ECNETNews, New York, NY, Mon. Dec. 30, 2024: A significant milestone was celebrated in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, as Vaughn Mayers, a Trinidadian-American lawyer, inaugurated Fireleaf, a licensed cannabis dispensary, located at 2102 Ralph Avenue. The grand opening garnered robust community and political support, highlighting Mayers as a trailblazer in New York’s newly legalized cannabis sector.
The event featured numerous dignitaries, including New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Council Member Farah N. Louis, and Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, who offered encouragement and presented official citations. State Senators Kevin Parker and Leroy Comrie, along with Assemblymember Latrice Walker, also attended, underlining the importance of this occasion.
Kamla Karina Millwood, president of a local publishing company and event host, emphasized the significance of this achievement for cannabis equity. “This is a transformative moment for Vaughn and the community,” Millwood remarked, acknowledging Mayers’ social equity license granted by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) as a crucial step towards remedying the historical injustices faced by communities of color due to cannabis criminalization.
A Personal and Community Triumph
Mayers, raised in Brooklyn as the son of Trinidadian immigrants, faced numerous challenges en route to a career in public service and law. He earned degrees from Medgar Evers College, New York University, and CUNY School of Law. In May 2024, he was admitted to the New York State Bar and awarded a cannabis license through the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program.
“After years of adversity, this is a reparative moment for me and my community,” Mayers reflected on his experiences with the criminal justice system due to cannabis prohibition. “I’m proud to be here today and grateful for the overwhelming support.”
Building Equity Through Cannabis
Fireleaf exemplifies New York State’s commitment to equity in its expanding cannabis market. The CAURD program prioritizes individuals affected by previous cannabis-related convictions, providing them with opportunities to lead within the legal framework.
“This initiative seeks to rectify past injustices while empowering individuals like Vaughn to positively impact their communities,” Millwood stated. Council Member Farah Louis also praised Mayers for his determination and commitment to creating opportunities for others.
The festivities included a ribbon-cutting led by a representative from the local Chamber of Commerce and a proclamation from the Mayor’s office. Guests enjoyed refreshments from local vendors, reflecting the community spirit surrounding the event.
“This is a proud day for our community,” stated Senator Kevin Parker. “Supporting businesses like Fireleaf is essential for nurturing local growth and opportunity.”
Mayers’ Fireleaf dispensary stands as a testament to resilience, equity, and progress in the cannabis industry, offering a hopeful pathway forward for others affected by the war on drugs.
