entrepreneurs
According to Nicole Lucien, co-founder and CEO of Bliss + Lex, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to claim their rightful seat at the table in the cannabis industry. As a former New York City public school educator, Nicole understands the importance of creating a legacy and changing the trajectory of her family’s future. She and her husband, Christopher Lucien, are determined to give back to the community in new and impactful ways through their business.
Breaking Barriers and Creating Change
Bliss + Lex is not just any ordinary dispensary. It is also a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensee, making it the second retailer to open in collaboration with the Housing Works CAURD Community Initiative. This initiative provides crucial support for social-equity cannabis entrepreneurs in New York.
The Latest from the New York Cannabis Control Board
In a meeting on February 16, the New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB) voted on new cannabis draft rules, including cultivation and research, and announced the first round of adult-use licenses. A total of 109 licenses were approved for the state, with 38 being retail-specific and 26 being microbusiness licenses. These non-conditional licenses are the first to be granted by the CCB, meaning they were not given to social equity applicants.
Prioritizing Social Equity
Bliss + Lex’s success is a result of the New York state program that prioritizes giving people with criminal histories the first retail licenses to sell cannabis in the state. Christopher Lucien’s prior conviction, which has been a barrier to job opportunities and acceptance, has now become the key to this door of opportunity for himself and his family.
Supporting the Underdog
Christopher, co-founder and COO of Bliss + Lex, has always been driven to support the underdog. As a former nonprofit worker serving the homeless, he sees becoming a business owner as an invigorating way to continue helping his community.
A Step Towards Equity
Sasha Nutgent, Director of Retail at Housing Works Cannabis Co., expressed her excitement for the opening of Manhattan’s first Black woman-owned dispensary. She believes that this marks a big step forward in their efforts to build an equitable market in New York. Nicole and Christopher embody the values that the adult-use market needs more of – a mission-focused approach and a dedication to educating and empowering their community.
