When Ramez Maxemous, a.k.a. Max, tells you he’s a pharmacist turned dispensary owner, you might raise an eyebrow. After all, it’s not every day someone trades prescription pads for pre-rolls.

But for Max, who spent two decades behind the counter of a Newark pharmacy, the shift wasn’t about chasing a trend — it was about helping people heal.

“I’d rather dispense cannabis than prescription medication,” he says without hesitation. In his current role, he helps seniors find real relief and has seen patients taper off opioids, antidepressants, and anxiety meds.

“I see a lot less harm and a lot more benefit from the plant versus any medication.”

A pharmacist and a pothead

Max laughs when asked about his dual identity as a lifelong cannabis consumer and licensed healthcare professional. “We have a lot of fun with that,” he admits.

“It’s always education first — but if you mix in some humor, it sticks longer. That’s how we connect.”

That blend of credibility and relatability has helped URB’N Dispensary stand out in Newark since opening in March 2023. The road there wasn’t easy. The license application, first submitted in 2019, dragged through lawsuits, delays, and predatory landlords before finally landing Max a prime location near Newark Airport and the Prudential Center.

“I see a lot less harm and a lot more benefit from the plant versus any medication.”

Ramez Maxemous, Co-Owner of URB’N Dispensary

“It was a very tough process,” he recalls. “But in the end, all the pieces fit. No complaints — just lessons.”

The menu at URB’N reflects Max’s dual perspective: part pharmacist, part cannabis connoisseur.

“I shop like a customer,” he says. “I want variety, I want freshness, I want fair pricing. THC isn’t everything — flavor and effect matter more.”

That philosophy means URB’N stocks everything from low-dose edibles for medical patients to high-potency flower for experienced consumers.

Popular picks include products from Niche, EV Cultivators, and Neptune’s Garden. Max is quick to shout out local and minority-owned partners: “Black-owned, woman-owned, Jersey-grown — we’ll support them all.”

Building trust in Newark

As the first independent cannabis business to open in North Jersey, URB’N carried the weight of changing community perception. Early opposition was fierce. Some residents were fine with cannabis — just not in their backyard.

But Max and his family have endeared themselves by leaning into community involvement. “We’ve been doing every turkey drive, every toy giveaway, every community event,” he says. “Over time, people saw we weren’t just here to sell weed. We’re here to be a trusted partner.”

A family business, an American dream

For Max and his wife, who co-own URB’N, the journey has always been personal. Both are children of immigrants, both built careers in pharmacy, and both saw cannabis as a way to create something different in their own city.

But being a small, minority-owned business hasn’t made the climb easy.

“Access to money is almost nonexistent. Investors don’t line up for people like us,” Max says. “And when we started, there was no one to guide us. We figured it out on our own.”

That’s why he now makes a point of mentoring others. “Anyone who calls us looking to open, we give advice for free. We didn’t get that when we started — but if we can make someone else’s path easier, we will.”

Competing in a crowded market

As more dispensaries move into Newark, competition is inevitable, but Max isn’t worried about being one of many. Max sees URB’N’s edge in its authenticity, expertise, and education-first approach. “We always have a pharmacist on duty. We keep it professional but fun.”

Adding to the fun, URB’N will soon be home to one of New Jersey’s first licensed consumption lounges — a 2,000-square-foot space designed to feel less like a venue and more like a living room. With room for about 100 people, the lounge will host comedy shows, cultural events, and one-on-one education sessions.

“We don’t just want a crowded room. We want people to actually learn something.”

Ramez Maxemous, Co-Owner of URB’N Dispensary

“We don’t just want a crowded room,” Max explains. “We want people to actually learn something — how to dab, how to use concentrates, whatever they’re curious about. And we’ll have food from local spots like Snack Mania and Afro Taco delivered right to your table. That’s the kind of experience people will come back for.”

Blending the rigor of a pharmacist with the perspective of a lifelong consumer, Max has created a space that feels both professional and personal, rooted in the community yet open to anyone curious about the plant.

As the market around him gets more crowded, Max is betting that trust, education, and a little humor will go further than hype.

