Haverstraw, NY, will welcome its first cannabis dispensary, 202 Cannabis Co., on May 7, 2024. The grand opening, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, is set for 2:30 p.m. at 81 West Ramapo Road, also known as Route 202. This new establishment is part of a growing cannabis market in Rockland County, which already includes dispensaries in Bardonia and Nyack.
202 Cannabis Co. is owned by Gregory and Milka Pereira. Gregory, a substance abuse counselor, emphasizes the goal of the dispensary to offer safe, high-quality cannabis products while also serving the community. The store will feature a diverse range of products, including cannabis flower, edibles, vape pens, hash, and specialty items like vegan and kosher options. The dispensary aims to educate consumers about cannabis and assist both experienced users and newcomers in finding suitable products.
Gregory Pereira’s experience in addiction recovery informs his perspective on cannabis as a potential alternative for pain management. He believes that cannabis can help individuals struggling with addiction, particularly veterans moving away from opioid painkillers. “This dispensary is a dream come true, and it’s about more than just selling cannabis. It’s a starting point for community engagement and healing,” he stated.
In New York, cannabis dispensaries became legal following the state’s legalization of cannabis in 2021. The State Office of Cannabis Management oversees licensing and regulation, requiring municipalities to opt in to allow dispensaries. Rockland County has seen a gradual increase in dispensaries, with the first, Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary, opening in January 2019 in Bardonia. The Treehouse Cannabis became the first licensed adult-use recreational dispensary in the county when it opened in Nyack in August 2024.
While plans for a new dispensary in Nyack at a former Starbucks have encountered some local pushback, the village government has voted to permit cannabis businesses. 202 Cannabis Co. aims to contribute positively to the community and leverage cannabis as a tool for health and recovery.
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