Pioneering a New Era for Cannabis in New York City
Leeann Mata, a resident of East New York, made history on Thursday by opening Matawana Cannabis Dispensary, the first legal dispensary owned by a Black woman in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood.
The grand opening of Matawana, located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 14th Street, marks a significant milestone in New York City’s efforts to establish an equitable and regulated cannabis industry.
A Personal Journey Fueled by Injustice
“Draconian prohibition laws cost my family almost everything, but the plant itself is a healing herb,” Mata said in a statement. “When it became legal, I used it to treat my anxiety and created formulations that helped my mother with pain and helped her conquer an opioid addiction.”
Mata’s journey to becoming a dispensary owner is deeply rooted in her family’s personal experiences with the unjust consequences of marijuana prohibition.
Her father was assaulted and arrested for marijuana offenses, and three of her five brothers also faced charges as a result of stop-and-frisk policies. Despite these challenges, Mata saw the therapeutic potential of cannabis and used it to address her anxiety and help her mother overcome opioid addiction.
A Step Towards Equity in the Cannabis Industry
“We must also close down the illegal operators that threaten the success of legal shops and put the safety of our communities at risk,” Mayor Eric Adams said.
The opening of Matawana Cannabis Dispensary on the last day of Black History Month symbolizes New York City’s commitment to rectifying the wrongs of the past by promoting equitable growth in the legal cannabis industry.
Mayor Eric Adams, who joined Mata for the celebration, emphasized the importance of cracking down on illegal operators to ensure the success of legal dispensaries and safeguard community safety.
A Beacon of Hope and Opportunity
“I have been able to support elders with homemade CBD creams,” Mata added.
Matawana’s website offers a wide range of cannabis products, including marijuana flower, pre-rolls, edibles, infused drinks, and topical THC balms designed to alleviate muscle aches and moisturize skin.
Mata has hired 21 young employees, providing them with living wages and opportunities to support their families.
The Road Ahead: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Progress
As legal dispensaries continue to open in New York City, authorities are ramping up enforcement efforts against illegal “gray-market” weed stores that have proliferated in the absence of a regulated market.
The New York City Sheriff’s Office has seized millions of dollars’ worth of “illicit products” from unlicensed dispensaries and found numerous violations.
Despite the challenges, Mata’s pioneering achievement stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the journey towards a fair and equitable cannabis industry in New York City.
