The city’s multi-agency taskforce Operation Padlock to Protect has shut down hundreds of allegedly illegal shops and seized around $65,671,487 in penalties since it launched in May 2024. However, how much has this initiative actually benefited legal dispensaries and what else can be done to help legalized cannabis businesses succeed?

News 12’s Noëlle Lilley visited ConBud Bronx location to check in as the dispensary marked six months in the borough.

One of two locations in the city so far, ConBud stands out among other legal pot shops because it intentionally employs and was founded by people who were formerly incarcerated for drug charges. The store has found success in the borough, but there are still challenges, such as restrictions on advertising rules from the New York State Cannabis Control Board.

The store is located at 2412 Third Ave., Bronx, NY 10454. Jorge Jimenez is the managing partner at ConBud Bronx and he says that they aren’t allowed to advertise in windows or on signs, causing them to miss out on attracting new customers. Jimenez says ConBud puts an emphasis on cannabis education, which means their presence needs to be felt in the community and that’s difficult when they can’t advertise openly. He believes this also ties into ConBud’s ability to give back to the community in return through engagement and events.

Jimenez also hopes to one day create cafes and lounges within dispensaries similar to how other states like California are experimenting with “cannabis consumption” venues.

In July, the Cannabis Control Board proposed some changes to in-store and online regulations. In the meantime, ConBud plans to open additional locations across the city.