Public Flower, a state-licensed cannabis dispensary, opened on Monday in Allentown, becoming the first cannabis shop in Buffalo that is owned by a Black woman. The shop, located at 232 Allen St., offers a variety of cannabis products, such as flower, edibles, vapes, and CBD.
Public Flower is owned by Sheldon Anderson and Moriah Kelly, who applied for their license in September 2022. They faced several challenges and delays, as the state’s rollout of its retail cannabis program was hampered by lawsuits and injunctions. They finally received their license in July 2023, and worked hard to open their shop by February 2024.
Anderson and Kelly said they were proud to be the first Black and woman-owned cannabis shop in Buffalo, and that they wanted to serve their community and provide a safe and professional service. They said they chose Allentown as their location because of its diversity and vibrancy, and because of its proximity to the medical campus and downtown.
Anderson and Kelly said they also wanted to use their shop as a platform for social justice and community enrichment, and to support other Black and women entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. They said they planned to offer educational and informational materials, as well as community outreach and engagement programs, to promote responsible and informed consumption of cannabis.
The Products and Services of Public Flower
Public Flower offers a wide range of cannabis products, sourced from local and state-licensed growers and manufacturers. The shop has a modern and sleek design, with a spacious and comfortable waiting area, and a small and intimate sales room. The shop also has a security system and a staff of trained and friendly budtenders.
The shop’s products include flower, which is the dried and cured buds of the cannabis plant, available in different strains and potencies. The shop also offers edibles, which are food or drinks infused with cannabis, such as gummies, chocolates, and beverages. The shop also sells vapes, which are devices that heat and vaporize cannabis oil or concentrate, and CBD, which is a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, known for its therapeutic benefits.
The shop’s customers must be at least 21 years old, and must present a valid ID before entering the sales room. The shop accepts cash and debit cards, and has an ATM on site. The shop also has a loyalty program, which rewards customers with points and discounts for every purchase.
The Future of Public Flower
Public Flower is one of the five state-licensed cannabis dispensaries in Buffalo, and the first that is Black and woman-owned. The shop’s owners said they hoped to expand their business and open more locations in the future, as well as to launch their own brand of cannabis products.
The shop’s owners also said they hoped to inspire and empower other Black and women entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry, and to contribute to the economic development and social equity of their community. They said they welcomed feedback and suggestions from their customers and neighbors, and that they were grateful for the support and recognition they received.
Public Flower is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. The shop’s website is publicflower.com, and its phone number is (716) 555-1234.
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