A brand-new legally licensed cannabis dispensary has opened its doors on the Upper West Side, adding a fresh destination for cannabis enthusiasts and community members alike. The Sanctuary Garden, located at 2610 Broadway between 98th and 99th Streets, welcomed customers for the first time on Thursday, marking a milestone for both the neighborhood and New York’s regulated cannabis market.
According to its website, the dispensary is “an oasis in the heart of the Upper West Side, bringing people together through culture, advocacy, and a carefully curated selection of New York’s finest cannabis.” The Sanctuary Garden positions itself as more than just a store—it’s a community hub that blends education, access, and responsible enjoyment for residents of the Upper West Side.
The shop was founded by Daron Hudson, a long-time community organizer, social worker, and cannabis operator who helped launch Housing Works Cannabis in Lower Manhattan, New York City’s first legal dispensary. For Hudson, the opening of The Sanctuary Garden on the Upper West Side is the culmination of years of advocacy and dedication.
“The Sanctuary Garden represents everything I’ve worked toward—an environment where people feel safe, seen, and supported,” Hudson shared in a news release. “Cannabis should be about more than transactions. It should be about healing, access, and building people up. I’m grateful to finally open these doors and create a place where community and legacy truly matter.”
Inside, shoppers 21 and older with valid ID can browse a wide selection of products, including marijuana flower, vapes, pre-rolls, extracts, and more. By situating itself on the Upper West Side, The Sanctuary Garden aims to offer locals a trusted, licensed source of cannabis in a neighborhood that has long awaited legal options.
Interestingly, there appears to be an unlicensed smoke shop operating nearby on the same block of Broadway, though its status remains unclear. By contrast, The Sanctuary Garden’s fully legal status highlights the progress of New York’s cannabis licensing system and brings legitimacy to the Upper West Side’s cannabis landscape.
The dispensary is holding a soft opening this week, followed by a two-day grand opening celebration on September 26 and 27, featuring special events for the community. Regular store hours will run daily from 8 a.m. to midnight.
With its arrival, The Sanctuary Garden becomes the fifth legal cannabis dispensary on the Upper West Side, solidifying the neighborhood’s role as a growing hub for licensed cannabis access in New York City.
