HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX 11) — After years of delays and mounting debt, cannabis dispensary Dynasty Commodities is finally open.
It’s a long-awaited win for a group of Harlem entrepreneurs who turned their struggle into a new beginning.
The store opening was a full-circle moment for the owners, who had faced relentless setbacks that delayed the store’s opening and pushed them nearly a million dollars into debt.
Back in January, PIX11 News reported on the owners’ growing frustration after they said they were stuck paying rent while waiting on the New York State Office of Cannabis Management to approve their license.
Anthony Gonzalez is one of four owners. He said the grand opening was three years in the making.
“A lot of prayers,” said Gonzalez. “A lot of faith. We stood strong. We kept each other up. We decided that we’re not going to fail.”
He added, “This is for the culture. This is for the community.”
What began as a dream, nearly crushed by red tape as the OCM struggled with a growing backlog of license applications, turned into a celebration of resilience with a grand opening marking the official launch of the long-awaited business. The owners said they received final approval for their cannabis license in February.
Harlem residents are looking forward to the shop bringing not only new jobs, but also educational programs and seminars about cannabis.
“We just trying to build these communities, these poverty-stricken communities, and make it better for the generations behind us,” said Cheyenne Carter, a Harlem resident.
Former New York Giants player Jon Beason has been part of the business venture since it was just a concept. He said he hopes the perseverance he and his partners have had can inspire others.
“We got held up,” he said. “Some things that we agree with. Some things that we don’t but it’s a process and in life you just want to be a testament to say hey, you got to keep fighting and keep striving for what you want ‘cause no one’s going to give it to you for free.”
With their Harlem flagship finally open, the owners said this is just the beginning. They’re hoping to one day expand their business and open more dispensaries, bringing their vision to communities across the state.
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