Looking for cannabis products and a community hub in Newark? Shop the URB’N Dispensary menu on Leafly for pickup or delivery, find daily deals, and stock up on all your favorites today.

Housewives of Potomac dubbed Eddie Osefo “Happy Eddie”—a nickname that stuck. What began as a playful TV moment soon evolved into a powerful brand name and mission. Today, Happy Eddie is a multi-state Black-owned cannabis lifestyle brand bringing authentic representation, thoughtful product development, and a justice-oriented ethos to the heart of the industry.

Launched in September 2023, Happy Eddie hit the market just as Maryland’s adult-use cannabis market opened to recreational consumers. While Osefo had always planned to get involved in the cannabis space—whether through investment, licensing, or advocacy—the timing aligned perfectly with Maryland’s regulatory shift and his own growing public profile.

Happy Eddie is a multi-state Black-owned cannabis lifestyle brand bringing authentic representation, thoughtful product development, and a justice-oriented ethos to the heart of the industry.

“I always knew when Maryland legalized marijuana for recreational use, I was going to get involved,” Osefo says. “The idea of creating a lifestyle brand really took shape after the viral moment on RHOP, and the name just resonated. The community loved it, and that sealed the deal.”

Since then, Happy Eddie has expanded into Missouri and New Jersey, growing a brand that feels right at home in local dispensaries and resonates with everyday consumers. But navigating the cannabis space as a new business owner—especially in an industry packed with regulations and gatekeeping—is anything but easy.

“You bet on yourself and hope that everything else takes care of itself,” Osefo explains. “The highs are high and the lows are low, but I stuck with it. You have to stay on top of the rules and regulations to stay compliant, and keep your ear to the street to know what will resonate.”

Cannabis for the culture

“Our journey was no different than any other minority-owned business. When you enter rooms in the cannabis industry, you quickly realize they don’t reflect people who look like you—or the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. That’s a problem.”

Eddie Osefo, Happy Eddie Founder & CEO

That connection to community—both culturally and geographically—is what sets Happy Eddie apart. Osefo’s mission goes far beyond THC percentages or trendy packaging. The brand positions itself as a space for everyday professionals, soccer moms, canna-curious newcomers, and longtime connoisseurs alike. In particular, Happy Eddie aims to provide a platform for people historically shut out of the cannabis industry due to systemic barriers and the ongoing impact of the War on Drugs.

“Our journey was no different than any other minority-owned business,” he says. “When you enter rooms in the cannabis industry, you quickly realize they don’t reflect people who look like you—or the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. That’s a problem.”

With a legal background and deep understanding of policy, Osefo is determined to change that. Happy Eddie works closely with advocacy organizations like the Last Prisoner Project (LPP), helping to raise funds and awareness for cannabis prisoners and their families. The brand has implemented in-store fundraising efforts and uses its growing platform to highlight reform and social impact.

“We support organizations that drive outreach, education, and policy reform,” says Osefo. “With my legal background, I have a passion for criminal justice reform and eliminating systemic barriers. We want to provide minority entrepreneurs with meaningful opportunities in this space.”

Purpose beyond products

That same intentionality is evident in the brand’s product line. Happy Eddie’s best-seller, the Zen Wen strain, is featured across flower, pre-rolls, and strawberry lemonade terpene-infused edibles—with plans to expand into vapes and infused joints soon. “Zen Wen is a fan favorite,” Osefo notes. “It hits the sweet spot for micro-dosing and on-the-go use.”

The brand’s cultivation strategy reflects a focus on productivity and balance, with a preference for energizing sativas. “We cater to people with busy schedules who want to stay productive,” he says. “Appearance, aroma, terpene profile—all of that plays a role.”

Osefo remains focused on the long game: scaling sustainably, forging partnerships with other Black-owned brands, and continuing to elevate cannabis culture as a force for good.

There’s also a cultural nod in the product names, with certain strains referencing Real Housewives moments, appealing to fans of the show who now know Osefo as both a TV personality and cannabis entrepreneur. Yet behind the celebrity connection is a serious commitment to education, accessibility, and normalization.

