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Trends LLC: Building a Cannabis Legacy in New York

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THE OG POPPADUKES

By Michael “PoppaDukes” Serrano

A family-built cannabis business is located in the heart of Long Island City, Queens. It is rewriting the rules of what a dispensary can be. Trends LLC, founded by brothers Rodney and Brandon Carter, isn’t just another retail spot: it’s a movement. The Carter brothers have deep roots in the Queens community. Their vision extends far beyond transactions. They are building something that feels less like a store and more like a revolution.

For anyone tracking the rise of New York’s legal cannabis market, Trends LLC represents authenticity and innovation. It also embodies an unwavering commitment to community. This is a story about two brothers turning their dreams into a legacy.

From Queens Streets to Cannabis Pioneers

The Carter brothers grew up in Queens, and that upbringing shaped everything about how they approach business. As Rodney puts it, “Queens raised me, so I already know you can’t fake it out here.” That direct, no-nonsense sensibility is baked into the DNA of Trends LLC.

Rodney and Brandon didn’t stumble into cannabis: they arrived with intention. They understood the cultural weight of the plant and its complex history. They also recognized its potential to transform communities. With this understanding, they set out to create a space that honors all of that context. Trends LLC operates on what Rodney calls a “consciousness-revolution philosophy”. This is a framework that prioritizes education, empowerment, and destigmatization. It emphasizes these values over pure profit.

This isn’t performative. Walk into Trends, and you’ll notice the difference instantly. Staff members get training on THC percentages and terpene profiles. They also learn about cannabis history and cultural context. Additionally, the team focuses on what they call “conscious language.” The goal? Create a judgment-free environment where everyone: from first-time curious consumers to seasoned connoisseurs: feels welcomed and respected.

Innovation That Sets the Standard

Here’s where Trends LLC really separates itself from the pack. Many dispensaries focus solely on product choice. Yet, the Carter brothers are pushing technological boundaries. These advancements help their customers in real, tangible ways.

Through a strategic partnership with Canadian company Guide Rx, Trends has implemented AI-powered consumer education technology. This isn’t a gimmick: it’s a game-changer. Customers can now recognize products and strains based on their specific health needs, preferences, and desired effects with unprecedented precision.

According to Rodney, “Now, we are the only dispensary in the country with this technology.”

Think about that for a moment. A family-owned business in Queens is operated by two brothers from the community. It is leading the entire nation in cannabis retail technology. That’s not just impressive; that’s trailblazing.

The AI system helps bridge the knowledge gap that many consumers face. Cannabis can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers navigating a landscape of hundreds of strains, products, and consumption styles. Trends’ technology removes the guesswork and empowers customers to make informed decisions about their wellness journey.

Building Community Through Education

For Rodney and Brandon, selling cannabis is only part of the equation. They’ve positioned Trends LLC as a cultural and wellness hub that gives back to the community that raised them.

The dispensary hosts regular programming designed to educate, connect, and inspire:

“Meet The Brands” brings together 20–25 cannabis brands for community engagement events. These aren’t just vendor showcases. They’re opportunities for customers to connect directly with the people behind the products. Customers can understand their stories and make more meaningful purchasing decisions.

“Shattering Stigmas” takes things deeper. These forums invite industry leaders to share their experiences. They directly tackle decades of misinformation and racialized policies. These issues have shaped cannabis perception. For the Carter brothers, these conversations aren’t optional. They’re crucial to freeing the narrative around cannabis and its role in American culture.

Rodney and Brandon are Black business owners in an industry still grappling with equity and representation. They understand the weight of their platform. They use it intentionally, featuring minority-owned and New York-based cannabis brands prominently in their recommendations and inventory decisions.

Serving the Community, Block by Block

Trends LLC operates from Long Island City, serving one of the most diverse urban populations in the country. Their customer base reflects that diversity. Curious newcomers find something valuable in the Trends experience. Experienced cannabis enthusiasts also find value.

The dispensary offers delivery services in Woodside, Sunnyside, and Greenpoint. This ensures that accessibility isn’t limited to those who can make it to the storefront. This service is vital for many customers. It is especially crucial for those with mobility challenges or demanding schedules. It provides them access to quality cannabis products and education.

What makes Trends different from the corporate dispensaries popping up across New York? It’s the human element. This is a family business. It is built on what the Carter brothers describe as “a foundation of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to community.” Every decision: from product curation to event programming: filters through that lens.

Diversity in the Cannabis Industry Graphic

The Legacy They’re Building

New York’s cannabis market is still young, and the landscape is shifting rapidly. Amidst the corporate consolidation and regulatory challenges, businesses like Trends LLC represent something hopeful. There is a possibility that cannabis can be a vehicle for community wealth. It can also offer cultural reclamation and genuine healing.

Rodney and Brandon Carter aren’t just running a dispensary. They’re building a blueprint for cannabis business ownership that is rooted in authenticity. It incorporates innovation and a love for community.

For aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs, especially those from communities most affected by prohibition, Trends LLC offers a powerful example. You don’t have to sacrifice your values to succeed. You don’t have to become corporate to compete. And you definitely don’t have to fake it.

Queens won’t let you.

What’s Next for Trends LLC?

The Carter brothers show no signs of slowing down. Their technology partnerships are expanding. Their community programming is growing. Their reputation as innovators is solidifying. Trends LLC is positioned to become a major force in New York’s cannabis future.

Keep an eye on these brothers. They’re not just participating in the industry: they’re helping define what it can become.

For more stories about the pioneers, innovators, and community builders in New York’s cannabis landscape, visit The OG Social Network Podcast. Subscribe to stay connected with the culture.

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Michael “PoppaDukes” Serrano is the executive producer and host of The OG Social Network Podcast. A life-long New Yorker and cannabis advocate, PoppaDukes is educating his community about cannabis, politics, and culture.

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