For first-time users, the world of cannabis can be intimidating to join. Understanding how much of a product to consume, what strain works best or even if the product is safe can be daunting. This is where Liberty Buds NYC comes in.
Liberty Buds NYC, who just celebrated its two-year anniversary, opened in March 2024 and aims to fight against the stigma of cannabis in New York while helping to make partaking in cannabis safer.
“A lot of people at the time were getting their products from all these illegal smoke shops that were opening up everywhere. A lot of wrong things were happening,” said Jakeis Akharian, co-partner of Liberty Buds NYC.
Liberty Buds NYC aims to educate users on cannabis. They want to be sure all users have the knowledge of all the different types of cannabis, and whichever would be the best option for them.
Liberty Buds NYC’s Manhattan storefront.Photo by Dylan Christie
“We just want to do our best to let everyone know that you can consume cannabis legally, safely,” said Akharian. “You don’t have to stress about what you’re putting in your body. Our whole point was to have a great establishment in New York, and try to be one of the best. We named it Liberty Buds because of the freedom behind it.”
Along with education, they also aim to bring awareness to customers who may have never engaged in cannabis, and show how the products may benefit them. Whether it be for anxiety, sleep or just for fun, Liberty Buds NYC aims to change people’s perception on cannabis and make it accessible for all users.
“The old stigmatism where it was frowned upon is what most people have overcome,” said co-partner Joshua Ahl. “For the most part, everybody’s very friendly about it.”
Every product at Liberty Buds NYC is tested before hitting the shelves. They contain no additives or other harmful ingredients, ensuring the products are safe for consumption.
Inside Liberty Buds NYC.Photo by Dylan Christie
Prior to opening, Ahl shared, they stood outside asking people walking by what they wanted in a licensed dispensary. When people expressed frustration about more shops opening, they explained their goal is to push out illegal and harmful sellers, so safer products hit the market.
“They all said, ‘thank you for coming to the neighborhood,’” said Ahl. “That’s where our biggest difference is with the illegal stores.”
Although price-wise it’s difficult to combat illegal sellers, Ahl said it is worth the money to ensure there are no harmful surprises in what customers buy.
Ahl’s favorite part about cannabis has been how it can become a shared language, and how their store helps to build a community.
“People who used to come in, ‘Oh, I’m miserable,’ ‘I can’t sleep,’ ‘I didn’t want to leave my house today.’ Now they come in, sometimes to say hello and not buy stuff. Just to come in and say hello,” said Ahl.
Photo by Dylan Christie
Akharian, echoing Ahl’s point, said he also loves to hear when a customer comes in to share that a product worked for them, and how much better they feel.
Every Friday at the end of the month, Liberty Buds NYC welcomes different brands and vendors to come interact with customers and learn from each other. In honor of celebrating National Weed Day, more popularly known as 4/20, on April 20, they will be welcoming these brands while also hosting a celebration.
You can find Liberty Buds NYC in Manhattan, Roosevelt Island, Queens and Nassau County. They also offer delivery services. More information at libertybudsnyc.com.