PLATTSBURGH — The recent opening of The Herb Cave, a local retail cannabis dispensary, was three years in the making.
“Our dispensary is like no other in the area. We’re setting out to reset the tone for cannabis and change the stigma surrounding it,” Christie Ashabranner, co-owner of The Herb Cave, said.
“We want everyone to feel welcome here, whether you’re someone who wants to interact with our knowledgeable staff or prefer a more private experience. We’ve designed this place to cater to all needs, and you’ll be treated like family. We’re committed to offering a welcoming atmosphere for all and high-quality, locally grown products, and a facility that is fun, friendly, and easily accessible to anyone 21 and over.”
The Herb Cave team now looks forward to offering the community “a diverse selection of top-tier New York State-grown cannabis products along with exceptional customer service.”
DRIVE-THRU AVAILABLE
Located at 519 State Route 3 in Plattsburgh, just off I-87 exit 37, the dispensary opened its doors for a soft opening on Dec. 27. From now on, The Herb Cave is open for business every Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ashabranner told the Press-Republican in 2023 that the location on Route 3 was a prime location for a dispensary.
“It’s kind of centralized. It’s not Downtown (Plattsburgh), but … this was like, I think, the best option,” she said then. “Right across from some wonderful foods. So they kind of go hand in hand.”
The storefront also used to house a Community Bank branch, which gave Ashabranner a unique opportunity to not only offer in-store shopping, curbside pick-up and home delivery but a drive-thru option as well for more convenience.
The Herb Cave team has been building this dream since 2021 and is proud to be a women-owned business in the growing cannabis industry. The team is thrilled by the support it has received from the Plattsburgh community so far.
“We’re truly grateful for the community’s support, and it’s a privilege to be able to open our doors to serve our community,” Ashabranner said.
“It’s important to us that our growth benefits our community. A percentage of our profits yearly will be reinvested in the community. Our team brings years of cannabis industry experience, and we’re excited to build a reliable and established legacy here in the Champlain Valley.”
WHERE EVERYONE WANTS TO COME
Ashabranner is no stranger to owning a business.
She’s been a local entrepreneur in the area since 2007 and owned The Healing Cave on Margaret Street, practicing as an “intuitive medium,” she said in 2023.
Ashabranner said The Herb Cave was just another opportunity for her to offer the community an inclusive, safe environment.
“I’m a disabled woman, so I basically wanted to show other people — other disabled individuals — that it’s possible to still follow your dreams and create something wonderful even though you’re disabled and have stuff against you,” she said.
“I just wanted to build a facility that everyone felt safe and comfortable and welcomed in, and just have a space where everyone wants to come.”
According to The Herb Cave, the dispensary is fully funded through local investments, without relying on out-of-state investors. This approach allows The Herb Cave to reinvest in the community, creating jobs and providing a unique local business that residents can be proud of.
For more information and updates, visit www.theherbcave.com, or follow them on social media @theherbcave.