Bay Ridge’s first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary opened Tuesday, marking a milestone after months of regulatory hurdles and community resistance.
Kaya Bliss, located on Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets, welcomed its first patrons during a soft opening on Jan. 7 to the relief of eager new customers and co-owner Edgar Kleydman.
“Ten minutes before opening, I was a nervous wreck,” Kleydman told Brooklyn Paper Tuesday at the soft opening. “It’s freezing outside, so I thought no one might show up.”
But his fears were quickly alleviated as a steady stream of visitors lined up outside the site of the former Pilo Arts hair salon to get a glimpse inside the fully renovated 2,000-square-foot dispensary.
Among the first customers on Tuesday were those who did a curious loop through the store, which was decorated with murals by the artist Zimer. Others expressed their relief at finally having local access to safe cannabis products.
“I’m extremely excited,” said Vianca, a Bay Ridge native, as she browsed the freshly stocked shelves. “There have been so many illegal stores nearby where the quality wasn’t the best. I definitely understand some of the resistance, but it’s good for consumers who need somewhere safe to go shop.”
The path to opening Kaya Bliss was fraught with challenges. Kleydman and his team began the application process with New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in May 2023. Despite adhering to state guidelines, the dispensary faced vocal opposition from local officials and residents.
In June 2024, Community Board 10 voted to recommend that OCM deny Kaya Bliss’ application, citing concerns about its proximity to schools, houses of worship, and a daycare. Although the dispensary met state regulations requiring it to be at least 500 feet from schools and 200 feet from houses of worship, critics pointed to the nearby Home Sweet Home Child Day Care Center. However, daycare centers are not classified as schools under OCM guidelines.
The board’s objections culminated in a public rally, where Assembly Members Michael Tannousis and Alec Brook-Krasny joined U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis to call for the license’s rejection. In a letter to OCM, the lawmakers argued the dispensary could expose minors to cannabis, despite existing age restrictions.
Ultimately, Kaya Bliss’ application was approved, having met all regulatory requirements.
“As long as you have everything dotted and all your t’s crossed, it doesn’t really matter,” Kleydman said of the board’s opposition.
Kleydman remains optimistic that the community’s concerns will ease as Kaya Bliss becomes an established presence in the neighborhood. He added that he was somewhat disappointed that protestors did not show up for the soft opening, given all the free publicity the initial outrage garnered for the business.
In preparation for the open day, Kaya Bliss’ budtenders underwent comprehensive training to ensure they have the product knowledge to guide customers, whether seasoned smokers or weed skeptics.
“I like cannabis, I want to call myself a connoisseur,” said Richard, one of Kaya Bliss’ budtenders. “There’s something for everyone if they choose to use it.”
Budtenders like Richard are equipped with tablets to help customers choose the right product out of 400 options from over 30 brands.
For those who are well-versed and know what they want, they can make a purchase at one of the kiosks or cash registers.
“People might like a cheap product, people might be comfortable with a certain [illegal] store, but they don’t know the health effects of these products,” said Richard. “We have something that’s consistent. You know exactly what’s in it. You know it’s going to be safe. And if it’s not safe, they’ll recall it, and everybody will know.”
Kaya Bliss is set to operate seven days a week, with hours from noon to 8 p.m. every day, before a larger grand opening sometime next month when shelves are fully stocked and any initial kinks are worked out.
Once the store has its grand opening party, the operating hours will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
