Breaking the Stigma: Cannabis Central’s Mission to Inform and Inspire
When the recreational sale of cannabis was legalized in New York State, it elicited a range of mixed feelings. Some individuals were eager to venture into the cannabis industry, while others worried about the potential impact on their communities. There is no denying that cannabis carries a stigma; many believe it is solely used by those seeking to get high. Jason Southwood aims to end this stigma and educate people about the benefits of cannabis at his dispensary, Cannabis Central.
As a long-term business owner, Jason viewed the legalization of cannabis as another business opportunity and a chance to get involved with a new industry. “My wife and I have been in the hospitality industry since the early 2000s with the primary bulk of our bar, restaurant, and liquor store businesses being in Saratoga Springs. When this opportunity arrived we felt this would be a natural progression towards diversifying our current businesses,” he explained. However, unlike his other businesses, the cannabis industry was entirely new to the state, and therefore the rules and regulations were constantly evolving. “Starting out, navigating the licensing process and staying compliant with evolving regulations was a major hurdle,” he explained, “There’s a steep learning curve when entering a highly regulated industry like this, and it takes time, patience, and a great team. We were fortunate enough to have a team that has decades of experience opening and operating in a highly regulated industry.” With the support of his team and wife, Rebecca, Jason successfully opened Cannabis Central in November, 2024.
Located at 1520 Crescent Road in Clifton Park, Cannabis Central offers a diverse range of products to its customers. People can purchase tinctures, edibles, topicals, accessories, and more. They prioritize high-quality and locally sourced products to not only give their customers the best value, but support local producers as well. This is something Jason wants to not only continue, but grow upon in the future. “We plan to expand our product line, partner with more local producers, and invest in sustainable practices,” he shared. In addition to sourcing products locally, Jason also gives back to the community in a variety of ways. Cannabis Central has participated in raffles, rewards programs, and several charitable initiatives. “Cannabis Central is more than a store; it’s a part of the neighborhood,” he explained.
Additionally, Jason envisions his dispensary as a place where people can educate themselves about cannabis and its numerous benefits. “Another major goal is to become a hub for cannabis education,” he explained, “Offering workshops and resources to demystify the plant. Long term, we’d love to build a reputation as a trusted, approachable leader in the industry, where everyone feels comfortable exploring the benefits of cannabis.” Educating the community about cannabis is essential because several people hold misconceptions about what cannabis is used for and the individuals who use the plant. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that cannabis is just about ‘getting high,’” explained Jason, “The reality is so much more nuanced. Cannabis can be a powerful wellness tool, whether you’re looking to relieve pain, manage stress, or simply enhance your quality of life.” Several people turn to cannabis as an alternative to stronger medications because it can help manage things like chronic pain or stress. “The benefits of cannabis are as diverse as the people who use it,” Jason shared.
Some people also believe that the industry as a whole is unmanageable. “Another misconception is that the industry is unregulated or ‘the wild west,’” Jason explained. “The truth is, the legal cannabis industry is one of the most highly regulated out there, with strict compliance requirements that we take seriously.” Since its legalization, the cannabis industry has been closely monitored and is constantly evolving. For Jason and other dispensary owners, staying up to date with these changes can be a major challenge that requires a lot of focus and attention to detail. “There are also strict rules around advertising and packaging that require us to get creative in how we connect with customers,” he said. However, Jason and his team are more than willing to put in the hard work necessary to keep the dispensary thriving. “We see these challenges as opportunities to innovate and stand out, which keeps us motivated.”
With a highly educated and dedicated team, Jason has big plans for Cannabis Central. He wants every customer to walk in and not only have access to quality products, but walk away having learned something new. “We’re not just selling products; we’re creating an experience,” explained Jason, “Our team is trained to guide customers, whether they’re seasoned users or curious first-timers.”
To learn more about Cannabis Central, visit their website: https://shopcannabiscentral.com/.