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This Legacy-era rebel is taking Nuna Harvest to the moon

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In just a few months, Nuna Harvest has built one of the best teams in New York cannabis. Owner and legacy-operator Howie Rondinone recently told Leafly how he did it.

New York has always been a city of characters, with every industry from tech to fashion to cannabis full of people with lives that seem to play out like movies. Or, if you’re Nuna Harvest owner Howie Rondinone, your life has been a tv show. More specifically, a mix of Showtime’s Shameless and FX’s Sons of Anarchy.

“I was a latch key kid. I didn’t have a curfew. A lot of weapons in my (childhood) house, a lot of drugs, a lot of bikers, a lot of hippies…gritty but glamorous.”

Howard Rondinone, owner Nuna Harvest dispensary

Howie was born and raised in the Bronx by a German American mother, a hippie “rebel”, and an “outlaw biker” father for whom it was routine to drive his chopper up the six-floor walkup to their  apartment and leave it on the fire escape every night. He jokes that he attended all three Woodstock concerts, since his mother went while pregnant with him. It seemed predestined that he would work in the world of weed—legacy, legal, and all things in between. 

“My mother saw that I was interested in growing, so she start[ed] teaching me how to grow. Meanwhile, my dad’s got all these illegal grows, and he was importing from Jamaica and Columbia. I’m being nurtured into the retail side of it with my old man. He’s explaining to me how the importation works. And then I’m going with my mom, learning the actual plant. So that was sort of where I started.”

Howard Rondinone, owner Nuna Harvest dispensary

Howie learned the sensibilities needed to navigate a covert business in New York City in the ‘80s, and started dealing cannabis he got from his father at 12 to kids at school, scaling his way up. It was a period ripe for graffiti culture, and weed was an easy way to enter more and more subcultures.

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Despite his extracurricular activities, Howie was a good student, but he was admittedly, “always a money grubber.” As was en vogue at the time, he fell in with the Grateful Dead and Deadhead crowd, following them on tour and providing his services. It was through his mentor that he got an up-close look at importing cannabis from Jamaica, flattening pounds down into the heels of shoes to bring it into Florida. 

“From ‘91 to ‘99 I imported cannabis from Jamaica. I started with the shoes. I went all the way up to luggage, shipments of coffee, all kinds of importation. I seen people die. I almost got killed. We all went to jail.” 

Howard Rondinone, owner Nuna Harvest dispensary

Again, he doesn’t say any of this with gravitas. C’est la vie, right?

The ‘90s for Howie had three major arcs: running his international cannabis business, reconnecting with his high school girlfriend who’d become his wife and mother of his son Peter, and his cannabis arrests. First in Florida, then in New York; after Howie did his time, he did his best to enter civilian life. He got a normal, W-2 kind of job, and started a community little league for other Bronx children to keep them from following in his path, or worse. But all the while, he was still running his weed side-hustle. Never did he think he’d be able to put his best skills to work on the other side of the law.

It doesn’t look like an Apple store or a med spa. Howie himself has adorned the walls with his artwork, blending portraits of iconic figures like Snoop Dogg with the art style of Keith Harring. There’s an entire hallway dedicated to artwork that Howie and general manager Sherri McGee hope to source from local artists. He’s also the buyer, ensuring that his inventory reflects quality and appeals to the vast spectrum of characters.

Howie’s managerial style comes from his time in the legacy market. Most of his team also hail from the Bronx; some he coached in little league all those years ago. Next year, they hope to build out a lounge and open the space for consumption. But for now, it’s about running Nuna the same way he ran his previous empire.

“I want it to be like a big, warm hug when you walk in. If I could put couches all over the place and let you sit here all day, I would.”

Howard Rondinone, owner Nuna Harvest dispensary



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Delivered Inc.

Delivered Inc.: A dispensary at your doorstep

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In a cannabis market only beginning to recognize the potential of home delivery, Delivered Inc. is already setting the standard. Founded by Ruben Seyde, Eddy Twal, and Tut Liu, Delivered Inc.—based in Worcester, Massachusetts—launched in July 2023, becoming the fifth licensed home delivery operator in the state.

With backgrounds in both the legacy market and regulated industries, the Delivered Inc. leadership trio brings a passion for the plant that provides street-level cred along with business acumen.

The idea was born out of a pivot. Ruben originally planned to launch a 55-acre outdoor grow, but when COVID derailed funding, he shifted focus to the state’s new delivery license—a more accessible entry point into the legal market. Investor connections and shared values brought Eddy and Tut into the fold.

With backgrounds in both the legacy market and regulated industries, the trio brings a passion for the plant that provides street-level cred along with business acumen. That lived experience drives their mission: to fix what’s broken about cannabis delivery—whether it’s unreliable ETAs, poor communication, or bottom-shelf flower. 

Their solution: fast, reliable logistics and a thoughtfully curated menu, with service in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Customers get real-time tracking, prompt drop-offs, and a streamlined experience that feels as convenient as Uber Eats. There’s no reason it should feel sketchy, inconsistent, or late, according to Eddy. “It’s our responsibility to make our customers feel safe and give them an easy and seamless transaction.”

