Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot is joined by Matthew Robinson, CEO of Legacy Dispensary in Albany, New York, for a candid conversation about his journey from the legacy cannabis market and incarceration to becoming a licensed operator and industry advocate. Matthew shares how he navigated New York’s licensing process, funded and built his business, and the lessons he has learned about controlling costs, choosing investors carefully, and surviving in a highly regulated and competitive market. The conversation explores whether New York is delivering on its promise of social equity, the relationship between legal operators and the illicit market, and the challenges facing smaller dispensaries as the industry evolves. Matthew also discusses taking the Legacy Dispensary model into Minnesota, what he would do differently when opening his next location, and his work to reinvest in Albany through workforce development, financial literacy, affordable living, and trade skills for young people. It’s a direct look at what it really takes to move from the legacy market into legal cannabis—and how success can be used to create opportunity beyond the dispensary.

Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis is produced by Herb Barbot, with executive production and marketing by Simlev Media.

Please contact us at herb.jointsession@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments, including topics to cover.

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#CannabisIndustry #SocialEquity #CannabisEntrepreneurship #NewYorkCannabis #LegacyDispensary