‘Moving forward:’ First legal cannabis dispensary now open in Ontario County
GENEVA, N.Y. (WROC) – The first legal sales of cannabis in Ontario County are a ‘go.’
High Points Dispensary in Geneva was among the first cannabis licensees in New York State nearly a year ago.
Back in early January, News 8 reported that the business would have to shut down temporarily. They were able to open through the state’s Cannabis Growers Showcase program, which ended December 31.
After all this time, and going back and forth with the state, they’re officially set to open.
“It feels good. Money’s finally coming in a little bit. It’s frustrating, very frustrating when you try to do things the right way,” said Daryl Hilkert Sr., owner of High Points Dispensary.
The business was among the first of seven to be issued a CAURD license in New York State, a program set aside for those with a previous cannabis conviction, who are hoping to grow operations.
That was back in June, and it wasn’t until last month when the state issued them a final certification.
“These last few steps have been a nightmare to say the least, from the licensing part all the way down to compliance. Having to cover signs outside because we’re limited on the amount of signs we’re allowed to have,” said Hilkert Sr.
High Points Dispensary has also waited out the various court rulings, prohibiting licenses from being issued in parts of the state, including the Finger Lakes.
Their opening follows the recent shakeup with the state’s Cannabis Control Board, as the chief equity officer was placed on administrative leave earlier this month.
“It’s kind of nice to see they’re actually doing something. Obviously, you’ve got to start at the top,” said Daryl Hilkert Jr., general manager of the business.
For now, the owners say they’re only looking forward.
“We’re going to keep doing what we’ve been doing, keep following the regulations, keep following the rules, giving good products to our customers, and hopefully everything starts molding into place and things will be good from here on out,” said Hilkert Sr.
High Points Dispensary is located on Canandaigua Rd. in Geneva and will be open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
