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Note: Welcome To RCBJ’s “Your Voices” Column. This feature runs periodically. If you have something to say, in a well-reasoned essay of 500 to 700 words, email the editor at ttraster@rcbizjournal.com

Your Voices: Cannabis Retailing, A Family Business, Is Being Embraced By A Local Clientele

By Seth Marks

When we first opened the doors to Treehouse Cannabis, I don’t think any of us anticipated just how deeply this community was ready for it. People lined up before we even flipped the “Open” sign. They came curious, left smiling, and kept coming back. It’s clear now: people want this. They’re not just buying products. They’re embracing a legitimate, local industry that’s finally found its footing in Rockland County.

As more dispensaries begin to open across the county, we see it as a sign of progress, not competition. It means the industry is taking root. It means zoning boards, towns, and state regulators are finding balance. It means that what was once taboo is becoming part of everyday life, and that’s something to celebrate. Every new dispensary represents another step toward normalization, another proof point that cannabis can coexist responsibly and positively within our communities. We welcome the company, even as our customers continue to tell us they appreciate the experience we’ve built from the ground up.

That said, opening a dispensary isn’t easy. The process is still an uphill climb, with ever-shifting regulations, licensing delays, and complex compliance standards that test your patience and resolve. But we’ve learned that persistence pays off, especially when you invest in doing things right. The demand is real, and the opportunity is long-term. Being first gave us the chance to learn quickly, adapt constantly, and build systems that work. Entrepreneurs like us know we’re building something that will last, and those willing to put in the work today will be the ones shaping what this industry looks like tomorrow.

At Treehouse, we’ve been blessed with growth that’s exceeded our expectations. Our performance has been strong month after month, and customers have responded to the care we’ve put into every detail. We’re grateful to have expanded our team substantially, bringing on over 35 local employees, from budtenders to delivery drivers to managers. What’s been most rewarding, though, are the daily face-to-face interactions: welcoming first-time customers, helping someone discover a product they love, or simply having a genuine conversation with regulars who’ve become part of our extended family. Those moments remind us why we do this.

From day one, we knew that being Rockland County’s first licensed dispensary meant setting a standard. We invested in building a custom website that makes browsing our extensive selection seamless, whether you’re at home or on the go. With over 800 products in stock, we carry something for everyone, from premium flower to edibles, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, and accessories. We work directly with New York’s top farms, which means our inventory turns over constantly. Fresh products arrive regularly, and our customers notice the difference in quality.

Location matters, and we chose ours carefully. Situated right off Route 59, we’re easily accessible from anywhere in the county, and our ample parking means no circling the block or hunting for a spot. We open at 9am every day, earlier than other dispensaries in the area, because we know people’s schedules don’t always align with typical retail hours.

Our same-day delivery service covers Rockland County, Orange County, and Westchester, and customers can track their order in real time, just like any other modern delivery service. No guessing, no waiting by the door. You know exactly when to expect us.

We created a loyalty program that actually rewards people, not just collects emails. Points add up quickly, and the discounts are real. We also run daily deals that make premium cannabis accessible. Quality shouldn’t mean breaking the bank, and we price accordingly.

Our budtenders aren’t just employees. They’re educated, passionate, and genuinely care about helping people find what works. Whether it’s someone’s first time or they’re a seasoned enthusiast looking for something specific, we take the time to listen and guide them.

As a family-owned and operated business, every decision is made around our kitchen table, not in a corporate boardroom. We answer to our community, not shareholders. That accountability shapes everything we do.

The response has been overwhelming. Customers tell us they drive past other options to come to us, and that means everything. We’re grateful, and we don’t take that loyalty for granted.

Looking ahead, we’re actively scouting for our next location in Orange County, driven by the same passion that started this journey. The legal landscape will keep evolving, but so will we. This industry rewards patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt.

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone thinking about entering this space, it’s this: you have to be all in. Stay focused. Stay grateful. Stay committed to your vision, even when it feels like the obstacles outweigh the progress. Because when you finally see people lining up outside your doors, smiling, excited, and thankful, you’ll realize it was all worth it.

Seth Marks is the proprietor of Treehouse Cannabis in Nyack