Steuben County has marked a significant milestone with the opening of its first state-licensed cannabis store, Culture Canna Co., located at 90 East Market St. in Corning. This new facility is part of New York’s expanding legal cannabis market, which aims to replace illegal operations with regulated businesses. The store opened its doors following similar launches in Chemung County and other areas across the state.
Matthew Coley, a co-owner of Culture Canna Co., emphasized that the shop exclusively offers New York-grown and tested cannabis products that comply with state regulations. He noted their commitment to supporting local businesses by sourcing products from nearby distributors in Elmira, Cortland, and Ithaca. Coley stated, “We are trying to stay as close to our location here in Corning as we can,” highlighting their goal to keep financial resources within the community.
Coley also reassured customers about product safety, mentioning that all items sold at the shop are regulated and tested to meet New York’s stringent safety standards. The store aims to cater to a diverse clientele, offering both recreational and therapeutic cannabis products. He pointed out that many customers seek cannabis for relief from pain and inflammation, not just for recreational purposes.
The soft opening of Culture Canna Co. took place on March 19, and co-owner Mark Kamandulis expressed excitement about being part of the community. He shared that the journey to opening the store involved a lengthy process of adhering to state and local regulations, emphasizing their commitment to doing everything correctly. “We want to be good members of the community,” Kamandulis stated, underlining their dedication to earning the trust and pride of local residents.
The store operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, making it accessible for a wide range of customers.