A new cannabis dispensary, Flower Daddy, has officially opened its doors in Williamsburg, New York, aiming to create a supportive environment for the local LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. The store, located at 539 Metropolitan Ave., began operations on January 29, 2023, under the ownership of Pablo Velez, a member of the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities.
Velez envisions Flower Daddy as a community hub where individuals can feel comfortable and welcomed. He stated, “I just want to create like a neighborhood hub. I feel like everyone kind of says that, but I’m Latino, I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community, so I want to create a place where people can come in and feel comfortable.”
The journey to open Flower Daddy has not been without challenges. Approximately 15 years ago, Velez, a Colombian immigrant, faced the threat of deportation following an arrest for smoking marijuana in public. He recalled, “I was in the Lower East Side…and then someone passed me a one-hitter and I did smoke it. When I smoked that, there was a swarm of police officers undercover and my friends and I got arrested.”
At that time, the repercussions of a drug conviction could have been severe for Velez’s immigration status. He ultimately avoided a drug conviction but faced ongoing scrutiny during travels, including a close call at JFK Airport that left him fearing deportation. After years of battling immigration issues, he finally achieved U.S. citizenship. “I was able to become a citizen. It was years of fighting just because of that kind of conviction,” Velez shared.
Overcoming Challenges in the Cannabis Industry
With the legalization of recreational cannabis in New York, Velez seized the opportunity to enter the industry. He successfully applied for a license, but the process was anything but straightforward. “Being able to open has not been easy. Dealing with the OCM and trying to get this license — it wasn’t given to me. It’s been a fight,” he explained.
Flower Daddy’s grand opening was initially uncertain due to a significant snowstorm. Velez faced a power outage just before the planned event but decided to monitor the situation closely. “I did not sleep that night. I stayed up all night just checking and waiting. At 7 a.m., the lights came back on, and I was like, ‘Okay, the show must continue,’” he recounted. The opening day turned out to be a resounding success, with Velez reporting record high sales despite the weather challenges.
“It was kind of surreal. I just couldn’t believe that I was here and everything was happening and we were able to open,” he said.
Aiming for Community Support and Resources
As Flower Daddy continues to flourish, Velez has plans to develop community programming focused on immigration and LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing harm reduction and assistance in navigating the legal system. Reflecting on his own experiences, he expressed a desire to provide resources for individuals facing similar challenges.
“I want to be able to create those connections and be able to create a resource for people who need help,” Velez said, underscoring his commitment to serving the community.
For more information about Flower Daddy and its offerings, visit flowerdaddy.nyc.
