The owners of Brooklyn’s first legal cannabis dispensary have expressed “immense gratitude and joy” with the opening of the store in mid-December in serving the Brooklyn community.
The store, “Grow Together” – which was founded on Jun. 1, 2021 but opened on Dec. 19, 2023 – was founded by Christopher Ledlum; his wife, Cheryl Ledlum; and their long-time friend, Steven Sapoznik. It is located at 2370 Coney Island Avenue.
Mr. Ledlum, who was born in Accra, Ghana, West Africa, described the opening of the dispensary as the fulfillment of “The American Dream.”
“I want to express the immense gratitude and joy I feel as the owner of Brooklyn’s first dispensary,” he told Caribbean Life in an exclusive interview on Friday. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve this vibrant and diverse community, and I am humbled by the trust and support we have received so far.
“Owning this dispensary has been a dream come true for me and my family,” Ledlum added. “This business allows my wife and me to both support our family and community.
“From the very beginning, I envisioned building an empire for my children and grandchildren’s future to ensure they never have to face the discrimination that I have (faced),” he continued. “To be able to do just that and having a place where people could find solace, healing and a sense of belonging, has been a blessing.”
Ledlum said he also wanted to create “a safe and welcoming space, where individuals from all walks of life could come together, share their stories and find relief.”
He said the opening of Brooklyn’s first cannabis dispensary has allowed him “to be at the forefront of a movement that is breaking down stigmas and misconceptions surrounding cannabis.
“It has given me the opportunity to educate and empower the community about the benefits of this incredible plant, and to witness firsthand the positive impact it can have on people’s lives,” Ledlum said.
“But it is not just about the products we offer or the services we provide; it is about the connections we forge, the friendships we cultivate and the support we extend to one another,” he added. “The community that has formed around this dispensary is like no other, and I am truly blessed to be a part of it.”
Ledlum said he is inspired every day by the stories of “resilience, hope and transformation” that he hears from customers.
“Whether it is finding relief from chronic pain, managing anxiety, or simply seeking a sense of calm in this chaotic world, I am honored to be a part of their journey towards wellness,” he said.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible team that stands beside me, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of every person who walks through our doors,” he added. “Their compassion, expertise and dedication are the driving force behind our success, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering support.
“To the community of Brooklyn, thank you for embracing us with open arms,” Ledlum continued. “Thank you for trusting us to provide you with the highest quality products and services. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
“As the owner of Brooklyn’s first dispensary, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future,” he said. “I am committed to continuing to serve this community with the utmost care, compassion and integrity. Together, we will continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and create a space, where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.”
Sapoznik, who was born and raised in South Brooklyn by immigrant parents, said he dropped out of school at 17 and went to work on 5th Avenue in Manhattan as an electronics salesman.
He said he sold TVs and other high-end electronics for various Internet companies for 20 years, and that “sales are just in my blood.”
“Seeing the opportunity to open this legal dispensary with my life-long friend, Chris Ledlum, seemed like a natural progression,” Sapoznik told Caribbean Life. “’Grow Together’ is not just a name but a way of thinking. We want to grow from a seedling to a mighty Redwood Oak.”
Cheryl Ledlum said they “opened in the hope and attempt to secure a CAURD license, a legal license to sell cannabis.”
New York State Office of Cannabis Management said on its website that Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees are “the first retail dispensaries to open for legal adult-use cannabis sales in New York State, establishing businesses owned by justice-involved individuals at the bedrock of New York’s adult-use cannabis market.”
“We hope to achieve success but also hope to leave a lasting impression on the neighborhood we grew up in,” Mrs. Ledlum said. “We strive for excellence in customer service and provide the best product South Brooklyn deserves.”
She said everything sold at “Grow Together” is tracked from “Seed to Sale.”
“So far so good, but always room to improve,” Mrs. Ledlum said.
