In New York’s fast-evolving cannabis market, few brands capture the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and community like Silly Nice. The Harlem-based company is more than just a name on dispensary shelves—it is a story of resilience, representation, and responsibility. Founded by LeVar Thomas and Shane Breen, Silly Nice is part of a growing movement to bring craft, authenticity, and social equity to an industry long dominated by large players.

In a recent feature with Harlem World Magazine, the co-founders opened up about their experiences navigating the challenges of legalization, their mission to normalize cannabis, and their commitment to supporting veterans. The full interview, available at Harlem World Magazine, offers an inside look at how Silly Nice plans to expand its role in New York’s legal cannabis landscape.

The Challenges of Launching a Cannabis Brand in Harlem

Launching in Harlem was both a challenge and an opportunity. As Thomas and Breen explained, their brand has faced the same roadblocks that many small, licensed operators encounter across New York: navigating strict regulations, balancing supply chain hurdles, and competing against larger, better-funded companies. Yet the stigma surrounding cannabis in local communities has been an equally complex barrier.

Still, Harlem has given Silly Nice a foundation to thrive. The neighborhood’s cultural influence, small business network, and supportive residents have fueled the company’s momentum. Silly Nice has embraced Harlem’s identity as a strength, positioning itself as a brand that celebrates its neighborhood while building for the future.

From Legislation to Legacy: The Impact of the MRTA

When the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) was passed in 2021, it created a chance for small businesses and underrepresented communities to step into the legal market on fairer ground. For Silly Nice, the law was not just a business opportunity—it was a call to create a company that honors culture, craft, and community.

In their interview, the founders explained that their goal was to demonstrate how independent, Black-owned, and Veteran-owned brands could succeed without compromising values. That vision continues to guide their approach as they expand their product line and presence across New York dispensaries.

Cannabis and Veteran Empowerment

As veterans, Thomas and Breen bring a deeply personal perspective to the cannabis conversation. While careful not to make medical claims, they shared that many veterans have found cannabis to be helpful in areas such as relaxation, sleep, and coping with the challenges of post-service life.

Silly Nice acknowledges that more research is needed, but the lived experiences of countless veterans highlight the plant’s potential role in supporting mental health, particularly for those managing PTSD and other conditions. By fostering dialogue around dignity, access, and natural alternatives, Silly Nice is helping reshape the narrative of cannabis within the veteran community.

Reception in Harlem’s Business Community

The response from Harlem’s business ecosystem has been encouraging. Local entrepreneurs and community leaders have expressed pride in seeing a neighborhood-rooted brand thrive in the regulated space. While some businesses remain cautious as cannabis finds its place in the local economy, others recognize the cultural and financial potential of the industry and are open to collaboration.

This dynamic reflects Harlem’s larger history as a hub of cultural influence. As Silly Nice continues to grow, its ability to merge cannabis with Harlem’s business identity will likely contribute to the borough’s evolving role in shaping New York’s cannabis future.

Cannabis Normalization and the Path Forward

A recurring theme throughout the interview was cannabis normalization. Thomas and Breen believe that cannabis, like wine and spirits, must be approached with respect, education, and responsibility. For Silly Nice, normalization means producing premium, consistent, and safe products while engaging the community with transparency and cultural pride.

By telling their story and maintaining integrity in their work, the brand helps shift perceptions, replacing stigma with dialogue and representation. As more Harlem-based and minority-owned cannabis companies enter the legal space, Silly Nice’s journey provides both inspiration and a practical roadmap for sustainable growth.

Honoring Harlem and Looking Ahead

For Silly Nice, Harlem is not just a headquarters—it is a source of strength and identity. The brand’s success is intertwined with its neighborhood’s resilience, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. In their own words, Thomas and Breen remain humbled and grateful for Harlem’s embrace as they continue to push forward in a competitive market.

Their feature in Harlem World Magazine is a reminder of the importance of representation in cannabis and the growing influence of hyperlocal brands in shaping the industry’s future.

Conclusion

Silly Nice is more than a cannabis brand—it is a Harlem story about entrepreneurship, community, and empowerment. By bridging the worlds of small business, cultural representation, and veteran advocacy, Thomas and Breen are proving that cannabis can serve as both an economic engine and a force for social change. Their ongoing mission to normalize cannabis use, empower veterans, and celebrate Harlem’s identity reflects the kind of leadership the industry needs as it continues to grow.

To learn more about their work and vision, visit the exclusive interview at Harlem World Magazine.