Marijuana Dispensary Opening in Bay Ridge: Top 3 Exciting Steps
Bay Ridge is buzzing with the recent marijuana dispensary opening in bay ridge, marking a significant milestone for the neighborhood. Kaya Bliss, the area’s first legal cannabis dispensary, has finally opened its doors despite initial community resistance.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: Kaya Bliss is situated at 8412 Third Ave, taking over the former Pilo Arts hair salon.
- Owners: Longtime friends and locals Edgar Kleydman and Giorgio Matesi are the brains behind this venture.
- Operating Hours: Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Community Impact: Mixed reactions with some praising the legal access to clean, quality cannabis, while others worry about its proximity to educational institutions.
The opening of Kaya Bliss hasn’t been without its challenges. Initially met with opposition from some residents and local officials, the dispensary overcame objections relating to its proximity to schools and community concerns about underage access. Despite that, Kaya Bliss aims to become a pillar of the local community, focusing on clean, legally sourced cannabis and an inclusive shopping experience.
As Edgar Kleydman, co-owner of Kaya Bliss Dispensary and a former financial planner, I am thrilled to bring this lifelong dream to reality, right in the neighborhood where my partner Giorgio and I grew up. With the marijuana dispensary opening in bay ridge, our mission is to improve well-being and creativity through premium cannabis, while fostering community spirit.
The Journey to Opening
The path to opening Kaya Bliss in Bay Ridge has been a rollercoaster, filled with community opposition and legal problems. The owners, Edgar Kleydman and Giorgio Matesi, faced significant challenges but remained committed to their vision.
Community Opposition
From the start, Kaya Bliss encountered resistance from some Bay Ridge residents and local officials. Concerns were primarily about the dispensary’s proximity to schools and places of worship. During a heated public meeting on June 10, many residents voiced strong disapproval. The local Community Board 10 even voted to recommend disapproval of the dispensary’s application.
Assembly Members Michael Tannousis and Alec Brook-Krasny, along with Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, rallied against the dispensary, fearing increased exposure of cannabis to minors. However, the owners of Kaya Bliss believe that a legal dispensary can protect youth by regulating access, much like alcohol and tobacco.
Legal Problems
Despite meeting the legal requirements for distance from schools and houses of worship, Kaya Bliss faced legal scrutiny. The Community Board cited the dispensary’s proximity to Home Sweet Home Child Day Care Center, which, although not classified as a school, was a point of contention.
Kaya Bliss successfully obtained a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary license from the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) on May 11, 2023. However, the final hurdle was passing the OCM’s compliance review after construction was completed.
Overcoming Challenges
Edgar Kleydman noted that the initial opposition had an unexpected benefit: it spread the word about the dispensary. “In the long run, it actually helped us,” Kleydman said. The community’s resistance turned into free publicity, sparking curiosity and interest in the new venture.
Kaya Bliss’s journey to opening is a testament to perseverance and community engagement. The owners hope that as the dispensary becomes a part of the Bay Ridge fabric, initial apprehensions will give way to acceptance and appreciation.
Marijuana Dispensary Opening in Bay Ridge
Kaya Bliss has officially opened its doors in Bay Ridge, marking a significant milestone for the community. This event was much anticipated and came after a period of both excitement and apprehension.
Soft Launch
The dispensary began with a soft launch on January 7th. This allowed Kaya Bliss to test operations and gather feedback without the pressure of a full grand opening. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with a surge of customers visiting within the first hour. According to Edgar Kleydman, CEO of Kaya Bliss, “We had a rush of people the first hour,” highlighting the community’s interest despite earlier protests.
Grand Opening Plans
Looking ahead, Kaya Bliss is planning a grand opening on Valentine’s Day. This event is expected to draw more attention and solidify the dispensary’s presence in Bay Ridge. The date was chosen to symbolize a fresh start and a new relationship with the community. The owners hope that this event will further integrate Kaya Bliss into the neighborhood and foster positive community relations.
