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Terp Bros.: A Trailblazing Retail Dispensary Delivering Premium Cannabis in NYC

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THE OG POPPADUKES

By Michael “PoppaDukes” Serrano

When you walk into Terp Bros. in Queens, you’re not just stepping into a dispensary. You’re entering a community hub. It is built on passion, purpose, and access to legal cannabis for New Yorkers. Founded by Jeremy Rivera and Joe Alessandro Cottone, Terp Bros. has quickly become a trailblazer in New York’s burgeoning legal market. This is due to their focus on retailing curated, premium products. They do not manufacture them. They show that quality and social equity can go hand in hand. #TerpBros #NewYorkCannabis #PremiumCannabis #NYCCannabis

From Vision to Reality: The Terp Bros. Story

Jeremy Rivera and Joe Alessandro Cottone didn’t just want to open a dispensary. They wanted to create something that would reshape what a cannabis retail experience look like in New York City. As pioneers in the CAURD (Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary) Program, the duo positioned Terp Bros. as one of the first cannabis retailers in Queens, a borough hungry for legitimate, quality-focused options.

The CAURD Program was designed specifically to give opportunities to individuals and communities most affected by cannabis prohibition. Rivera and Cottone saw this as more than a business opportunity. It was a chance to be part of something bigger. (“Cannabis meets community, and positive change is cultivated,” they’ve said of their mission.) #CannabisEntrepreneur #CannabisCommunity

Their commitment to social equity isn’t just a tagline. It’s woven into the fabric of everything Terp Bros. does, from advocating for justice-involved individuals to fostering equal opportunity within their own operations.

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Two Locations, One Mission

Terp Bros. now operates two locations in Queens. Astoria and Ozone Park each serve as a neighborhood anchor. They cater to cannabis consumers seeking a premium experience without pretension. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur, the vibe is welcoming. If you’re a curious newcomer, the staff is there to guide, not judge. #NYCCannabis #CannabisCommunity

The stores themselves are a visual treat. Vibrant graffiti murals by local artists adorn the walls. This transforms what is a sterile retail environment into something that feels authentically Queens. It’s a reflection of Rivera and Cottone’s belief that a dispensary should celebrate its community, not exist apart from it.

Hours are built for real-life convenience. They are open until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sunday, hours run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Need to order ahead? Online ordering with in-store pickup makes the process seamless. And for those who prefer to stay home, Terp Bros. offers delivery service across multiple Queens zip codes, with minimums ranging from $30 to $70 depending on location.

The Art of Curation: Quality Over Everything

What sets Terp Bros. apart in an increasingly crowded market? Rigorous product curation. Rivera and Cottone understand that in a nascent industry, trust is everything. Every product on their shelves has been meticulously selected from licensed brands and reputable growers. Each product is inspected to meet stringent quality standards. #CannabisQuality #CannabisCultivation

Their menu is nothing short of impressive, over 860 products spanning flower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, edibles, and wellness items. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing indica to wind down after a long day, Terp Bros. has the perfect choice. Or if you want an energizing sativa for creative projects, they’ve got you covered. Maybe you prefer a balanced hybrid that offers the best of both worlds? Terp Bros. has you covered.

This diversity isn’t just about having options, it’s about meeting customers where they are. Different needs, different budgets, different experience levels. The Terp Bros. philosophy is that premium cannabis should be accessible, not exclusive.

Budtenders as Guides, Not Salespeople

Let’s be honest: walking into a dispensary for the first time can be intimidating. What strains should I try? What’s the difference between a vape and a concentrate? How much should I actually be consuming?

At Terp Bros., the budtenders are trained to be guides first and salespeople second. Their job isn’t to upsell, it’s to educate. They take the time to understand what each customer is looking for. Customers seek relief from anxiety, a good night’s sleep, or simply a fun Friday night.

This customer-first approach has earned Terp Bros. a loyal group in Queens. In an industry where the transactional often overshadows the relational, Rivera and Cottone have built something different. It is a place where people feel comfortable asking questions. They can explore what cannabis can do for them.

Championing Social Equity in Cannabis

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New York’s legal cannabis market was built with social equity at its core, at least in theory. In practice, turning those ideals into reality requires businesses willing to do the work. Terp Bros. is doing the work.

Rivera and Cottone actively champion opportunities for justice-involved individuals. They recognize that the communities most harmed by cannabis prohibition should be the first to gain from legalization. This isn’t performative allyship; it’s baked into their hiring practices, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts.

According to MJ Biz Daily’s 2023 data, women account for 39% of cannabis executives and racial minorities 24%. While these numbers represent progress, there’s still significant work to be done. Businesses like Terp Bros. are leading by example, proving that a commitment to equity and a commitment to quality aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re complementary.

Community Hub, Not Just a Dispensary

What makes Terp Bros. truly special is its evolution beyond retail. Yes, you can buy exceptional cannabis there. You can also connect with your neighbors. You can admire local art. You’ll feel like you’re part of something larger than a deal.

The graffiti-adorned walls aren’t just decoration: they’re a statement. They say: This space belongs to Queens. This space belongs to you.

Rivera and Cottone have cultivated an environment where cannabis culture and community culture intersect. It’s a model that other dispensaries would do well to follow as New York’s market continues to mature.

What’s Next for Terp Bros.?

As New York’s cannabis industry continues to evolve, Terp Bros. is positioned for growth. Rivera and Cottone have a proven track record of quality. They are leaders in community engagement and social equity. They have built a foundation that can scale without losing its soul. #CannabisEntrepreneur

For consumers in Queens and beyond, Terp Bros. signifies what legal cannabis can and should look like: accessible, fair, and uncompromisingly excellent. If you haven’t visited one of their locations yet, consider this your invitation.

This is what happens when passion meets purpose. This is Terp Bros.

Want to explore more stories from New York’s cannabis community? Check out The OG Social Network Podcast for in-depth conversations with the people shaping the industry. From cultivators to advocates, tech entrepreneurs to policy experts, we’re bringing you the voices that matter.

Don’t miss our NYS Canna Farms Tour series for behind-the-scenes looks at the cultivators growing New York’s finest cannabis.

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.

Sources

#CannabisEntrepreneurs #NewYorkCannabis #PremiumCannabis #CannabisIndustry #NYCCannabis #CannabisBusiness #CannabisCommunity #CannabisQuality #TheOGSocialNetwork #TerpBros

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