Schenectady Celebrates the Launch of Upstate Canna Co, Capital Region’s First Cannabis Dispensary

Schenectady Welcomes Capital Region’s First Cannabis Dispensary

On April 1, the Capital Region celebrated a significant milestone with the opening of its first cannabis dispensary, Upstate Canna Co. Located on Union Street in Schenectady, this highly anticipated event has been met with excitement from residents.

A Seamless Transition: From Upstate CBD to Upstate Canna Co

Since 2019, Donald Andrews has owned and operated the Schenectady business, initially selling only CBD products under the name Upstate CBD. With the opening of Upstate Canna Co, Andrews will continue to offer CBD products while expanding his inventory to include THC products.

In an interview, Andrews shared his vision, saying, “Opening Upstate CBD was kind of waiting for New York State to flip the switch as our neighboring states opted into sales, so it was just a matter of time before New York did, so we kind of set ourselves up to just jump right into it.”

Pride in Pioneering Cannabis Retail in the Capital Region

In a Facebook post announcing the opening, Andrews expressed his pride in being the first cannabis dispensary in the Capital Region. He considers it an honor to provide the community with access to a wider range of products, stating, “We are proud to say we are the first in the Capital Region, which is an absolute honor.”

Preparing for a Successful Launch

To guarantee a successful opening day, Andrews doubled his staff and implemented robust security measures. Both Andrews and local law enforcement have confidence in the dispensary’s security, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for customers.

📸Thomas Pai

Andrews addressed security concerns, stating, “We have a tight group of security guys.” Local law enforcement echoed his confidence, expressing no concerns about the dispensary’s safety.

The Positive Impact on Schenectady and the Capital Region

The launch of Upstate Canna Co has generated enthusiasm among Schenectady residents. This new cannabis dispensary is expected to contribute to local economic growth, create job opportunities, and offer a safe and regulated source of marijuana products for consumers.

Moreover, the inclusion of both CBD and THC products in Upstate Canna Co’s inventory caters to a diverse range of consumer needs and preferences, promoting responsible consumption within the community.

Envisioning the Future

The successful grand opening of Upstate Canna Co marks a new chapter in the Capital Region’s history. As the community adapts to the presence of the dispensary and appreciates the benefits it provides, the potential for growth and development in the area is promising.

With this in mind, how do you envision the introduction of Upstate Canna Co impacting the future of Schenectady and the Capital Region as a whole?