Bliss + Lex to Open Manhattan’s First Black Woman-Owned Dispensary in Upper East Side

Bliss + Lex, Manhattan’s Upper East Side latest state-licensed dispensary, is celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, March 20. It is Manhattan’s first Black woman-owned dispensary and a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensee. Bliss + Lex is the second retailer to open in collaboration with the Housing Works CAURD Community Initiative, which offers a range of critical support for New York social-equity cannabis entrepreneurs.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull up our own seat at the table in the cannabis industry. As entrepreneurs, we have a chance to create a legacy, change the trajectory of our family’s future and give back to the community in new ways,” said Nicole Lucien, Co-Founder and CEO of Bliss + Lex, who is opening the dispensary with her husband, Christopher Lucien. “As a former New York City public school educator, my life has been dedicated to family and community, our careers in service, and now we are proud to share our passion for the plant.”

Future plans include support to causes the Lucien family holds dear, including Housing Works and other community-based nonprofits aiding education, domestic violence, and individuals with disabilities.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think a cannabis conviction, that until now has created a barrier to jobs, housing, and acceptance, would be the key to this door of opportunity for myself and my family,” said Christopher Lucien, Co-Founder and COO. “I’ve always been driven to support the underdog in my work in nonprofits serving the homeless, and becoming a business owner is an invigorating way to help my community.”

“Housing Works is honored to work alongside and support the opening of Manhattan’s first Black woman-owned dispensary, Bliss + Lex, through our CAURD Community initiative,” said Sasha Nutgent, Director of Retail at Housing Works Cannabis Co. “This opening marks a big step forward in our efforts to build an equitable market here in New York. Nicole and Christopher represent exactly what NY’s adult-use market needs more of–mission-focused and dedicated to educating and building a fostering community–and we look forward to seeing and aiding the team’s success however they need.”

The 2,603 square-foot store will focus on highly-individualized consumer experiences, from quick, on-the-go ordering to inclusive, step-by-step walk-through education. Bliss + Lex will carry a range of products from brands such as Off Hours, 1906, TYSON 2.0 and more.

As part of its March 20 grand opening, Bliss + Lex will host a ribbon cutting with scheduled appearances, ahead of opening to the public at 4:20 p.m.

Bliss + Lex, located at 128 East 86th St. and convenient to subway access, is open seven days a week. For operating hours and more info, visit blissandlex.com.

About Bliss + Lex

Bliss + Lex is the premier cannabis dispensary on New York’s legendary Upper East Side. Native New Yorkers Nicole and Christopher Lucien founded their family-run, adult-use retail destination to offer quality, lab-tested cannabis products in one of Manhattan’s top shopping destinations. Launched in partnership with Housing Works Cannabis Co’s CAURD Community Initiative, Bliss + Lex is on the cutting edge of a new era of legal cannabis in New York City. Bliss + Lex fits seamlessly into the Lexington Avenue retail district and upscale Yorkville neighborhood, convenient to 4, 5, and 6 trains at the 86th Street subway station. Learn more: blissandlex.com

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