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One of the first six marijuana dispensaries to operate in New York State has open doors in Jamaica, Queens, cementing its place in history by being the first run by a Black woman.
Last Thursday saw the debut of the Good Grades cannabis dispensary on Jamaica Avenue, owned and operated by Extasy James and Michael James Jr., who are cousins. According to NBC News, the James kin obtained their license through the state’s Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licensing program, which is only open to those previously convicted of marijuana-related crimes and their family members.
Extasy James said she felt a lot of love from everyone during the storefront’s grand opening in Jamaica’s popular shopping hub, calling it a refreshing, fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Extasy James (above) is co-owner of Good Grades cannabis dispensary with her cousin, Michael James. It is the first dispensary to open in New York City’s Jamaica, Queens neighborhood. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/Pix11 News)
“We want to inspire the community that there are second chances and that dreams can come true,” she said, according to NBC. “Anything is possible.”
In another historic first, Good Grades is also the only woman-owned dispensary launched under