Building Community Through Cannabis: The Story of Steve McMullen and the Buffalo Cannabis Network
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this engaging episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Steve McMullen, founder of the Buffalo Cannabis Network (BCN), to talk about his two-decade journey from Hollywood and Colorado to Buffalo—and how he’s helping shape Western New York’s cannabis community through education, connection, and collaboration.
From Film Sets to Grow Rooms
Steve’s story begins far from the cannabis industry. After growing up in Buffalo, he left at age 20 to explore new opportunities, eventually earning a film degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington before heading to Los Angeles. “I realized I loved movies,” he said, “but I didn’t love show business.”
That realization led him to pivot—first into entrepreneurship, then into one of the country’s fastest-growing new industries. A CNN documentary featuring Dr. Sanjay Gupta opened his eyes to the medical potential of cannabis, particularly for epilepsy, which Steve has lived with since childhood.
“I had never touched cannabis before that,” he shared. “But that documentary made me realize there was an entire world of science, healing, and opportunity that we were never taught about.”
Building a Cannabis Business from Scratch
In 2014, Steve founded a cannabis cleaning and disinfection company in North Carolina, later expanding to Colorado as legalization took hold. His company specialized in cleaning grow rooms and manufacturing facilities using antimicrobial technology—offering one of the first “badged janitorial” services in the state.
“We provided certified cleaning crews for dispensaries and grow facilities,” he explained. “It was all about creating safe, compliant environments for cultivation.”
Though the business eventually sold before the 2020 boom, the experience gave Steve a deep understanding of cannabis operations—and a front-row seat to the industry’s evolution.
Coming Home to Build a Community
When Steve returned to Buffalo in 2021, he noticed a gap. “In Colorado, there were constant events—people talking, collaborating, learning,” he said. “Here, no one was talking about cannabis out loud. Everything was still whispered, like it was taboo.”
Determined to change that, he founded the Buffalo Cannabis Network (BCN)—a platform designed to educate, connect, and support the growing cannabis ecosystem in Western New York.
BCN started small, with coffee meetups for professionals curious about the industry. Soon, those grew into evening networking events that blended community, education, and social connection. “We wanted to bring people together—dispensary owners, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and everyday consumers,” Steve said. “People buy from people, and relationships are what drive this industry.”
Normalizing Cannabis, One Conversation at a Time
BCN’s signature events—coffee meetups, happy hours, and dispensary showcases—create space for open dialogue and education. “We want to demystify cannabis,” Steve said. “It’s not scary. It’s not hidden. It’s part of everyday life, and it deserves the same normalization as a glass of wine or a cup of coffee.”
From industry panels on marketing and compliance to summer social events at venues like Hartman’s Distilling Co. and SOUL Buffalo, BCN’s gatherings have quickly become a hub for collaboration and learning.
Steve’s approach emphasizes accessibility. Individual membership costs just one dollar, giving members access to private events, newsletters, and exclusive content. “The dollar isn’t about profit,” he explained. “It’s about creating a safe, private space for professionals to connect without stigma.”
Growing an Inclusive Ecosystem
Beyond networking, BCN provides education, mentorship, and business support for cannabis entrepreneurs and ancillary service providers—from construction firms and security companies to insurance brokers and consultants.
“The biggest pain point in New York’s cannabis rollout is confusion,” Steve said. “People don’t know what’s allowed, how to get involved, or who to talk to. Our job is to clear that up and help people connect the dots.”
BCN’s collaborative ecosystem now includes panel discussions with attorneys and marketing experts, resource-sharing through its blog, and a growing directory of local partners. “It’s about lifting each other up,” Steve said. “We all win when the community grows.”
A New Normal for Buffalo
As legalization continues to expand, Steve envisions a future where cannabis is celebrated, not stigmatized. “I can bring a bottle of Prosecco to a barbecue,” he joked. “Why not a pre-roll?”
His mission is simple: normalize the conversation and connect the community. “We want to show that cannabis can coexist with professionalism, entrepreneurship, and community engagement,” he said. “It’s not just a plant—it’s an industry that’s here to stay.”
At StaffBuffalo, we’re proud to celebrate leaders like Steve who bridge innovation, inclusion, and education to build thriving local industries. Just as the Buffalo Cannabis Network helps create a supportive cannabis ecosystem, we help connect professionals and businesses building Western New York’s future.
To learn more or get involved, visit buffalocannabisnetwork.com, follow @buffalocannabisnetwork on Instagram, or attend one of their monthly networking events to see the community in action.