Fund Created to Offer Opportunities to Those Impacted by Inequitable Enforcement of Cannabis Laws
Firehaus NY, the North Country’s first adult-use cannabis dispensary supported by the New York Cannabis Social Equity Investment Fund, held its grand opening at 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 13, at 7479 US Route 11, Potsdam. The Fund was created to provide opportunities for those impacted by the inequitable enforcement of cannabis laws.
The dispensary is owned by Brian Mandell, a North Country native who has lived in the Adirondack region his entire life who worked to create a space that captures the spirit of the Adirondack region.
Calling the opportunity to open a dispensary “life-changing”, Mandell said, “My experience with cannabis earlier in my life derailed some of my hopes and plans. The Fund has helped me with the capital and all the logistics I needed to start the business. Without their help, it would have been seriously challenging for me to do on my own.”
This location is an adaptive reuse of a former strip mall. The unique build out of this location features two wing rooms that can be used to showcase merchandise and tell the story of Potsdam, creating a unique shopping experience for customers. Photographs of historic Adirondack fire towers and mountain views create a nostalgic experience for local residents.
“With the help of the Fund, working with the Dormitory Authority of New York State, the Office of Cannabis Management, and others, opening this dispensary provides a new direction for me and my family,” Mandell said. “I’m so grateful and look forward to serving the community with tested and safe products.”
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