ConBud: Setting the Standard for NYC Dispensaries
With locations in the Bronx and the Lower East Side, ConBud is a perfect example of what a legal dispensary in New York should look like. Both of ConBud’s retail stores provide a wide range of high-quality New York products and exceptional customer service. Their knowledgeable staff can guide customers through the nuances of everything on their shelves. ConBud’s origins also come with a storied past but all started with founder Coss Marte. What began as an illegal drug operation, Coss found himself in prison and with the option to turn things around. Today, ConBud is a shining example of the potential for transformation and the importance of second chances.
The Journey of Coss Marte and the Origins of ConBud
ConBud’s story is deeply intertwined with the remarkable journey of its founder, Coss Marte. In 2009, Coss found himself at a crossroads when he was sent to prison as the leader of a multi-million dollar cocaine operation. His time in prison became a turning point though, driven by a grim warning from his doctor about his deteriorating health due to his weight. Determined to change his fate, Coss began a rigorous fitness regimen using nothing but his prison cell and body weight exercises. In just six months, he lost 70 pounds.
Coss didn’t stop there though. Recognizing the potential of his workout regimen, he extended the program to 20 fellow inmates, helping them achieve significant fitness milestones. This initiative marked the beginning of a new chapter in Coss’s life, one that focused on health, rehabilitation, and community support.
Upon his release, Coss launched ConBody, a “prison-style” bootcamp that employs formerly incarcerated individuals to lead fitness classes. Since its inception, ConBody has garnered over 25,000 clients, providing a supportive environment for many individuals transitioning from incarceration. Coss’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social justice have earned him recognition in over 200 major media outlets, including NBC, CNN, The New York Times, TED Talks, and Men’s Fitness.
Coss’s success extends beyond media accolades. He has won several prestigious pitch competitions, such as Pitch for Good by TOM’s Shoes and the YPO Shark Tank competition, collectively raising $350,000. These achievements not only highlight Coss’s business acumen, but also his unwavering dedication to creating positive change.
With such success from ConBody, Coss turned his attention to the emerging cannabis industry. His past life experiences played a huge part in forming the idea to start a legal dispensary in the Lower East Side, where he grew up, and his creativeness has led the way for the opening of a second store in the Bronx. Today, ConBud is a prime example of what legal cannabis should look like, but it still has its challenges.
Supporting the New York Cannabis Market
Operating in New York’s cannabis market presents its own set of challenges, primarily due to the proliferation of illicit shops that undermine the efforts of legitimate businesses like ConBud. The legal cannabis market is still in its nascent stages, and sustaining its growth requires collective support from the community.
Supporting local legal businesses such as ConBud is crucial for several reasons:
- Economic Growth: Legal cannabis businesses contribute significantly to the local economy through job creation, tax revenue, and community investments.
- Quality and Safety: Legal dispensaries adhere to stringent regulations ensuring that the products they sell are safe, tested, and of the highest quality.
- Community Impact: Businesses like ConBud are often deeply rooted in their communities, employing local residents and supporting various social initiatives.
By choosing to support legal shops like ConBud, consumers not only receive top-tier cannabis products but also invest in a business that embodies resilience, transformation, and the spirit of local entrepreneurship.
ConBud is more than just a cannabis dispensary; it is a symbol of redemption, innovation, and community strength. Coss Marte’s journey from incarceration to successful entrepreneurship is a powerful narrative that underscores the potential for transformation and the importance of second chances.
As the New York cannabis market continues to evolve, supporting legal businesses like ConBud is essential for fostering a thriving, sustainable industry. For those interested in experiencing ConBud firsthand, we invite you to visit their stores at 2412 Third Avenue, Bronx, NY and 85 Delancey Street in Manhattan.