In this transparent and compelling episode, host Maggie Shea visits East Leaf Dispensary, a woman- and family owned, New York State licensed adult-use cannabis retailer in Cheektowaga, NY. Maggie sits down with co-owner, Gina Miller, and team member, Taylor Smith, to dive deep into the real Pain Points of navigating a brand-new cannabis dispensary from scratch. 

From opening a thriving liquor store to opening one of Buffalo’s first fully legal dispensaries, Gina and Taylor share the ups and downs of launching a cannabis business — all while combatting stigma, building customer trust, educating first-time buyers, and managing shifting state regulations. 

We cover: 

• The legacy-to-legal journey and what it really took to launch 
• Pain Points of misinformation, compliance chaos, and stigma 
• How East Leaf educates customers overwhelmed by 500+ brands 
• Creating community connections in a misunderstood environment 
• The reality of vendor selection, inventory decisions, and product variety 
• Competing with the illicit market while staying compliant and transparent 
• Supporting small NYS cultivators and staying rooted in WNY values 
• Building a team that represents the brand — and the community 

Whether you're cannabis-curious, an industry insider, or simply love a great small business story, this episode highlights resilience, grit, and purpose in action. 

📍 Visit East Leaf Dispensary: 

2442 Clinton Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 

Shop Online + Order Delivery: 

https://www.eastleafdispensary.com 

Download the East Leaf App on iOS & Android 

COMING SOON: New location opening in East Aurora, NY – Fall 2025! 

Watch the classic 1936 film Reefer Madness: Reefer Madness (1936) Cult Classic | Full Movie | Subtitled 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposesonly and is not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment.