Ri Tokes – What the Hell is Going On in Cannabis? Western New York is What’s Going On

What the Hell is Going On in Cannabis? – by Ri Tokes.

High there! Lovely to meet you. Or welcome back. Either way, really glad you are here!

We’re in our second true summer of legal dispensaries and a real chance to build community in a big, beautiful public way. And while most of the media and brand energy still seems to orbit around New York City, I want to shift the spotlight for a moment.

Let’s talk about Western New York. More specifically, let’s talk about Buffalo.

When people think of cannabis in New York, they usually think of the city: flashy storefronts, big-name launches, celebrity drops. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with that. But cannabis in New York is so much bigger than just what’s happening downstate.

Western New York, and Buffalo in particular, has one of the most passionate, knowledgeable, and collaborative cannabis communities in the entire state. It might be geographically closer to Ohio than NYC, but culturally, it’s one of New York’s cannabis heart centers.

The Buffalo Cannabis Network has been on the ground doing the real work of building something sustainable. And this summer, they took it to another level by teaming up with SOL Buffalo, a restaurant-bar-pool space that’s basically a whole entire vibe.

Once a month, they’ve been hosting cannabis community events, and I don’t mean just brands tabling. I mean real spaces where brands, dispensaries, and consumers come together to connect, learn, and just be.

I had the privilege of attending the event in June. It was my first time back in the field after surgery, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was pure magic.

That first event was centered around meeting local dispensaries. They were set up with tents and tables, talking with brands and members of the public. There was no pressure, no sales pitch. Just open, honest connection. A chance to see each other as humans, without the noise.

As consumers, we come from every walk of life. But it’s rare we get to gather like this, to let our hair down and be fully ourselves. That night, the vibe was playful. No judgment. Just joy, authenticity, and real community.

The second event I attended had brands showing off their products, their stories, and everything they bring to these dispensaries. The energy was the same: collaborative, welcoming, and excited. Bigger crowd, same heartbeat.

And here’s what needs to be said: so many brands still avoid Buffalo because of the distance. They think it’s “out of the way.”

But I’m telling you, with my whole chest, you’re the ones missing out.

This community is flourishing. It’s full of smart, passionate people who love this plant and know how to build something meaningful. And they’re doing it with or without the rest of the industry paying attention.

What I experienced in Buffalo reminded me why I do this work. Why I’ve been in this space, legacy and legal, for almost 30 years. It’s about the people. The culture. The connection. And that connection was alive and thriving in Buffalo.

None of it would be possible without the incredible work of the Buffalo Cannabis Network. They’ve been creating spaces, building bridges, and showing everyone what it looks like to lead with intention. Massive respect and love to the whole crew; you’re setting the bar.

Now here’s your invitation:

The next event is happening on Wednesday, August 27th, at 6 pm at The Pool Club at SOL Buffalo. Whether you’re a consumer, brand rep, budtender, legacy operator, or just canna-curious, you are welcome. Come meet the people shaping Western NY’s cannabis scene. Come see what’s possible when ego is left at the door and collaboration leads the way.

And if you can’t make it this time, don’t worry. I’ll be there, and I’ll keep bringing you with me.

This is what cannabis culture looks like when it’s rooted in love.

Buffalo is what’s going on.

Stay Groovy

Ri

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