Women-led Cannabis farmers market opens in Columbia County
After cannabis sales lagged in New York, marijuana growers are coming together to participate in the state’s Cannabis Growers Showcase’ initiative in hopes of getting their stockpiled crops sold.
Many cannabis growers have been struggling to get last year’s crop on the shelves due to a lack of dispensaries.
“The slow opening of the retail outlet, which is known as a dispensary, was hard to get products grown last fall harvested and stored over the winter into the market,” said Tessa Williams, owner of Empire Farm and licensed cannabis cultivator.
Empire Farm in Copake is the first in Columbia County to participate in the state’s Cannabis Grower Showcase.
“It’s basically a pop up dispensary farmers’ market,” said Williams.
Laura Chesser, who owns Chessworth Farms in Jefferson County, drove three and a half hours away to showcase her products at Empire Farm on Thursday.
“We’re in Jefferson County –it's a cannabis desert up there. The closest dispensary to us is an hour away so trying to get our products on the shelves has been difficult,” said Chesser.
Both women-owned businesses, she and Williams say it feels good to have a seat at the table in a male dominated industry.
“It’s a 100-percent women-veteran owned farm in Jefferson County,” said Chesser.
“It’s empowering to think women come together and unite in commerce and in business and play at the big boy’s table to create the opportunity that cannabis brings to New York State,” said Williams.
Last month, the state’s Cannabis Control Board approved a measure to allow cannabis growers to sell stockpiled crops at venues and community events. The move is aimed at providing much needed financial relief to those in the industry impacted by the state’s slow roll out.
“Today was a preview, a launch to the community to help the community understand what a grower showcase is,” said Williams.
“I’d say today was successful because the community came together and met their farmers, learned about cannabis and why it's important to buy local,” she added.
For those 21 years old and up, this Cannabis Growers Showcase at Empire Farm will run Thursday through Saturday from 12 to 8 pm through the end of the year.
