518Cannabis

12/06/2024

City of Amsterdam: Is This What Leadership Looks Like?

Residents of Amsterdam, NY: Did you know your tax dollars are about to fund multiple lawsuits caused by the poor advice and conduct of your City Attorney, Anthony Casale? The recent denial of due process against Higher Grounds, a licensed small business, has set the stage for costly litigation under both New York State and Federal law.

Here’s what you need to know:

The City is now facing an Article 78 lawsuit due to procedural violations and disregard for state cannabis laws under the MRTA.

A Federal lawsuit is in the works for violations of the 14th Amendment, specifically denying Higher Grounds their constitutional right to due process.

These legal battles are entirely avoidable, but the City Attorney’s repeated procedural errors and inflammatory conduct are dragging the city into unnecessary litigation.

Anthony Casale: A Liability to Amsterdam
This is the same city attorney whose behavior has raised eyebrows in other municipalities. Why is Amsterdam tolerating this level of incompetence and unprofessionalism? Procedural missteps and disrespect for the public process are costing you, the taxpayers, thousands. How long will this city allow Casale to jeopardize Amsterdam’s reputation and finances?

Action is Coming
Here’s what we’re doing:

1. Filing ethics complaints against Anthony Casale with the New York State Bar.

2. Pursuing complaints with the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which has already been made aware of Amsterdam’s unlawful actions.

3. Filing a Federal complaint to protect the rights of small business owners like Higher Grounds.

Mayor and Council Members: You have a duty to serve your community, not to shield incompetence. How much will Amsterdam’s taxpayers have to spend before you act? The community deserves better leadership, and we will hold you accountable.

To the residents of Amsterdam: We stand ready to defend our rights and the integrity of the cannabis industry in New York State. This isn’t just about one business; it’s about fairness, transparency, and the law.

City of Amsterdam Mike Cinquanti Anthony Constantino Amsterdam Rotary Paul D. Tonko Angelo Santabarbara Neil Breslin Letitia James Kathy Hochul Amsterdam Recorder Walter Mosley

04/14/2024

07/09/2023

OCM and NYS are clearly responsible for dozens of cannabis businesses that they licensed more than likely going out of business. This fella let his emotions get out of control but OCM and NYS are directly responsible for destroying this man's life.

Whose holding NYS and OCM accountable for THEIR actions? Certainly not an overtly corrupt Governor from Buffalo.

The Wayne Times Reports State Troopers out of Williamson reported the arrest on Saturday (7/1) at 6:35 p.m. of David A. Tulley, age 42, of 11 North Canal Street in Lyons for Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree after he allegedly called and threatened The New York State Cannabis Management Dir...

07/06/2023

I understand their pain but this has me concerned:

"OMO Labs is storing thousands of units of gummies, vapes and other products, as Falkowski seeks out retail outlets on or close to Long Island that will buy them."

I don't care how you store it - after a year you will have significant degradation in all the products - year old edibles - ehh.

David Falkowski is storing thousands of units of gummies, vapes and other products while waiting on retail to develop.

06/13/2023

We appreciate News Channel 6 for taking the time to visit our facility and allowing the publics voice to be heard. For the record Veterans Holdings is a Processor/Manufacturer and Full Spectrum is the cultivation company she was referring. However, I had no idea the segment was going to be pinned around the bill that would allow cultivators to sell directly to Tribal Nations - that was never even discussed during our interview.

Let me be clear. Veterans Holdings, Veterans H**p Market, and 518Cannabis do not, and will never, support this bill. While it seems like a good idea and a possible outlet for local farmers it is important to remember that the Tribal Nations have for decades imported Cannabis from Canada and distributed across the state and the country. The customers of the tribal nations are New Yorkers. The other piece of this legislation that is never discussed is that farmers will be able to sell their products to tribal nations but they will also be allowed to deliver from the tribal nations into anywhere in NYS - and don't expect them to collect taxes. This bill undermines all the work that has been done in the past two years and essentially guts the industry. This is a fix that will do nothing but bring future pain.

New York State’s slow roll out in opening recreational ma*****na dispensaries has left cannabis farmers unable to sell their products and unable to make any mon

06/13/2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 14, 2023

Veterans Holdings Announces the Opening of Craft Cannabis Facility in Gloversville, NY
GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Veterans Holdings, a sister company to Veterans H**p Market, is thrilled to announce the opening of a new craft cannabis facility in Gloversville, New York. Occupying a space of 28,000 square feet at 34 West Fulton Street, the facility is set to generate significant economic growth for the city.

The craft cannabis facility will be a hub of activity, with a production area equipped with advanced, efficient extraction technologies. Jason Ambrosino, Owner of Veterans Holdings, believes this new development is a transformative opportunity for the city and its residents.

“Our new facility not only brings new jobs and economic growth to Gloversville, but it also provides the community with high-quality, craft cannabis products. We are proud to be part of the revitalization of this historic city," Ambrosino said.

