BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo is very close to having its first state-regulated weed store. In April, Aaron Vancamp became one of the first to receive a dispensary license in Western New York. He’s run a successful can and bottle return on Niagara Street for years, but the highly regulated and stigmatized weed industry is much different.
Finding the right space for his cannabis business was a challenge for Vancamp, but he found his storefront — the third he looked at — at 501 Main Street downtown, owned by Eric Zellner.
He was priced out of some rental locations that needed nearly $300,000 in renovations to meet standards set by state regulators. He also fought a stigma with some municipalities. For example, Depew would only allow him to open in certain zoning, out by the railroad tracks or next to a strip club, Vancamp said. You can read the full story on Buffalo Business First's website.