Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

First cannabis dispensary opens in Pine Plains

First cannabis dispensary opens in Pine Plains

Manager Benjamin Abrahams working behind the counter of Pine Plains’ first cannabis dispensary.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

PINE PLAINS — The first cannabis dispensary in Pine Plains opened for business last week.

The store is still unnamed, but it’s built on the former site of a weigh station — and has retained some key elements of the building’s past.

The dispensary is the first step in a larger plan to breathe new life into the former Deuel’s Home Center property at 7723 Main Street. There are two other buildings on the property that the owners plan to convert to a grocery store and ice cream shop.

But the dispensary comes first. It’s the brainchild of Christopher Gumprecht, Benjamin Abrahams and Brian Seiler. Seiler and Abrahams have managed one cannabis store already — Upstate Pines in Red Hook. Gumprecht bought the Main Street property in 2020, and approached the two about managing a Pine Plains location.

But the trio faced a number of hurdles in order to open the Pine Plains store. First, there was opposition from the Pine Plains Hose Company, which argued the building’s location violated a rule prohibiting cannabis sales within 300 feet of a public service. A waiver was eventually granted in December 2025.

Arguments over an accessibility ramp delayed the project a further seven months. The Planning Board voted in July to allow the business to open without a ramp, and obtain a certificate of occupancy.

The building is freshly painted and two signs flap in the wind outside; there’s little to indicate that the storefront sells cannabis.

Inside, the showroom is bright. On one wall, rows of magnified cannabis buds sit ready for inspection in glass orbs. Edibles are on display in a case below the counter. An old scale, original to the building, has a place of honor near the back.

But the dispensary has not won over everyone. A homemade sign that reads “Say No To Drugs” sits propped on a neighbor’s fence, facing the dispensary.

Abrahams is unfazed. “We’re pioneers,” he said with a grin.

There has been a recent surge in dispensaries, with New York legalizing the sale of recreational cannabis in 2021. Millerton’s first dispensary, Blackrabbit Farms, is slated to open on Main Street later this year.

Latest News

Legal Notices - August 11, 2026

Legal Notices - August 11, 2026

Legal Notice

Notice of Formation of Chapters & Charm LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on May 22nd 2026. Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 16 Barton Street, Millerton NY 12546. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 0

Keep ReadingShow less
Contractor alleges Amenia never paid bills for sidewalk work

The sidewalk extension project along Route 44 to Beekman Park remains incomplete nearly eight months after state transportation officials halted the project.

Photo by Nathan Miller

AMENIA — Town officials are facing a lawsuit alleging nonpayment for contracted services relating to work on the sidewalk extension along Route 44 to Beekman Park.

Amenia’s Town Board appointed town attorney Ian Lindars to handle litigation against the town stemming from a contract with Raja Contractors Inc. that was originally approved in 2023.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parking variance granted to Center Street apartments

Apartment buildings at 26-32 S. Center St. currently host four housing units. Owners are seeking to renovate a fifth at the property.

Photo By Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — Owners of a South Center Street apartment building can now move forward with a special permit application after the Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance for parking at the property.

The Village of Millerton Zoning Board of Appeals granted a parking variance to the owners of 26-32 South Center St. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, allowing the property to be non-compliant with village parking laws.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Lakeville Journal Street Fair brings together nonprofits for day of local fun

Luiza, 6; Cecilia, 4; Nathan, 4; and Aria, 6, show off their face paint and balloon animals during the fifth annual Lakeville Journal Street Fair on Aug. 8.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

SALISBURY, Conn. — Live music, lobster rolls, face painting and a mix of local nonprofit organizations filled Academy Street in downtown Salisbury on Saturday, Aug. 8, for the fifth annual street fair hosted by The Lakeville Journal.

Audrey Cole of the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA) was on site with information on the often-bewildering subject of Medicare.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dover High School’s Guitar Club prepares for Community Day performance

Members of the Dover Guitar Club prepare for a performance.

Photo Provided

DOVER PLAINS — Members of Dover High School’s Guitar Club are tuning up for another community performance as they prepare to take the stage at Dover Community Day on Sept. 19.

Since 2019, the club has given students a place to learn guitar, perform live and build confidence while giving back to the community. Led by Dover High School social studies teacher Eric Anderson, students meet after school to learn new music, rehearse and perform at school and community events.

Keep ReadingShow less
Developers plan apartments at former Green Briar nursing home

Developers plan to convert a 1920s farmhouse on the former Green Briar Nursing Home campus in Millbrook into apartment buildings.

Photo by Graham Corrigan

MILLBROOK — A developer has submitted plans to renovate the old Green Briar Adult Home into residences.

Developers Kingston Investors tentatively plan to build 16 rental units, utilizing the existing farmhouse and rebuilding an addition for the apartments. Currently there are no plans for affordable housing units, but the new owners say they’re open to discussions. The existing building footprint is about 15,000 square feet, and the new developments will be about the same size.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.