Curaleaf Holds Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Ten years ago Beth Ferracone’s entire life took a 180 degree turn for the better. The passionate Curaleaf employee credits it to one pivotal moment.

“I took a job as a receptionist-right out of college (only-first thing available at time)- for a dispensary in Arizona, where I had my first exposure to legal, medical cannabis, and it changed my life forever, seeing first- hand how much it could help my Lyme diagnosis,” recalled Ferracone. “I saw so many situations where it helped other people as well, and knew what I wanted to do for a career (one she thought would entail being a history teacher); now, as a part of this growing field, I get to make people’s lives better every day and am seeing how we as an industry are just touching the surface of that process.”

Ferracone, along with approximately 45 other Curaleaf employees, now has the golden opportunity to test that “surface” potential in a larger, more creative, inclusive and just plain overall exciting manner. The once solely medical only dispensary in business since 2018, located next to the Alexis Diner in Newburgh, officially opened its fully licensed (an arduous, detailed journey) doors to sell recreational cannabis, along with a wide assortment of its accompanying, funky and oftentimes pragmatic accessories, to the public Friday.

The well-attended, upbeat outdoor Ribbon Cutting ceremony segment included; a DJ spinning lively tunes, several vendors making presentations, area growers providing informative presentations as well as two food trucks. Inside, an impressive crowd of eager guests could be spotted placing or picking up their mostly on-line orders. The customer-focused vibe resonated with excitement that bordered on sheer giddiness to check out the wide assortment of safe and approved merchandise used for a spectrum of health and recreation reasons.

“This is a one stop shop that does all it can to offer the true customer experience,” explained Adam John, Regional Vice President of Retail for Curaleaf. We’re really excited about and proud of how this place turned out and to now be able to provide safe, tested cannabis for the community.”

Now two and a half times the size of its original medical only space, the newly expanded and modernized Curalaf has nearly doubled in register size with nine purchase stations, operated by knowledgeable, friendly and approachable staff, which includes an on-site pharmacist, able to field any question-situation presented. As the only adult use, fully licensed business of its kind in the area, it is intent on delivering (both in store and directly to homes) not only the highest quality products (led by their popular “Grass Roots” flower as well as entire edible line for those who prefer not to smoke), while making customers a priority, but also negate the “stigma of the plant.”

Evidence of that shift can be seen in the creatively alluring names assigned to some of the products: Papa Smurf, Cosmic Cake, Cura Cheddar Melt, Casino Kush and Sour Diesel are among the catchy name offerings, an illuminated Wall of Flower also adorns the new addition to the store. Here, samples of products can be viewed- and smelled up-close-and personal, while customers can read detailed, informative tidbits on the spectrum of benefits each possesses. Then, there are other subtle- and overt indoor décor offerings, adding up to an authentic, memorable shopping experience.

“We have packed, brand new display cases for people to view our variety of products as well as super great lighting everywhere,” said John. “We put a lot of effort into making this place beautiful and are just super excited to bring it to the public.”

By the looks of the Grand Opening Friday that customer base appears to be fully embracing those conscientiously designed efforts.

“I’ve been getting the gummies- Select Nanobites, black cherry flavor- for sleeping; I totally swear by them, said a smiling Amy Sparano , who has been making the commute to Curaleaf from her Brooklyn home for years. “I swear by them as well as the products here; this place is fantastic.”