WNY cannabis dispensaries see green as residents celebrate 4/20

BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) – Local cannabis dispensaries are seeing a lot of green on Saturday.

April 20 is known as 4/20, an unofficial holiday for those who partake in marijuana. News 4 stopped by Dank 716 on Main Street to see how the business is cashing in as people celebrate.

“We’ve come so far in this business specifically. It’s been very successful, more than we could imagine. It’s been lovely, I’m happy to be here and a part of what’s going on today,” Dank 716 manager Emma Kist said.

The cannabis dispensary opened its doors Saturday to an eager crowd of customers wanting to celebrate 4/20. Dank 716 offered discounts and handed out freebies to shoppers.

“A lot of people are very grateful to be able to shop safe local smart. It’s better than going somewhere where you’re not sure what you’re getting,” Kist said. “Everything is tested. You can scan a QR code and know everything in it, where it was grown and all that, very comforting.”

The cannabis industry is still sprouting, but a year ago Dank 716, or any recreational use dispensary had yet to open. Kist hopes to see more growth by April 20, 2025.

“I’m hoping for cheaper product honestly. The more that we get rolling, they’re able to bring the market down a little bit” she said. I know that farmers get taxed a lot, potency tax and all of that. If you go to other states they’re stuff is half the price of what we have here. They’re a lot farther in the process than New York state is.”

For anyone participating in 4/20, state police are making sure the roads are safe and encouraging people not to get behind the wheel under the influence.

“We understand that people are going to use items, whether it be alcohol, marijuana, today being the marijuana day, but the biggest thing, is don’t drive if that’s part of your plans. You put yourself at risk, anyone in your vehicle at risk, anyone on the road at risk,” Trooper James O’ Callaghan told News 4.

Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.