The opening of this facility is set to create between 50-100 skilled jobs within five years, not only injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy but also paving the way for new businesses and investments. In addition, the facility is committed to supporting legacy cannabis operators, further contributing to the growing legal market.

Veterans Holdings' commitment to the community extends beyond its business operations. The company intends to actively engage with the local community through events, workshops, and outreach initiatives, while supporting local charitable organizations and initiatives that align with its mission and values.

For more information about Veterans Holdings and their new facility, please contact Jason Ambrosino at jason@518cannabis.org or 518-212-7637.

About Veterans Holdings:

Veterans Holdings is a leading craft cannabis manufacturer and processor based in New York. The sister company to Veterans H**p Market, Veterans Holdings is committed to quality, community, and innovation in the rapidly expanding legal cannabis market.

Media Contact:
Ellen Zwijacz
Veterans Holdings
Ellen@Veteranshempmarket.com

06/13/2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 14, 2023

518Cannabis Launches Unique Cannabis Incubator to Bridge Legacy and Legal Markets in Gloversville, NY

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – 518Cannabis, an innovative cannabis consulting and services company, announces the launch of a ground-breaking cannabis incubator in Gloversville, New York. This unique platform seeks to foster a seamless transition for legacy cannabis operators into the burgeoning legal market, aligning with the company's mission to empower and legitimize small, craft operators.

Situated in a 28,000 square foot facility at 34 West Fulton Street, the 518Cannabis Incubator is set to create a powerful synergy between the rich heritage of the building and the modern advancements of the cannabis industry. As part of this initiative, 518Cannabis will provide essential resources, expertise, and support to help traditional cannabis operators navigate the complexities of the legal market.

Jason Ambrosino, Founder of 518Cannabis, said: “Our incubator represents an unparalleled opportunity to bridge the gap between the legacy and legal cannabis markets. We aim to help legacy operators leverage their invaluable experience while providing the tools needed to succeed in the legal landscape."

The incubator is poised to generate between 50-100 skilled jobs within five years and catalyze the creation of new businesses, signifying a major boost to Gloversville's local economy. This milestone represents 518Cannabis's commitment to fostering sustainable growth within the industry and advocating for the rights of small, craft operators.

Highlighting its commitment to transparency and community integration, 518Cannabis plans to actively engage with the local community. This includes addressing any concerns and fostering a constructive dialogue about the cannabis industry's positive impact.

The arrival of the 518Cannabis Incubator in Gloversville marks a new chapter for the city, its residents, and the cannabis industry at large. With its innovative approach, 518Cannabis is set to usher in a future where the legacy and legal markets coexist and thrive together, paving the way for an inclusive, prosperous cannabis industry.

About 518Cannabis:

518Cannabis is a pioneering cannabis consulting and services company dedicated to bridging the gap between the legacy and legal cannabis markets. Based in Broadalbin, NY, with its new incubator in Gloversville, NY, 518Cannabis is committed to empowering small, craft cannabis operators and fostering sustainable growth within the industry.

Media Contact:
Ellen Zwijacz
Veterans Holdings
Ellen@Veteranshempmarket.com

06/04/2023

Hey there, we've got an important issue to talk about. You know how some people use ma*****na (w**d) and some states say that's okay? Well, there's a big rule from the federal government (which is like the 'boss' of all the states) that says ma*****na is still illegal.

The Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms, and Explosives (ATF for short), the group that makes sure people follow the gun rules, has given everyone a heads-up. If you use w**d, they see you as an "unlawful user" of a drug. That means you're not allowed to send, carry, get, or even own guns or bullets, according to them.

Rob Doar, a guy who really believes in the Second Amendment (that's the right to own guns), is a little worried about this. He's telling gun owners to be careful, because this could cause problems. Even in places like Minnesota, where the local laws say you can use w**d, you could still get in trouble with the federal government.

A lawyer named Jason Tarasek, who knows a lot about w**d laws, also wants the federal government to make things clearer. He thinks they should either make a new law or have the president say something about it. But he doesn't think w**d will be legal on the federal level anytime soon.

So, it's a bit confusing right now. If you want to read more about this, check out this website:

The federal agency that regulates the fi****ms industry sent an advisory on Tuesday warning that Minnesotans who use ma*****na cannot legally own fi****ms, despite a new state law legalizing recreational use.

05/22/2023

I'm usually on board with Hoffman, having sent dozens of people to check out his blog but I feel like this is an incredibly disjointed, partially informed response that has not received input from stakeholders or actually reviewed the most recently published updates.

Come on Jeffrey - keep up

Cannabis attorney Jeffrey Hoffman answers questions about NY’s cannabis legalization in his weekly “Ask me anything.’

05/15/2023

Lounges are dead. The MRTA and the newly approved regulations no longer allow for them. Instead, they allow for Dispensaries with limited on site consumption. This is an incredibly scaled back version of what folks were anticipating.

Essentially this is what it allows for: A spare room where after buying from the dispensary someone can walk into and consume their products. That's it that's the end of it.

I feel for some of you that have worked so hard in developing lounge space only now to find out the NYS pulled the rug. Sorry folks.