Community Board Feedback
Throughout the journey to opening, the local Community Board 10 played a crucial role. Initially, the board recommended disapproval due to concerns about the dispensary’s location. However, the owners of Kaya Bliss worked diligently to address these concerns, emphasizing their strict protocols to prevent underage access.
In December, during a community board meeting, the owner of Kaya Bliss appeared to discuss the dispensary’s plans and address any lingering concerns. This proactive approach helped to ease some tensions and demonstrated the owners’ commitment to being responsible and engaged community members.
The opening of Kaya Bliss marks a new chapter for Bay Ridge, one that balances innovation with community values. As the dispensary continues to operate, ongoing dialogue with residents and local officials will be essential to ensure mutual understanding and respect.
Addressing Community Concerns
Proximity to Schools
One of the primary concerns about the marijuana dispensary opening in Bay Ridge was its proximity to local schools and places of worship. Community Board 10 initially opposed the dispensary due to its closeness to educational institutions. However, Kaya Bliss meets all legal requirements set by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which restricts dispensaries from being within 500 feet of a school or 200 feet of a house of worship.
The board raised concerns about the nearby Home Sweet Home Child Day Care Center. Yet, OCM guidelines do not classify this daycare as a school, allowing Kaya Bliss to proceed. The owners, Edgar Kleydman and Giorgio Matesi, have taken these concerns seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe and compliant environment.
Preventing Underage Access
Kaya Bliss has implemented stringent measures to prevent underage access to cannabis products. Patrons must undergo electronic ID checks upon entry to the reception area, ensuring that only adults aged 21 and over can enter. This process is similar to age verification for alcohol and tobacco sales, providing an extra layer of security.
Additionally, no cannabis products are visible from the street, aligning with OCM guidelines. This setup helps prevent exposure to minors and maintains a professional and discreet storefront.
Community Education
To further address concerns and misunderstandings about cannabis, Kaya Bliss is focusing on community education. The dispensary is assembling a social media team dedicated to informing the public about legal cannabis use. This effort aims to dispel myths and provide clear, factual information about the benefits and regulations of cannabis.
Kaya Bliss also plans to host community events and workshops, offering residents an opportunity to learn about cannabis in a safe and informative setting. The goal is to foster open dialogue and build trust with the Bay Ridge community.
By addressing these key concerns, Kaya Bliss is not only complying with legal standards but also actively engaging with the community to ensure a harmonious relationship. The dispensary’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to being a responsible and valued member of the neighborhood.
The Unique Experience at Kaya Bliss
At Kaya Bliss, the focus is on creating a luxurious and unique shopping experience for every visitor. This isn’t just another cannabis store; it’s a place where art, comfort, and community come together to lift your cannabis journey.
Luxurious Shopping
From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the sleek, modern design that sets Kaya Bliss apart. The interior is thoughtfully designed with tasteful artwork and comfortable seating areas, inviting you to explore at your leisure. This luxurious atmosphere makes shopping for cannabis a pleasure, not a task.
The staff at Kaya Bliss are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about cannabis. They are eager to guide you through the selection process, ensuring that you leave with products that perfectly match your needs and preferences.
Top-Shelf Strains
Kaya Bliss offers an impressive array of top-shelf cannabis strains. Whether you’re looking for the uplifting effects of a sativa, the calming accept of an indica, or the balanced experience of a hybrid, you’ll find it here. Each strain is carefully curated to provide a unique aroma, flavor, and effect, ensuring a premium experience every time.
The dispensary’s commitment to quality means that every product is sealed and tested, providing peace of mind that you’re getting clean, legally sourced cannabis. This dedication to quality sets Kaya Bliss apart in the rapidly growing cannabis market.
Immersive Environment
The immersive environment at Kaya Bliss goes beyond just aesthetics. By collaborating with local artists, the dispensary has created a visually stunning space that celebrates both the art and science of cannabis. This unique blend of creativity and cannabis offers a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
In addition to its artistic elements, Kaya Bliss is committed to fostering a sense of community. The dispensary regularly hosts events and workshops, providing opportunities for education and engagement. This approach not only improves the shopping experience but also strengthens the connection between the dispensary and the Bay Ridge community.
