House owners, from left, Christopher Ledlum, Steven Sapoznik and Cheryl Ledlum at pc register.
Photograph by Nelson A. King
The house owners of Brooklyn’s first authorized hashish dispensary have expressed “immense gratitude and pleasure” with the opening of the shop in mid-December in serving the Brooklyn community.
The shop, “Develop Collectively” – which was based on Jun. 1, 2021 however opened on Dec. 19, 2023 – was based by Christopher Ledlum; his spouse, Cheryl Ledlum; and their long-time pal, Steven Sapoznik. It’s positioned at 2370 Coney Island Avenue.
Mr. Ledlum, who was born in Accra, Ghana, West Africa, described the opening of the dispensary because the achievement of “The American Dream.”
“I wish to categorical the immense gratitude and pleasure I really feel because the proprietor of Brooklyn’s first dispensary,” he advised Caribbean Life in an unique interview on Friday. “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve this vibrant and various group, and I’m humbled by the belief and assist we’ve obtained up to now.
“Proudly owning this dispensary has been a dream come true for me and my household,” Ledlum added. “This enterprise permits my spouse and me to each assist our household and group.
“From the very starting, I envisioned constructing an empire for my kids and grandchildren’s future to make sure they by no means should face the discrimination that I’ve (confronted),” he continued. “To have the ability to do exactly that and having a spot the place individuals might discover solace, therapeutic and a way of belonging, has been a blessing.”
Ledlum stated he additionally needed to create “a protected and welcoming house, the place people from all walks of life might come collectively, share their tales and discover reduction.”
He stated the opening of Brooklyn’s first hashish dispensary has allowed him “to be on the forefront of a motion that’s breaking down stigmas and misconceptions surrounding hashish.
“It has given me the chance to teach and empower the group about the advantages of this unbelievable plant, and to witness firsthand the constructive impression it could have on individuals’s lives,” Ledlum stated.
“However it isn’t simply concerning the merchandise we provide or the companies we offer; it’s concerning the connections we forge, the friendships we domesticate and the assist we lengthen to at least one one other,” he added. “The group that has shaped round this dispensary is like no different, and I’m really blessed to be part of it.”
Ledlum stated he’s impressed every single day by the tales of “resilience, hope and transformation” that he hears from prospects.
“Whether or not it’s discovering reduction from persistent ache, managing anxiousness, or just looking for a way of calm on this chaotic world, I’m honored to be part of their journey in direction of wellness,” he stated.
“I wish to categorical my deepest gratitude to the unbelievable group that stands beside me, working tirelessly to make sure the protection and well-being of each one that walks via our doorways,” he added. “Their compassion, experience and dedication are the driving power behind our success, and I’m ceaselessly grateful for his or her unwavering assist.
“To the group of Brooklyn, thanks for embracing us with open arms,” Ledlum continued. “Thanks for trusting us to give you the very best high quality services and products. Thanks for being part of this unbelievable journey.
“Because the proprietor of Brooklyn’s first dispensary, I’m stuffed with hope and pleasure for the longer term,” he stated. “I’m dedicated to persevering with to serve this group with the utmost care, compassion and integrity. Collectively, we are going to proceed to interrupt boundaries, problem stereotypes and create an area, the place everybody feels seen, heard and valued.”
Sapoznik, who was born and raised in South Brooklyn by immigrant dad and mom, stated he dropped out of faculty at 17 and went to work on fifth Avenue in Manhattan as an electronics salesman.
He stated he offered TVs and different high-end electronics for varied Web corporations for 20 years, and that “gross sales are simply in my blood.”
“Seeing the chance to open this authorized dispensary with my life-long pal, Chris Ledlum, appeared like a pure development,” Sapoznik advised Caribbean Life. “’Develop Collectively’ isn’t just a reputation however a mind-set. We wish to develop from a seedling to a mighty Redwood Oak.”
Cheryl Ledlum stated they “opened within the hope and try and safe a CAURD license, a authorized license to promote hashish.”
New York State Workplace of Hashish Administration stated on its web site that Conditional Grownup-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees are “the primary retail dispensaries to open for authorized adult-use hashish gross sales in New York State, establishing companies owned by justice-involved people on the bedrock of New York’s adult-use hashish market.”
“We hope to attain success but additionally hope to go away an enduring impression on the neighborhood we grew up in,” Mrs. Ledlum stated. “We try for excellence in customer support and supply the perfect product South Brooklyn deserves.”
She stated every part offered at “Develop Collectively” is tracked from “Seed to Sale.”
“Thus far so good, however at all times room to enhance,” Mrs. Ledlum stated.