The nose knows

On the menu: pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, tinctures, rolling papers, and lighters. “We carry just about everything a typical stoner would want,” says Eddy. “But we put a lot of thought into how we build our inventory.”

That thoughtfulness starts with choosing the right partners. “We love working with small, social equity, and minority-owned businesses,” says Ruben. “Our goal is to offer value beyond just the product—supporting local entrepreneurs who care about the plant and the people consuming it.” He points to brands like Bailey’s Buds, Haven, U-4-EA, and even local competitors—like local producer (and fellow home delivery trailblazer) Major Bloom. “They paved the way. We credit them with helping to build this market.”

“I go by the nose—the smell tells you everything. If it’s got those terpene-rich aromas, it’s going to hit well for the consumer.”

While Delivered Inc. aims to serve a wide range of consumers, the realities of running a delivery service introduce some limits. “We have a delivery minimum of $75, which unfortunately prices some folks out,” Ruben acknowledges. “But we work hard to offer real value at that price point—like full ounces for $75, including tax. That way, people on a budget still get quality and convenience.”

At the same time, the team’s craft-first philosophy appeals to cannasseurs. Touring every grow facility themselves, Ruben and Eddy prioritize cultivators who put care into their practices. “I don’t really look at strain names or test results,” Ruben says. “I go by the nose—the smell tells you everything. If it’s got those terpene-rich aromas, it’s going to hit well for the consumer.”

Education also plays a role. “A lot of people still shop by THC percentage, but that’s not the whole story,” Eddy explains. “We try to help them understand the entourage effect, the role of terpenes, and that lower-THC flower can still deliver an incredible high.”

Tech-driven, human-led

With a menu populated by highly curated picks, Delivered Inc. sets itself apart further with a blend of cutting-edge tech. “We offer something unique—an AI budtender that gives personalized recommendations based on your tastes and mood,” explains Eddy. Powered by cannabis platform Jointly, the feature bridges the gap between digital ordering and a real dispensary consultation.

“We’re connecting with communities that previously only had access through the illicit market.”

“And every page on our menu includes AI suggestions based on your shopping history,” adds Ruben. “We want to make shopping as intuitive and frictionless as possible.”

But the tech doesn’t come at the cost of connection. With founders fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Delivered Inc. is reaching customers who’ve historically been underserved by the legal market. “We’re connecting with communities that previously only had access through the illicit market,” Eddy says.

Speed bumps and roadblocks

For Delivered Inc., the road hasn’t just been uphill—it’s been underfunded and full of systemic barriers.  They weren’t selected as a recipient for Massachusetts’ Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, and the “lack of access to capital is the biggest challenge. It really hinders our ability to grow, ” says Ruben.

Marketing is also an uphill battle. As an online-only brand with no storefront, Delivered Inc. remains largely invisible to consumers unless they already know where to look. “We want to reach people compliantly,” says Eddy. “But building a social presence is hard.” From restrictive ad rules to being excluded from the state’s “Find a Retailer” locator, digital cannabis companies are often cut off from basic tools of modern marketing.

But limitations have also sparked creativity. One upside of not having capital, Ruben reflects, “is that we’ve developed a very personal approach with our customers.” With founders handling daily operations, “it really allows us to build strong relationships with our customers.” That kind of connection becomes a referral engine: “People love us, and they tell their friends.”

Looking ahead: Cannabis goes mainstream

When asked what’s next for Delivered Inc., Ruben doesn’t hesitate. “We’re going to be the best delivery operator in Massachusetts.”

After that? New England. Then the nation. “That’s our goal,” says Eddy. “We want to deliver an experience that’s easy, safe, and convenient for folks everywhere.”




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Green Flash: Delivering Boston’s cannabis future

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Challenging the way Boston’s cannabis consumers think about their old plug, Green Flash Delivery is redefining convenience, quality, and community in the local weed scene. Operating out of a 2,000-square-foot warehouse in Roxbury, this fast-growing service offers a curated selection of products from over 30 top-tier brands and suppliers. 

At its core, Green Flash is the vision of Mario Signore and Duane Edward Osborn—a dynamic duo blending expertise in cultivation with a sharp eye for streamlined delivery. Together, they’re not just running a business; they’re building a brand rooted in authenticity, accessibility, and the culture of Boston cannabis.

Born in Roxbury, built for change

By launching a cannabis business in his own backyard, Osborn is not only taking advantage of Massachusetts’ social equity programs but also creating opportunities for those who have long been shut out of the legal economy.

For Mario and Duane, the opportunity for a weed delivery business in a city like Boston was a no-brainer. With a dense population, a thriving university scene, and limited retail storefronts, the demand for convenient cannabis access was clear.

The choice to establish Green Flash in Roxbury was more than a business decision—it was a commitment to the community. For Duane, Roxbury isn’t just where he grew up; it’s a historically Black neighborhood deeply affected by the war on drugs.

Generations of men in the area have faced incarceration, leaving them with criminal records that make finding employment nearly impossible. By launching a cannabis business in his own backyard, Osborn is not only taking advantage of Massachusetts’ social equity programs but also creating opportunities for those who have long been shut out of the legal economy.

