In recent years, cannabis consumption has taken a new turn in New York City. Fifth Avenue, an iconic stretch known for luxury retailers, now caters not only to high-end shoppers looking for designer goods but also to those seeking premium marijuana products. With the legalization of adult-use marijuana in New York state three and a half years ago, licensed cannabis sales have soared, surpassing $100 million last year. As a result, 166 licensed dispensaries have opened their doors in the state, with over 50 located in New York City, including one strategically placed across the street from Lululemon and Ted Baker.
The Travel Agency, an adult-use recreational marijuana dispensary on Fifth Avenue, offers a unique shopping experience. The store features elegant white interiors, glass cabinetry, knowledgeable “budtenders,” and a wide selection of cannabis products. The upscale exterior of the dispensary blends seamlessly with neighboring chic storefronts and reflects the refined atmosphere found at their Union Square and Downtown Brooklyn locations. Founder Paul Yau revealed plans for a fourth store opening in another high-end shopping district, SoHo. The average purchase at The Travel Agency includes two products such as gummies, marijuana flower, or pre-rolls, costing an average of $80 to $90 per purchase. The store’s product range varies from $3.50 THC seltzers to $150 per ounce of marijuana flower, with accessories priced even higher.
Ethical initiatives are at the core of some licensed dispensaries in New York City. For instance, Housing Works Cannabis Co., the first licensed dispensary in the city, donates all proceeds to the Housing Works nonprofit organization. Similarly, The Travel Agency’s Union Square location allocates 51% of its profits to the Doe Fund, supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. Yau emphasized the significance of their ethical mission in retaining customers, especially the emerging “legacy” customer base in New York. These initiatives not only attract legacy users but also cater to the growing demographic of “canna-curious” individuals exploring legal cannabis consumption options.
The luxury marijuana market in New York City is not limited to THC products. Designer brands like Jonathan Adler and Edie Parker offer high-end cannabis-inspired home decor and accessories at premium prices. Lifestyle brands such as Edie Parker provide exclusive collections of smoker-friendly handbags, glass pipes, and other luxury items ranging from rolling papers to table lighters. Actor Seth Rogen’s Houseplant brand collaborates with luxury retailers like Kith to create upscale cannabis-related products for affluent consumers. Yau believes that partnerships with dispensaries like The Travel Agency present lucrative opportunities for fashion brands aiming to capitalize on the growing cannabis industry’s allure.