If New York's legal cannabis market has a birthplace, it's a storefront at 750 Broadway in NoHo. Housing Works Cannabis Co made the first legal adult-use sale in state history on December 29, 2022, and in doing so it didn't just open a store — it opened a market. That alone makes it the most historically significant dispensary in the state, and a natural first stop for anyone exploring legal cannabis in the city.

What makes it different

The headline isn't just "first" — it's the model. Housing Works Cannabis Co is a nonprofit dispensary, run by the long-established harm-reduction and housing organization Housing Works. Proceeds flow back into services like housing, healthcare, legal aid, and harm reduction for communities hit hardest by cannabis criminalization. In an industry that can feel purely transactional, that mission gives the shop a genuine point of difference, and it's a big part of why it draws press, tourists, and loyal regulars alike.

That first year, the store reported around $24 million in sales — a staggering number that proved both the pent-up demand for legal cannabis and the appetite for a values-driven retailer.

What it's known for

Housing Works has built its reputation on a few things: a welcoming, well-organized retail experience; staff that shoppers consistently describe as knowledgeable; and a deliberate focus on small, New York-based brands, including many BIPOC- and women-owned producers. If you want to actually taste what New York's craft cannabis scene is producing — rather than just the biggest-volume labels — this is a strong place to do it.

The NoHo flagship is joined by a second location in NoMad, giving the brand a growing Manhattan footprint.

Who it's best for

  • First-timers and visitors who want a comfortable, reputable introduction to legal cannabis.
  • Mission-minded shoppers who like knowing their money supports community services.
  • Anyone hunting New York craft brands rather than only mass-market products.

If you're price-sensitive, it's worth comparing before you buy: prices on the same products can vary widely across the city. You can check current pricing at licensed New York dispensaries and scan the day's cannabis deals on High Today before you decide where to shop.

The bottom line

You can argue about which NYC dispensary has the best prices or the slickest design, but you can't argue about which one matters most historically. Housing Works Cannabis Co opened the door to legal cannabis in New York and paired that milestone with a nonprofit mission that still sets it apart. For history, for the craft-brand selection, and for the sense that your purchase does something beyond the counter, it earns its place at the top of any New York dispensary list. Go for the story, stay for the New York brands, and — as always — compare prices and start low if you're new.