Niagara Falls, NY (WBEN) The Seneca Nation has begun construction of a new cannabis dispensary near the Seneca Niagara Casino. The facility is set to open in February next to the Seneca One Stop in Niagara Falls.
Nation officials announced Tuesday that Seneca Development, a Nation-owned entity, will open the dispensary on the territory early next year. The dispensary, which will operate as Nativa Cannabis, will be located at the corner of John Daly Blvd. and Niagara Street, next to the Nation-owned Seneca One Stop fuel station and convenience store. Construction of the project is currently underway, and opening is targeted for early February.
“After extensive research and planning, the Seneca Nation is excited to create a new, Nation-owned business in the growing and competitive cannabis market,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. "“Nativa Cannabis will join our other business enterprises, including our Seneca Resorts & Casinos properties, Seneca One Stop locations, and Seneca Gaming & Entertainment operations, in diversifying and strengthening our Seneca economy and generating much-needed revenue to support and fund critical programs and services for the Seneca people.”
The dispensary will also feature a drive-thru window where verified customers will be able to pick up pre-placed orders. Initial plans are for the dispensary to operate seven days a week, from approximately 10am-8pm, open to customers 21 and older.
The Senecas are planning to construct a cultivation facility on Seneca territory in the Southern Tier. Armstrong says the 90,000-square-foot building will allow for the initial cultivation footprint to be expanded to accommodate additional future sales demands.