Chris Abbenda is the co-founder of Potency and Snoozy, and is in the process of launching an adult-use THC version of his company in Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. He answered eight simple questions for NY Cannabis Insider’s ‘People to know’ series.
What is your position and what do you/your company do in the cannabis space?
I am a co-founder of Potency, a fully licensed adult-use dispensary opening soon in the Berkshires of Massachusetts and Snoozy, a sleep-focused brand that produces vegan, organic gummies made in New York. We are currently in the process of launching an adult-use THC version of Snoozy in Massachusetts, followed by New Jersey and New York. My team and I are focused on building brands, creating products and establishing a retail presence in the northeast. In the near future, we hope to open adult-use retail locations in New Jersey and New York.
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How long have you worked in the cannabis space?
I’ve been working in the legal cannabis industry for a little over three years (since 2019).
What did you do before you were involved in the cannabis industry?
Prior to the cannabis industry, I worked in real estate. I joined a commercial real estate firm in Manhattan while in college and continued on that path for another year after graduating.
What led you to the cannabis industry?
One of my friends from college, Owen Martinetti, became involved in New York’s hemp program in 2018, when the program first began. He built one of the first (and currently the largest) licensed CO2 extraction facilities called Naturae. While trying to identify my next career move, I took a trip to visit him in Hoosick Falls. I was immediately overwhelmed by the smell of cannabis when I pulled into the parking lot and knew at that moment I was in the right place. I joined Naturae shortly thereafter to assist with wholesale sales.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the NY weed industry?
There are so many ways to be involved with this industry beyond cultivation, extraction or retail. This is a multi-faceted industry that continues to evolve in the software space, banking, insurance, advertising, marketing and more. New York will be one of the largest markets in the US, and like every other industry here, it will be very competitive.
Once the adult-use market picks up, there will be many career opportunities in New York. I strongly suggest attending networking events and connecting with people in the industry. The cannabis space is very welcoming and there are a lot of great people that would be happy to help. The Cannabis Association of New York (CANY) is a great place to start getting involved! You can become a member at cany.org.
What do you think the NY cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years?
I hope to see New York’s industry become as big as (if not bigger than) the West Coast. I want to see the marketplace made up of brands that are “Made in New York” by people from our state, not just out of state brands flooding the market. Even though New York is late to the game, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to make a mark in the industry. I think New York is taking the lead in its social equity initiatives that have failed or have been non-existent in other markets. I think the OCM has taken the right steps through its CAURD program to empower those that have been previously convicted of a marijuana-related offense, giving them an opportunity to build something in this industry.
Do you use cannabis? If so, what’s your favorite method (flower, dabs, edibles, tinctures, etc.), and why?
As a teen, I consumed a fair amount of weed. My cannabis use has significantly decreased since then, but I’ll spark up an occasional joint, especially if it involves skiing some fresh powder.
Who should contact you, and what’s the best method (i.e. email, phone number, LinkedIn handle, etc.)
I’m always looking to connect with people in this industry. I’m also looking to expand my team, especially if you are a New Yorker. You can follow or reach out to me via Linkedin.