The borough’s third legal recreational cannabis dispensary is opening in the South Bronx tomorrow.
Bronx Joint, located at 925 Hunts Point Ave., will host its grand opening at 10 a.m. on March 14.
According to the state, the new cannabis player is supported by the New York Cannabis Social Equity Investment Fund — a statewide initiative implemented during the early days of the legal cannabis industry rollout that gives business priority to people who have been negatively impacted by the over-policing of cannabis.
The owners of Bronx Joint received a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license, permits that are a part of the social equity fund, by the State Office of Cannabis Management.
The March 14 opening marks the Bronx’s third legal recreational cannabis storefront since the state began issuing dispensary licenses back in November 2022.
Since those first licenses were issued, the Bronx — a borough that has been disproportionately impacted by cannabis regulation — has lagged behind some other boroughs during the state’s rollout process. In addition, local Bronx community boards have issued dozens of opinions against proposed dispensary locations in recent months.
The Bronx’s first legal dispensary, Statis Cannabis Co., opened in Crotona in July 2023. More than five months later — and after delays caused by a statewide legal battle — Hush became the borough’s second legal storefront, opening in Allerton back in December 2023.
As of Wednesday, there were 12 legal recreational dispensary storefronts in Manhattan, seven in Queens, and six in Brooklyn — as well as one on Staten Island.
Alex Ortecho, owner of the newest dispensary Bronx Joint, said that he sees the Bronx as integral to his business.
“We envision Bronx Joint as a cornerstone of our community, deeply rooted in the values of inclusivity and empowerment,” he said. “Our team is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact in Hunts Point and beyond.”
Bronx Joint will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting March 14.
Reach Camille Botello at cbotello@schnepsmedia.com. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