Beyond job creation, Green Flash is invested in supporting Roxbury’s broader social and economic well-being. The company prioritizes hiring locally, working with community organizations, and addressing issues like the opioid crisis, which has hit the neighborhood hard. While state regulations prevent hiring people in recovery to handle cannabis directly, Green Flash finds other ways to provide employment, from building renovations to neighborhood cleanups.

Osborn’s nonprofit, the Black Net Worth Development Association, works to close Boston’s staggering racial wealth gap by promoting Black homeownership. For Green Flash, success isn’t just about selling cannabis—it’s about creating lasting change in Roxbury.

The evolution of cannabis delivery in Boston

The Green Flash team also recognized a gap in the market: while dispensaries catered to walk-in customers, many consumers preferred the privacy and convenience of home delivery.

For Green Flash, success isn’t just about selling cannabis—it’s about creating lasting change in Roxbury.

For decades, the cannabis market in neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, and Southie operated in familiar, underground ways—buyers relied on personal connections, transactions happened behind closed doors, and paranoia was part of the process. But as legal cannabis delivery services take hold, the landscape is shifting.

Drawn in by competitive prices, reliability, and a level of professionalism the legacy market never offered, Green Flash is attracting new and longtime consumers alike. “People like buying from us because we’re dependable. We don’t make people wait for hours,” Mario explains. “No awkward exchanges, no pressure to smoke just to prove yourself. Just good service.”

Curating the perfect cannabis experience

The selection from your old plug probably pales in comparison to what’s on offer from Green Flash, where every strain, edible, and vape in their lineup is chosen with intention. They prioritize craft growers and independent brands, selecting products from those who have deep roots in the traditional market and a genuine respect for cannabis culture. 

They prioritize craft growers and independent brands, selecting products from those who have deep roots in the traditional market and a genuine respect for cannabis culture.

Customer favorites include wood-tip pre-rolled blunts from Blossom, premium flower from Trade Routes, and top-tier vapes from trusted cultivators. By curating a selection that balances quality, authenticity, and customer demand, Green Flash ensures that every product they offer meets the highest standards.

A key part of their approach is listening. “We talk to almost every customer,” says Mario. “A lot of them are first-timers or curious about THC. We take the time to explain things like the entourage effect and different cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, or CBD.” 

Whether it’s introducing a new customer to the right strain or helping a seasoned consumer explore the benefits of minor cannabinoids, their commitment to thoughtful curation is helping reshape Boston’s cannabis culture, one conversation at a time.

Looking forward: The future of Green Flash

Since opening for business on Super Bowl Sunday 2024, Green Flash Delivery has quickly built a loyal customer base. Now they’re ready to take the next big step. So far, they’ve grown the company with minimal resources, and now they’re finally securing a marketing budget—an investment that will help them transition from walking to running.

As the industry continues to evolve, Green Flash is committed to preserving the culture that Boston’s cannabis scene has worked hard to cultivate.

Their goal is clear: to become a household name for cannabis delivery in Boston while staying true to their roots. Unlike many other cannabis businesses, Green Flash is determined to remain locally owned, hiring from within the community and reinvesting revenue back into the neighborhoods they serve.

As the industry continues to evolve, Green Flash is committed to preserving the culture that Boston’s cannabis scene has worked hard to cultivate.

More than just a delivery service, they see themselves as an independent voice for local consumers, free from outside influence or agendas. Their independence means they can curate products based on what their customers love—not just what the industry pushes.

“When you want your green in a flash,” they say, “you call Green Flash.” And as they continue to grow, one thing is certain: they’ll do it on their own terms, as a true Boston brand.


Ready to have your green delivered in a flash? Shop the Green Flash menu on Leafly for delivery, find daily deals, and stock up on all your favorites today.




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Celebrate 420 weekend with cannabis, community, and creativity at MARY FEST NYC

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420 is right around the corner! If you’re in New York or New Jersey, you won’t want to miss MARY FEST: Where art, culture, and NY’s top brands come together for a community event like no other.

“Created by the team that brought you MARY Magazine comes a desired event encompassing elements of lifestyle that speak to the modern day community from fashion, music, cannabis, health & wellness, design, tech and more!” -MARY FEST

With MARY FEST taking place the day before Easter, the event will feature a lineup of Easter-themed activities with a 420-friendly twist.

GRÖN will host an infused Easter Chocolate Candy Station, offering a decadent selection of infused treats.

Grassroots, MARY FEST’s Official Flower Partner, will present an Easter Egg Hunt, where attendees can discover exclusive prizes, product giveaways, and surprise goodies.

OCB Rolling Papers and Cones will be hosting a lounge on our 6th floor courtyard, where guests can relax and enjoy their top-tier rolling essentials.

ILGM is taking its ‘Home of the Growers’ mission nationwide with the U.S. Home Grow Tour, culminating at MARY FEST, where ILGM will shine a spotlight on New York’s rapidly expanding home grow movement.

Get 50% off tickets just for being a Leafly subscriber. Use code LEAFLY.




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