“One of our slogans is ‘Everyday Professionals Who Color Outside the Lines,’” Osefo says. “I don’t look like the poster child for cannabis use, but that’s the point. Teachers, lawyers, parents—there’s a place for everyone here.”

That inclusivity extends to hiring. As the brand continues to grow, Osefo is on the lookout for passionate Brand Ambassadors, Content Creators, and Sales Representatives who align with the brand’s energy and vision. “If you have talent, we want to hear from you,” he says. “We’re scaling fast.”

Even as Happy Eddie navigates the patchwork regulations across Maryland, Missouri, and now New Jersey—where even packaging laws vary drastically—Osefo remains focused on the long game: scaling sustainably, forging partnerships with other Black-owned brands, and continuing to elevate cannabis culture as a force for good.

Destigmatizing the plant

“We’re not just here to sell weed,” Osefo says. “We’re here to represent a community that’s been overlooked—and to prove that cannabis users look like your lawyer, your neighbor, your kid’s teacher. The stigma has to go.”

So what’s next for Happy Eddie?

“More states. More products. More partnerships with Black-owned businesses. And hopefully, more real talk about what this plant can actually do for people.”

The work is far from over, but Osefo is building something that’s rooted in purpose, not just profit. And in an industry that’s still figuring out what equity really looks like, that’s the kind of energy the cannabis space could use more of.

Looking to try out Happy Eddie products for yourself? Shop the Happy Eddie catalog on Leafly, find deals, and stock up on your next favorite strain today.

By: Robb Reefa

Being the best isn’t all about numbers. With close to 1,000 brands now available on New York dispensary shelves, Budtenders and Buyers are smoking ’em all–in search of NY’s very best strains, growers, and brands. With the most smokers per capita in the world, and over 420 legal dispensaries now open, New York’s legal industry promises plenty of smoke ahead. Here’s your summer guide to New York’s best bud.

Rec Roots

Benny The Butcher’s new “Benny Batch” is a top-seller at dozens of dispensaries, including JFK Cannabis, located directly next to Kennedy Airport. At JFK, top shelf clients are pointed straight to Benny’s Batch. “It took me three months to build my menu,” said JFK owner and buyer Nnamdi Ukasoanya, who takes pride in curating local heat like Rec Roots over hype. The Rec Roots menu also boasts strains like NY#5 (their first pheno-hunted strain), Jezus Juice, and Benny’s Batch. Not to mention, the company is run by true OGs of the New York legacy community. With top genetics that keep smokers stuck, and exclusive events coming with Benny, Leafly and New York’s top dispensaries.

Vitabudz

Our friends at RNR dispensary swear by Vitabudz. The legacy brand boasts clean grow techniques and a growing selection of strains. They’re launching a micro-operation soon that will include a retail store. But until then, they’re selling fast in dozens of dispensaries from upstate to downtown.

1937

JFK Buds carries 14 strains of 1937. And they swear they’re all gas. Looking for quality indoor with a wide selection and fair price point? 1937 checks all boxes. The JFK teams holds 1937 as the bar setter for their whole menu. As more stores get hip, you should stock up before they sell out everywhere.

DOJA

Whether you go to Happy Munkey Dyckman uptown, or Torches by Polanco Brothers downtown, budtenders are raving about DOJA’s New York offering. DOJA is one of the world’s most respected flower brands. And now it’s finally available in New York dispensaries. Find DOJA strains Gelonade, Permanant Marker and Giraffe Puzzy now at Torches by Polanco Brothers in Midtown or Happy Munkey Uptown.

This craft quality grower made a huge name for himself on the legacy market over the years. Now he’s partnering with top dispensaries like Good Grades and Torches for limited drops in the legal market. His first run sold out in a few hours earlier this month. Stay tuned to Good Grades and Torches on Leafly for menu updates and restocks from The Mechanic.

Hashtag Honey

Don’t let the sweet name fool you. This is one of New York’s most potent flower brands. If high-THC indoor is your speed, Hashtag Honey won’t disappoint. Triple Diesel and Strawberry Diesel are top sellers at Culture House and other stores that specialize in top tier flower.

