In this transparent and compelling episode, host Maggie Shea visits East Leaf Dispensary, a woman- and family owned, New York State licensed adult-use cannabis retailer in Cheektowaga, NY. Maggie sits down with co-owner, Gina Miller, and team member, Taylor Smith, to dive deep into the real Pain Points of navigating a brand-new cannabis dispensary from scratch.
From opening a thriving liquor store to opening one of Buffalo’s first fully legal dispensaries, Gina and Taylor share the ups and downs of launching a cannabis business — all while combatting stigma, building customer trust, educating first-time buyers, and managing shifting state regulations.
We cover:
- The legacy-to-legal journey and what it really took to launch
- Pain Points of misinformation, compliance chaos, and stigma
- How East Leaf educates customers overwhelmed by 500+ brands
- Creating community connections in a misunderstood environment
- The reality of vendor selection, inventory decisions, and product variety
- Competing with the illicit market while staying compliant and transparent
- Supporting small NYS cultivators and staying rooted in WNY values
- Building a team that represents the brand — and the community
Whether you're cannabis-curious, an industry insider, or simply love a great small business story, this episode highlights resilience, grit, and purpose in action.
📍 Visit East Leaf Dispensary:
2442 Clinton Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Shop Online + Order Delivery:
https://www.eastleafdispensary.com
Download the East Leaf App on iOS & Android
COMING SOON: New location opening in East Aurora, NY – Fall 2025!
Watch the classic 1936 film Reefer Madness: Reefer Madness (1936) Cult Classic | Full Movie | Subtitled
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposesonly and is not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment.
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