The Shinnecock Tribal Nation will open the first tribally-owned and licensed cannabis dispensary on Long Island.
The tribe will open the Little Beach Harvest dispensary in Southampton this week. The newly built 5,000-square-foot cedar building is positioned on the tribe’s territory near the Hamptons. Located at 56 Montauk Highway in Southampton, it will also feature Indigenous brands and products.
Chenae Bullock is the managing director for the Little Beach Harvest. Bullock said the dispensary is the result of an eight-year-long process. In that time the tribe faced many challenges. She said this moment feels surreal.
“The industry that’s emerging in this state. For us to be able to do this, it just gives us a sense of pride and empowerment. It’s a wonderful feeling,” Bullock said
Bullock said the tribe had to first vote for and create a cannabis ordinance within the tribe. It took roughly three years and they had to notify the state. After creating a licensing program, the Little Beach Harvest business was created. She continues to work with other tribe leaders to advocate at the state level.
“Far often people think that they know better than us and what is better for us,” Bullock said. “Sometimes that means we kind of