Noizey

This is a staff pick at Valley Greens thanks to low price, high potency, and that extra .5g blessing in every jar.

Tarot Tokes

Tarot Tokes leans into the mysticism of cannabis. The brand works with the cultivator Java Sprout Farm to curate strains that complement various cards from the Tarot deck. Tarot is a centuries-old practice that uses cards and their meanings to tell people’s fortunes or clarify aspects of their lives, and cannabis can work much in the same way. Each strain embodies the card on the packaging; one of their most popular offerings, the sativa-dominant Lilac Diesel, is The Sun card, which reflects its vitality and energizing effects. Others on their roster: Priestess Haze (The Queen), Chemdog (The Emperor), RS11 (The Chariot), and Sour Hour (The Fool).

Rolling Green

Rolling Green may be the most respected brand among budtenders in New York, based on our research. No matter who we talked to, Rolling Green got a nod in the discussion for best flower in New York state dispensaries. They aren’t hard to find. Hit the button to roll with the best.

Synergy

Synergy’s dialed in on the strains high-end smokers are looking for. Sweet and pungent genetics like Blue Gushers, Sour Space Rocks, and Pink Guava Synergy are available now in The Bronx (The Bronx Joint, Bleu Leaf), Manhattan (Torches NYC by Polanco Brothers), Queens (Weedside), satisfying the real Zaza lovers city-wide. They just dropped pre-rolls, too, for a more convenient, lower-cost option.

The team at Nicklz shared some RYTHM flower on a night out. We were impressed by the nug structure and terps on the Zoap and Animal Mintz strains. Available statewide, click below to find RYTHM at a nearby dispensary on Leafly.

STA Exotic (cultivated by Torrwood Farm)

Cultivated by Torrwood Farm, New Yorkers are grabbing STA Exotic’s premium flower and infused pre-rolls by the handful. Grown in 200-year old living soil, STA livest up to its exotic name.

SUPER DOPE

I recently tried this brand SUPER DOPE from Good Grades and gave it a great review overall. They got pulled from shelves momentarily, due to censorship on their Hentai-themed packaging. But more drops are coming from this high-demand craft quality brand. Happy Munkey (Inwood) also carries this super rare brand.

Heady Tree

According to cannabis sales data platform Headset, Heady Tree is one of New York’s bestselling cannabis brand, namely the strain Blue Lobster. Blue Lobster was bred by Maine Trees, drawing on two strains from the acclaimed Chris Compound during his time with Compound Genetics. The strain has made waves on the cannabis cup circuit and pages of weed magazines alike. Blue Lobster is currently one the most searched strains by Leafly users in New York. It’s a testament to Heady Tree’s eye for unique terpene profiles and strains that don’t always get the hype that the Gelatos and Diesels do. Their offerings of flower eighths, quarters, half-ounces and prerolls include numerous strains we’ve highlighted throughout the year, like Blue Zushi, Glitterbomb, our 2024 Strain of the Year Super Boof, Peach Pie, and Tangie Colada.

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This micro-license brand has been around for years in New York’s legacy space. Their first legal release is a hit, and shows steady development over the years. The Sensei Cult always puts cannabis above clout. And that dedication translates to their legal flower.

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Leal Organics

Leal does it better than most. Which is impressive for the volume of flower they produce. The attention to detail is pristine according to the budtenders and buyers we spoke to at New York dispensaries. This is the flagship brand for Sapphire Farms, a 100-acre grow upstate in Newfield.

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Doobie Labs

No hesitation. Doobie Labs is one of the most popular brands on New York dispensary shelves thanks to rare strains like Blue Lobster (one of NY’s most-searched strains on Leafly). According to budtenders, Doobie Labs is an instant buy for true tokers in New York.

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With strains like Wet Dream and WAP, Zizzle is flying off of shelves. Their whole flower eighths are a cut above most brands. And they’re not hard to find statewide. Next time you’re in Queens, stop by House of Strains for one of the state’s best selections of Zizzle flower.

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Ghost.

Strains like Hot Glue and BBK are some of Ghost’s best sellers. Their 7-gram jars are supernatural, according to our friends at House of Strains.

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