Dear New York,
On September 27, 2025, I get to celebrate something that still feels surreal: the one-year anniversary of Alta Dispensary. When I first opened our doors at 52 Kenmare Street in Nolita-Chinatown, my vision was clear: to reimagine what cannabis looks like in New York City.
In just twelve months, thousands of people have stepped inside and helped shape Alta into what it is today. Some came looking for small-batch flower. Others wanted a microdose gummy or a thoughtful recommendation for sleep support. Together, you have created a community where cannabis feels approachable, elevated, and stigma-free.
This September, we’ll honor one year of cannabis, community, and culture, and look back on how far we’ve come and forward to where we’re going.
A One-Year Celebration at Alta: On-Premise Anniversary Events
You won’t want to miss this! Join us on Saturday, September 27, 2025, right here at Alta Dispensary for a full day of events, experiences, and the amazing businesses that have helped us make our first year in business so amazing.
There will be creative activities, special guests, and local businesses that have been part of our story from the start. I’ll share more details soon, but expect things like live henna and plenty of surprises.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Alta different, this is the perfect opportunity to experience it first-hand.
Celebrate with us all day:
- 12-3 PM: Tarot and Chart Readings
- 2-5 PM: Relax with Chair Massages
- 2-5 PM: Elevated baked goods with Kokujin + Empenadas from Forsythe Fire Escape
- 4-7 PM: Artful Designs with Henna Tattooos
- 5-9 PM: Beats with DJ Vera
Plus raffle giveaways all day!
Get to know some of your favorite brands:
- 11-2 PM: Stone Road
- 3-6 PM: MFNY
- 5-8 PM: Off hours
- 7-10 PM: dank by definition with decorate your own lighter
A Look Back: One Year of Alta in Nolita
Alta is deeply personal for me. My family has owned this building since 1976, and opening here continues their legacy while creating something new for the neighborhood.
Over the past year, Alta has become more than a dispensary. Neighbors have found a welcoming place to explore cannabis without stigma. Visitors from around the world have discovered an elevated retail experience in the heart of New York. Many people now see Alta as a resource for wellness, balance, and community.
Cannabis means something different to each of us. That’s why I chose to organize the shelves by how you want to feel, making it simple to shop with confidence.
Sustainability at Alta: Battery Recycling & Tote Bag Rewards
As I reflect on this first year, I want to make sure our growth aligns with responsibility. Cannabis consumption should not come at the expense of the environment. Starting with our anniversary, we’re rolling out new sustainability programs:
- Battery recycling: Bring in used vape batteries for safe and responsible recycling.
- Reusable tote rewards: Each time you shop with your Alta Tote Bag, you’ll receive 10% off your purchase.
These small shifts help us reduce waste and keep sustainability at the center of our mission.
Partnering With Heart of Dinner: Community First, Always
Community has always been my “why.” That is why I am proud of our partnership with Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit that supports Asian American seniors across New York City. Through warm meals, groceries, and handwritten notes, they nourish both body and spirit.
When you shop with Alta, you help extend this care beyond our walls and into the neighborhood we love.
Thank You for One Year of Support
Looking back, I see what makes Alta special. The space is welcoming and design-forward, never intimidating. Our shelves are filled with products that fit into everyday routines. As New York’s first Asian woman-owned dispensary, Alta represents heritage and resilience. Most importantly, every purchase helps strengthen our community in Nolita–Chinatown.
Alta was always meant to be more than a dispensary. It is a place where culture, wellness, and connection come together.
As we celebrate this milestone, I feel nothing but gratitude. To everyone who walked through our doors, welcomed us into the neighborhood, or supported our vision—thank you.
The first year is just the beginning. With your support, Alta will continue redefining cannabis in New York City with sustainability, community, and wellness at the center of everything we do.
Join me on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Alta Dispensary, 52 Kenmare Street, for our 1st Anniversary Celebration. Let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future together.
Vanessa Yee-Chan
Founder, Alta Dispensary
