Columbia Care NY - Rochester offers pharmaceutical-quality medical cannabis including vape cartridges, tinctures, oral tablets, topicals, and whole flower to all NY-certified medical cannabis patients. The Rochester dispensary features a comfortable, clinical atmosphere with experienced pharmacy staff available to assist patients with product selection and wellness consultations.The Cannabist Company manufactures popular brands including dreamt, Seed & Strain, Triple Seven, Hedy, gLeaf, Classix, Press, and Amber. The location also offers full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD products that are third-party lab-tested, organic, GMO-free, and non-psychoactive—available to anyone 18+ with photo ID, no medical card required.The Rochester location offers convenient services including online ordering, express pickup, and delivery throughout the region. Columbia Care cultivates cannabis at its Rochester facility and maintains a large-scale greenhouse operation on Long Island, ensuring fresh, locally-grown products for New York patients. The dispensary maintains extended hours Monday through Saturday to accommodate patient schedules.
Columbia Care was founded in 2012 as one of the original medical cannabis providers in the United States. The company opened the first medical dispensary in both New York State and New York City, establishing itself as a pioneer in patient-centered cannabis care. The Rochester location has been serving New York's medical cannabis community since 2015, operating from the historic Kodak Building on West Ridge Road.In September 2020, Columbia Care acquired The Green Solution in Colorado for approximately $140 million, becoming one of the largest operators in that market. In October 2021, Columbia Care became the first licensed organization to offer whole flower to New York's medical cannabis patients, with Rochester leading the launch. In September 2023, Columbia Care officially rebranded to The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc., reflecting the company's evolution and vision for the future. Today, The Cannabist Company operates 77 facilities including 61 dispensaries and 16 cultivation and manufacturing facilities across 12 U.S. jurisdictions.
The Cannabist Company's mission centers on connecting consumers to the best cannabis, customers to the best experiences, partners to the best opportunities, and communities to the best in each other. Columbia Care Rochester positions itself as a patient-centered healthcare company setting the standard-of-care for medical marijuana, emphasizing compassion, professionalism, quality, and innovation.The company prioritizes pharmaceutical-grade products backed by scientific research and maintains partnerships with leading academic and medical institutions. Their commitment focuses on delivering the highest quality products and brands, providing the most approachable retail experience, and supporting the shared cannabis community. The Rochester team emphasizes education, ensuring patients understand their options and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their wellness journey.
We at Calm Effect appreciate Columbia Care NY - Rochester's pioneering role in New York's medical cannabis program—they were literally there from day one, opening the state's first dispensaries and setting professional standards that others follow. Their pharmaceutical approach brings legitimacy and trust to medical cannabis, with experienced pharmacy staff who actually take time to educate patients rather than just pushing products.The Rochester location's delivery service is a game-changer for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas outside the city. We love that they offer both medical cannabis and over-the-counter CBD products, making quality wellness options accessible to more people. Their brands like Seed & Strain and Classix have earned solid reputations for consistency and quality.