In the ever-evolving landscape of New York’s cannabis industry, a new player is making waves in White Plains. Cannabis Realm, owned by longtime friends Eyasser Noboa and Jesus Fontanez, opened its doors in April 2024, bringing a fresh perspective to the local cannabis scene.
Located on Central Park Avenue, near the Hartsdale border, Cannabis Realm isn’t just another dispensary – it’s a community hub that’s changing perceptions and fostering connections.
“We’re very grateful that people want to spend their money here. So we make sure they know that,” says Noboa, emphasizing their customer-first approach.
The journey to opening Cannabis Realm wasn’t without its challenges. The duo faced regulatory hurdles and injunctions that threatened to derail their plans. But their perseverance and faith in their vision eventually paid off.
“It’s like balancing patience and action, and patience and, honestly, patience,” Fontanez reflects on the process.
What sets Cannabis Realm apart is its focus on education and community engagement. The owners are committed to helping their clients make informed decisions about their cannabis use.
“People are figuring out better ways to use cannabis. They’re becoming more informed. They’re starting to use it more for other things than getting high,” Noboa observes.
This educational approach extends to their staff as well. Rather than prioritizing cannabis knowledge alone, Cannabis Realm places a premium on customer service skills and empathy.
“If someone comes in and you feel like they have a good work ethic and a good attitude, you can always catch them up on the product,” explains Noboa.
The dispensary offers a wide range of products, from traditional flower to edibles, tinctures, and topicals. They’re seeing increasing demand for indoor-grown products and even pre-ground cannabis, reflecting evolving consumer preferences.
The owners are actively working to integrate into the local community, hosting barbecues, giving away food, and planning more events to engage with their neighbors and other local businesses.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the owners have been pleasantly shocked by the warm welcome they’ve received from the community. “I thought it would be a lot more pushback,” admits Fontanez. “Even the customers, it’s weird to me, because when you shop, people don’t thank you for shopping. They’re like, no, thank you for being here.”
This gratitude goes both ways. Cannabis Realm is committed to giving back to the community that has embraced them. They’re not just selling cannabis; they’re cultivating relationships and changing perceptions.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, looking to unwind after a long day, or simply curious about cannabis, Cannabis Realm offers a welcoming, judgment-free space to explore.
Looking ahead, expansion is on the horizon. But for now, Noboa and Fontanez are focused on serving their community and nurturing the seeds of acceptance they’ve planted in White Plains.
In a world where cannabis is often misunderstood, Cannabis Realm stands as a beacon of education, community, and positive change. It’s more than just a dispensary – it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, second chances, and the transformative potential of cannabis done right.
