Brooklyn is set to welcome a new and significant addition to its burgeoning legal cannabis scene: The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store is opening a new location in Downtown Brooklyn. This expansion marks a milestone as it becomes the first licensed dispensary in New York City to operate a second store, further establishing itself as a leader in the state’s legal cannabis market.
Originally known as Union Square Travel Agency, a nod to its flagship Manhattan store which launched last spring, The Travel Agency Dispensary is preparing to launch a pop-up shop at 122 Flatbush Ave. This temporary setup will precede the unveiling of its permanent, next-door location, currently under construction. This strategic move allows The Travel Agency to quickly serve the Brooklyn community while finalizing its long-term home.
The Travel Agency dispensary exterior in Brooklyn, showcasing its storefront on Flatbush Avenue.
This new venture positions The Travel Agency among the pioneering legal dispensaries in Brooklyn. Just recently, Brooklyn celebrated its first-ever legal recreational marijuana store opening in Gravesend. The arrival of The Travel Agency dispensary in Downtown Brooklyn further signifies the growing accessibility and acceptance of legal cannabis within the borough.
Mirroring the successful model of its Union Square counterpart, The Travel Agency dispensary in Brooklyn will offer a carefully “curated selection of premium products.” Customers can expect to find a diverse range of cannabis goods, including vapes, flower, edibles, and pre-rolls, all sourced and selected for their quality and appeal.
Central to The Travel Agency’s ethos is its commitment to customer education and responsible consumption. The Brooklyn pop-up will be staffed by approximately 60 expertly trained “budtenders.” These knowledgeable professionals will be on hand to guide customers through the product offerings, provide education on responsible usage, and assist in selecting products that best suit individual needs and preferences.
“We get a lot of repeat customers, folks who kind of know what they want and get in and get out,” explained founder Arana Hankin-Biggers. “But our budtenders are always super eager and very passionate about the industry and about the products, so they’re always super willing and eager to talk to customers who want to spend more time learning about the various different products that they carry.” This emphasis on expert guidance sets The Travel Agency dispensary apart, particularly for those new to legal cannabis or seeking informed recommendations.
Customers using iPads to browse products inside The Travel Agency dispensary, with budtenders available for assistance.
Beyond providing premium cannabis products and customer service, The Travel Agency dispensary is deeply committed to social equity. A core aspect of their mission involves prioritizing brands owned by BIPOC individuals and women. This dedication stems from a desire to uplift communities disproportionately affected by historical marijuana prohibition.
In line with this mission, The Travel Agency actively partners with justice-impacted individuals in both its Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. New York State’s legalization of recreational marijuana prioritized licenses for those harmed by the War on Drugs, and The Travel Agency embraces this principle.
In Brooklyn, The Travel Agency dispensary is collaborating with GMDSS LLC, a company owned by a Brooklyn resident with a prior cannabis conviction. GMDSS LLC holds the official dispensary license, making them the legal operator of the Brooklyn store. This partnership reflects The Travel Agency’s existing collaboration with The Doe Fund at their Manhattan location, where a significant portion of profits supports The Doe Fund’s initiatives.
The Doe Fund provides critical transitional housing, job training, and resources to formerly incarcerated and homeless men, many of whom were initially impacted by marijuana-related charges. The Travel Agency dispensary further strengthens its social impact through close collaboration with the Cannabis Justice and Equity Initiative (CJEI), founded by Doe Fund graduate Terrence Coffie. CJEI launched a cannabis training program for formerly incarcerated individuals, and The Travel Agency supported the program’s first cohort, hiring graduates for their Union Square store and planning to recruit more for the Brooklyn location.
The partnership with GMDSS LLC emerged as The Travel Agency actively supported cannabis license holders. GMDSS LLC possessed a license awarded in May but required operational support. Recognizing a synergistic opportunity, the two entities joined forces and secured the Flatbush Avenue location for the new dispensary.
The Travel Agency dispensary’s pop-up is scheduled to open on January 29th and will operate for approximately three months while the permanent store is completed. This phased opening demonstrates The Travel Agency’s eagerness to serve the Brooklyn community and establish its presence promptly.
A selection of cannabis products including edibles, flower, and pre-rolls available at The Travel Agency dispensary.
Despite New York City’s ongoing challenges with illegal “gray-market” cannabis stores, Hankin-Biggers believes in the value proposition of legal dispensaries like The Travel Agency. While persuading consumers to transition from unregulated sources can be challenging, the benefits are clear.
Legal dispensaries prioritize product safety, rigorous testing, and transparent labeling. The Travel Agency invests in its “budtenders” through a week-long paid training program covering cannabis history and its effects on the body. This comprehensive training ensures staff possess in-depth product knowledge and can offer informed guidance.
“It’s almost really impossible to have a bad experience when you’re shopping legal, because the product is a lot safer,” Hankin-Biggers emphasized. “I think the cannabis you can get at the legal dispensaries is not going to give you paranoia, or make you high for hours and hours. It’s just a really calm and happy high.” This assurance of a safer, more predictable, and enjoyable experience underscores the advantages of choosing a licensed travel agency dispensary like The Travel Agency for cannabis purchases in Brooklyn.
