Community board objects to two proposed Holy Buds dispensaries amid reports of prior illegal sales

The Economic Development & Public Safety Committee voted to send letters of objection for two proposed cannabis retail applications filed under the Holy Buds name, citing unaddressed community concerns and reports of prior illegal activity at the sites.

Diane and other residents told the committee the sites were formerly illegal smoke shops and that, in one location, people had repeatedly sold cannabis on the sidewalk. One public commenter said the sheriff’s office had informed neighborhood groups that both locations were previously closed for illegal cannabis sales and noted the two proposed sites appear to be within 1,000 feet of each other.

Malcolm, who said he had spoken to a property owner, said one site (Cloudy Cloud) appeared likely to proceed while a second site (referred to as the Evil Ghost location) had repeated violations and would likely not be approved; he cautioned that licensing does not automatically stop illegal street sales and said enforcement would be necessary.

Staff member Chris told the committee he had forwarded an October 49th Precinct email about illegal activity at a White Plains Road address and said he personally had observed illegal sales there on several occasions. Because applicants were not present to answer questions or resolve neighborhood concerns, committee members voted to object and asked staff to send a formal letter on board letterhead to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) outlining that community concerns had not been addressed.

The motion was recorded as carrying; the transcript does not show a roll‑call tally. The committee asked staff to prepare the objection letter and send it to OCM on community board letterhead.