Happy Munkey Cannabis Shop Opens in Upper Manhattan Amidst Licensing Challenges

Happy Munkey Cannabis boutique has officially opened as the first legal cannabis shop in Upper Manhattan, above the George Washington Bridge. The process of getting there was anything but simple. Co-founders Vladimir Bautista and Ramon Reyes endured a two-and-a-half-year journey involving certifications, documentation, site approvals, and more to launch their boutique. Their story highlights the significant challenges that come with opening a legal cannabis business in New York, while also shedding light on the ongoing struggle with unlicensed shops.

Bautista and Reyes have a history with cannabis that dates back to the 2000s and 2010s when they sold marijuana illegally on the streets of Uptown Manhattan. Since New York legalized cannabis in 2021, the state’s licensing program has prioritized giving licenses to those previously impacted by the criminalization of cannabis. Bautista, who was previously labeled a “pariah” for his involvement in marijuana, now sees his transformation as a success story. His criminal record, along with Reyes’, has been expunged, allowing them to legally operate and grow their business.

Despite the success of opening a licensed shop, Bautista and Reyes face competition from unlicensed smoke shops that continue to operate in the city. These illegal stores pose a challenge because they can advertise freely, while licensed businesses like Happy Munkey face stricter regulations. As Reyes explained, illegal stores often have flashy signs and neon lights, which make it difficult for consumers to differentiate between licensed and unlicensed shops.

For more insight into the licensing challenges faced by cannabis entrepreneurs, visit MSN’s report.

The business partners emphasize the advantages of purchasing cannabis from licensed shops. Not only are their products inspected and tested by state authorities to ensure safety, but a portion of their profits—around 4%—is funneled back into the local community through taxes. This supports programs in neighborhoods like Inwood and Washington Heights, where Happy Munkey is located.

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Though New York City has made strides in shutting down more than 1,000 illegal cannabis shops, some still remain. Bautista and Reyes hope for relaxed regulations on advertising for legal shops, which would help them compete more effectively in the market. As Bautista puts it, cannabis should be treated “like any other thing, as far as 21 and over.”