Manhattan's first Black woman-owned cannabis dispensary opens

NEW YORK - "Bliss + Lex" is a Black woman-owned cannabis dispensary in Manahattan. 

The first of its kind. 

Nicole Lucien, the owner, said, "Since cannabis recreationally was legalized in New York, we’ve had our eyes set on applying for a license."

Nicole Lucien and her husband, Christopher, are on the cusp of bringing a long-time dream into reality. One they hope will change the future for their five-year-old twins, Veronica and Ryan.

Christopher Lucien, owner, said, "This allowed us the opportunity to create generational wealth and change the course of my family forever."

Nicole is the first Black woman in Manhattan to be awarded a coveted license to open a cannabis dispensary.

Her husband, also on the license, has a prior drug conviction.

They benefited from a New York state program that prioritizes giving those with criminal histories the first retail licenses to sell marijuana.

Christopher Lucien, owner, said, "I have tried to start several businesses like my wife was saying home improvement construction, and because of my criminal background I was denied, even after 20 some odd years of a clean record there was never a chance where I had a second chance this was always been held against me."

Workers put the finishing touches on the store before its opening day.

"Bliss + Lex" is located in some prime retail real estate in front of a subway entrance on the corner of East 86th and Lexington Avenue.

Nicole Lucien, owner, said, "We wanted to create a very warm welcoming environment explore the plant and pick up the product that’s perfect for them."

For more information, visit blissandlex.com.