People near and far are expected to make their way here to Upper Union Street tomorrow as the Capital Region's first dispensary opens their doors for business.
Upstate Canna Co. held a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning to mark the milestone.
"It's really truly amazing, I just want to thank each and every one of you for coming out to support; family friends, cultivators, processors,” said store owner, Don Andrews.
The dispensary brings a new industry, jobs, and more to the region.
"It's been a difficult roll-out but every time we get another dispensary open, we get another entrepreneur started and running, it's incredibly encouraging," said Chris Alexander, Executive Director for the state Office of Cannabis Management.
Meanwhile, the new business is also bringing new concerns.
There are several youth and family based businesses, such as Dance Me located on the same block as the dispensary.
Deb Ryan works at the studio, her daughter is also the owner. Deb sent us the following statement when asked how they felt about the dispensary.
“There are many children coming and going from the studios throughout the day and evenings. In the 7 years we have been here, we have had a CBD shop move in both next to and across the street from our studio, and recently a smoke shop next door. We have seen a change in the clientele on Union St., and we are less than pleased. I work at the front desk of our main studio and am paying constant attention to the studio surroundings, so as to keep the children safe. We fear the dispensary will increase the number of people who will be smoking outside our studios, and that shouldn't happen. Our main concern is and always has been the safety and happiness of our students and families.”
Pai’s Taekwondo is the business Ryan is referring to; they declined to comment on the story.
Howe Elementary School and the Saint Kateri school are also in the area.
One mother CBS6 spoke with lives on Baker Avenue near Howe Elementary school; she has concerns over the likely increased traffic.
“Two o'clock dismissal timing gets a little hectic around here, it's jam packed,” said Christina Marra. “The parking is full all over the street, cars are double parked all down the street so it can be a little hectic at that time."
Another major concern is the number of one-way streets nearby.
“The most important thing is this is a one-way street, that's the biggest thing I'm worried about too. People come down the one way especially when school is getting out,” Marra added.
Store owner Don Andrews says the shop has filed all necessary paperwork; adding they are abiding by the Office of Cannabis Management's distance requirements; which state they must have at least a 200 foot distance between them and any public or private school or nursery.
“The OCM cleared us, the city of Schenectady cleared us. We are in a legitimate operating standpoint for our store front. We've met every requirement that was needed," Andrews added.
CBS6 reached out to the Schenectady City School District and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany for comment but have not heard back.
Saturday, Upstate Canna Co. will be open from 11 am to 9pm marking their first day of business.