Opening a Dispensary in New York: East Leaf on Staffing, Stigma, and State Rules
Check Out the Latest Episode of the Pain Points Podcast with Gina Miller co-owner d team member, Taylor Smith of East Leaf Dispensary!
Welcome back to the Pain Points Podcast, powered by StaffBuffalo!
In this transparent and compelling episode, host Maggie Shea visits East Leaf Dispensary, a woman- and family-owned, New York State licensed adult-use cannabis retailer in Cheektowaga, NY. Maggie sits down with co-owner, Gina Miller, and team member, Taylor Smith, to dive deep into the real Pain Points of navigating a brand-new cannabis industry from scratch.
From starting out in a liquor store to opening one of Buffalo’s first fully legal dispensaries, Gina and Taylor share the ups and downs of launching a cannabis business — all while combatting stigma, building customer trust, educating first-time buyers, and managing shifting state regulations.
We cover:
The legacy-to-legal journey and what it really took to launch
Pain Points of misinformation, compliance chaos, and stigma
How East Leaf educates customers overwhelmed by 500+ brands
Creating community connections in a misunderstood environment
The reality of vendor selection, inventory decisions, and product variety
Competing with the illicit market while staying compliant and transparent
Supporting small NYS cultivators and staying rooted in WNY values
Building a team that represents the brand — and the community
Whether you're cannabis-curious, an industry insider, or simply love a great small business story, this episode highlights resilience, grit, and purpose in action.
📍 Visit East Leaf Dispensary:
2442 Clinton Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Shop Online + Order Delivery: https://www.eastleafdispensary.com
Download the East Leaf App on iOS & Android
COMING SOON: New location opening in East Aurora, NY – Fall 2025!
Watch the classic 1936 film Reefer Madness:
Reefer Madness (1936) Cult Classic | Full Movie | Subtitled
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment.