Mike Flynn created the logo for Syracuse’s newest small business in 2019, long before he knew his business would even be allowed to open. On Friday it will. The FlynnStoned Cannabis Company is the first in Syracuse with a license to sell state-sanctioned, highly regulated, tested and taxed weed – any way you want it.
Flynn says his first job, as a teenager was selling pot. “I put that aside for 18 years, and now here I am today. It was my first job ever and it will be my last,” he said from his office on the third floor of the company at 219 Walton Street in Armory Square.
FlynnStoned is the tenth dispensary to open in New York under new state licensing and oversight regulations by the Office of Cannabis Management. It may be one of the most elaborate. Flynn says it is the only dispensary in operation where the flower, or bud is displayed so you can see it. The store, which features sleek, gleaming display cases features cannabis drinks, gummies or edibles in dozens of varieties and a total of 320 different cannabis products.
Flynn’s wife Angela says the opening of the dispensary is certain to draw long-time cannabis enthusiasts and people who are open to trying it, but don’t have a lot of experience. “If it was me, I’d say let’s start with a drink. You’re going to have something that is maybe 2.5 milligrams, you may just have half a can. You want to start slow and gradually increase,” Angela Flynn said as she referenced her favorite display case in the dispensary – an area dedicated to THC infused beverages. “Or you start with half of an edible, or a pre-roll (joint) and you don’t do the whole thing, you share if with a friend,” Flynn added.
The NYS Office of Cannabis Management says every regulated adult-use cannabis product sold is a tested, regulated product. “A lot of people, if they are buying it illegally, they don’t know what they are getting. Here we have tested products,” Angela Flynn said.
FlynnStoned is opening with 29 employees. Some of them hold the title “budtender,” who act as a guide for customers. The dispensary’s assistant general manager Catrina Aiello says the budtenders will start every conversation with customers who indicate they don’t have a lot of experience with cannabis in the same manner. “We will always ask if you have had any experience at all – even back in the 1970s, and experience at all, and if you did – did you like it. What do you remember about that feeling? If the answer is you don’t have any experience, we will point you to something lighter,” Aiello said.
Based on sales in other states, the budtenders know many customers will say they want relief in two areas: pain and sleep. Customers, with the help of a budtender, will have to decide which strain they want. Indica, the nighttime favorite, delivering more of a body high with relaxation or Sativa which offers more of a stimulating head high – or a hybrid combination of both.
The products are taxed at 13%. To get into the store you must be 21 years old and present valid identification which will be scanned upon entry. Cash or debit cards are acceptable payment.
The FlynnStoned Block Party starts at 4 p.m. Friday on Walton Street – it continues Saturday.
Click here for an extensive overview published by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, with information for consumers about the types of cannabis products for sale and how long after consumption it takes for them to have an effect.
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