By offering a luxurious shopping experience, top-shelf strains, and an immersive environment, Kaya Bliss is redefining what a cannabis dispensary can be. This commitment to excellence ensures that every visit is memorable and enriching.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana Dispensary Opening in Bay Ridge
What measures are in place to prevent underage access?
Kaya Bliss ensures that only adults aged 21 and over can enter the dispensary by conducting electronic ID checks at the reception area. This process is similar to age verification for alcohol and tobacco sales, offering an added layer of security.
How does Kaya Bliss ensure product quality and safety?
All cannabis products at Kaya Bliss are sealed and tested to guarantee they are clean and legally sourced. The dispensary is committed to providing high-quality cannabis, free from harmful chemicals.
What are the operating hours of Kaya Bliss?
Kaya Bliss is open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering convenient hours for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana Dispensary Opening in Bay Ridge
What measures are in place to prevent underage access?
Kaya Bliss takes underage access very seriously. To ensure compliance with legal requirements, they conduct electronic ID checks at the entrance. This ensures that only those aged 21 and over can enter the dispensary. This system is similar to age verification for alcohol and tobacco purchases, providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind for the community.
How does Kaya Bliss ensure product quality and safety?
At Kaya Bliss, product quality and safety are top priorities. Every cannabis product available at the dispensary is sealed and rigorously tested to ensure that it is clean and legally sourced. This commitment to quality means that customers can trust they are purchasing safe and high-quality cannabis, free from harmful chemicals or contaminants.
What are the operating hours of Kaya Bliss?
Kaya Bliss offers convenient operating hours to accommodate a variety of schedules. They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This allows visitors plenty of time to explore and enjoy the unique offerings of the dispensary.
Conclusion
The opening of Kaya Bliss Dispensary marks a significant milestone for Bay Ridge. Despite initial opposition, the dispensary has gradually gained acceptance within the community. By adhering to strict legal guidelines and prioritizing safety and quality, Kaya Bliss has demonstrated its commitment to being a responsible business in the neighborhood.
Community Acceptance: The dispensary’s emphasis on providing a safe and clean environment for cannabis purchasing has helped alleviate some community concerns. By addressing issues related to underage access and proximity to sensitive areas, Kaya Bliss has shown its dedication to being a positive addition to Bay Ridge.
Future Plans: Looking ahead, Kaya Bliss aims to further integrate into the community by hosting educational events and workshops. These initiatives will focus on responsible cannabis use and the benefits of cannabis for wellness and creativity. The dispensary also plans to collaborate with local artists to improve its immersive shopping experience, making it a cultural hub for enthusiasts.
As Kaya Bliss continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering a community that values wellness and creativity. By choosing Kaya Bliss, customers become part of a family that prioritizes quality, safety, and a luxurious shopping experience.
For more information about Kaya Bliss and its offerings, visit Kaya Bliss Dispensary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana Dispensary Opening in Bay Ridge
What measures are in place to prevent underage access?
Kaya Bliss takes underage access very seriously. To ensure compliance with legal requirements, they conduct electronic ID checks at the entrance. This ensures that only those aged 21 and over can enter the dispensary. This system is similar to age verification for alcohol and tobacco purchases, providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind for the community.
How does Kaya Bliss ensure product quality and safety?
At Kaya Bliss, product quality and safety are top priorities. Every cannabis product available at the dispensary is sealed and rigorously tested to ensure that it is clean and legally sourced. This commitment to quality means that customers can trust they are purchasing safe and high-quality cannabis, free from harmful chemicals or contaminants.
What are the operating hours of Kaya Bliss?
Kaya Bliss offers convenient operating hours to accommodate a variety of schedules. They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This allows visitors plenty of time to explore and enjoy the unique offerings of the dispensary.
