Exit 31 Exotic, a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, held its grand opening as Utica’s first licensed recreational dispensary earlier this week.
A crowd gathered at the corner of Genesee and Hopper Streets to celebrate what locals deemed “momentum for marijuana.”
Inside, customers could purchase an eighth of smokable flower called FlowerHouse for $46.00. Owner Rick Williams recalled when that kind of transaction used to take place out of sight.
The store offers a selection of cannabis products, including flowers, pre-rolls, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, orals, topicals, and accessories sourced from farms statewide.
“We’ve worked hard to create a space that’s not only a dream for marijuana lovers, but also approachable for people interested in the product,” said Williams. “I can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on our community. Let’s go.”
According to General Manager, Dyllan Bellinger, the dispensary aims to redefine the cannabis retail experience for the Mohawk Valley.
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2022 New Yorkers have been awaiting the opening of local dispensaries.
For Utica, the wait is now over.
Williams started the journey in 2022. Through lawsuits and court battles, he fought hard to get to opening day.
As noted by the New York State Department of Cannabis Management the only locations allowed to sell retail marijuana are those officially licensed by the state.
New York legalized adult-use cannabis by passing the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) in 2021. The legislation created a new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) governed by a Cannabis Control Board to oversee and implement the law.
Two and a half years later and still, Williams admits the rollout has been “slow.”
Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, Tahlil McGough, attended Exotic Exit 31’s inaugural ceremony.
“I started coming out to Utica about two and a half years ago, trying to educate people about the law, state policy, and our licensing program,” said McGough. “It’s great to see the doors finally open and the operation set to go. I’m excited, I can’t wait to go in and make a few purchases myself.”
Utica Mayor Mike Galime praised the business, welcoming it to the downtown corridor. “Although this won’t go without controversy it requires us to all work together to break barriers and truly change the opinions of society today,” he said.
Customers are able to shop on their own, with the help of “Budtenders”.
There is an option to order ahead of time for in-store pickup, though all guests must be 21 or older to enter and display a valid physical government-issued ID.
Exit 31 Exotic is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Exit 31 Exotic wants area residents to know they are still hiring.
For more information visit https://www.uticacannabisco.com/.
To apply for one of the vacant positions – Assistant General Manager, Budtender, Fulfillment Specialist, Cashier/ Receptionist, or Licensed Security Guard – email info@exit31exotic.com.
Legal marijuana: Utica welcomes its first cannabis dispensary – Utica Observer Dispatch
