What is a cannabis pop-up store? Does it need a license? Does it sell good weed?

If you live in a megacity or small town where cannabis laws are actively being revised, there’s a higher chance you’ve seen a cannabis pop-up shop. These stores come in different sizes and shapes, be it a booth or a truck, all with logos in bright shades of green. It appears that cannabis pop-ups are reappearing with a sense of retribution now two years after the Covid pandemic. These cannabis pop-ups have now invented new ways and strategies to target new customers and attract them to their stands.

Almost legal

A large percentage of these cannabis pop-ups originate in cities and locations where cannabis has been legalized. Places like adult retail stores and medicinal dispensaries are common areas for cannabis pop-ups. In cities like New York where the sale of cannabis is unregulated, many of these pop-ups are still around.

To better understand pop-ups, MJ Business Daily interviewed various people in the cannabis industry. The interview focused on the importance of these pop-ups in the cannabis industry and their tagging strategy. The interviewee discussed how the pop-ups advertise creatively to attract potential and new customers.

According to Andreas Neumann, chief creative director of Jushi Holdings, he explained that each pop-up is a small event that tells people’s stories. Because of this, many pop-ups are very creative in allowing their audience to relate to the story they are painting.

Pop-ups give sellers the space and flexibility to creatively enable a creative marketing outcome. Take Tasteology, a cannabis brand that capitalized on Gen Z’s obsession with astrology and used it as a marketing tool. The Tasteligy brand offers tarot readings in various pharmacies across the country. Another good example is the Luchador brand, which bills itself as the Heavyweight Champion of Cannabis and capitalizes on wrestling. The brand organizes free shows about Mexican wrestling to get people trying THC drops and gummies.

dealing with the law

When it comes to cannabis pop-ups, many of which have popped up in New York City, they’re pretty dubious. Currently, vendors have taken advantage of the current legal cannabis situation in the state and law enforcement is not happy with current events.

According to reports from Gothamist, the Office of Cannabis Management in New York City has attempted to regulate these establishments. The agency tries to get things under control, even if the consequences of the actions of these bodies remain vague. According to the released cease-and-desist letter, the agency made it clear to operations that continuing such activities puts their business at risk of being licensed in the legal marijuana market. The memo went on to warn that selling unlicensed cannabis is criminal and can subject the business to likely criminal penalties and significant fines.

While the ramifications of owning an illegal pop-up store are still unknown, law enforcement and lawmakers are trying their best to navigate the confusing times. With the growing focus on cannabis decriminalization in New York, the cannabis industry is poised for massive growth. As much as several authorities want to control and regulate the situation, arresting these cannabis sellers could send a bad signal.

New York’s dilemma

For more than a year, New Yorkers have suffered from legal cannabis. From the looks of it, the use and possession of cannabis has been overhauled to be legal in the state. However, there are no state-licensed dispensaries in the state, meaning that selling cannabis is currently illegal.

The legal cannabis law was enacted in March 2021 by former state governor Andrew Cuomo. The bill will make it legal for adults 21 and older to use and possess marijuana. The cannabis possession limit is limited to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate and 3 ounces of cannabis flower. However, the government has yet to issue licenses to potential pharmacies.

To fill this gap, underground cannabis companies have taken advantage of the situation and sold cannabis in unlicensed shops. Many of these stores can now be found throughout New York.

The gray area

Several cannabis companies are taking advantage of loopholes in New York’s legal cannabis laws. Many of these businesses are run privately on social media platforms and sites like Craigslist. Some, on the other hand, venture outdoors with such confidence, conducting their business from store fronts or food trucks on the streets of the Big Apple.

For example, Lonny Bramzon-owned Street Lawyer Services, which offers cannabis-themed digital content and clothing, also offers cannabis to its clients. Located in the lower east end of New York, the store offers cannabis as gifts for its customers who buy hoodies, t-shirts, and other paraphernalia.

According to Bramson, his facility is heavily influenced by cannabis content and is also a safe space for the community. The establishment really is a beautiful thing, confirmed Bramzon in his interview with the New York Post.

Another cannabis company in New York is the Empire Cannabis Club. The company claims to be the state’s premier pharmacy and a not-for-profit organization. The company manages two different stores across the city and offers membership services for individuals to consume and purchase cannabis. The company also marks cannabis delivery on its website.

Empire noted on its official website that lawmakers gave them the green light to distribute cannabis for no profit. Not only that, but the company has also set up a membership service that allows the company to purchase marijuana for its members.

Conclusion

Empire Cannabis and Street Lawyer are just two of many pop-up cannabis shops throughout New York City. However, law enforcement officials have claimed they are all operating in gray areas, and that won’t last long. With more than 50 cease and desist letters issued in the previous month, the Office of Cannabis Management has criticized cannabis stores. The OCM, through the department spokesman, claims that these deals are illegal. To put it simply, this is an exciting time for cannabis enthusiasts, but a broad one for law enforcement officials and those just wanting to venture into the industry.

ILLEGAL CANNABIS IN NEW YORK, READ MORE…

NEW YORK’S ILLEGAL CANNABIS MARKET GOES MOBILE AND POP-UP!