BELLPORT – As New York State continues to roll out its program for legalized, regulated cannabis dispensaries, and as municipalities opt into the program, Suffolk is seeing that it’s, in fact, quite easy being “green.”
Top Grass opened its doors last week in Bellport, becoming one of just a handful of legal dispensaries in the Town of Brookhaven. Connoisseurs of the “cabbage” can pick up anything from flower, pre-rolls, drinks, gummies, and a host of other products at Top Grass, as well as Canna Blooms in Farmingville, Joint Venture in Medford, and StrongStrains in East Setauket.
For the Top Grass crew, it’s a family business that’s been several years in the making.
Pavan Singh, currently of Queens but looking to move his young family to Suffolk, obtained his license over three years ago. He described the process as “rigorous” but credits the support of his family and the “diligent” work with the Town of Brookhaven to turn the vision into reality.
“We have a lot of love for the flower,” Singh told The Messenger, adding he began his consumption at 21 years old to control anxiety and retain his focus during his college years. He studied at NYU and obtained a degree in intellectual and computer engineering.
“There’s a big stigma against marijuana consumption. Our goal is to break that stigma,” said Singh. “We want to give people a comfortable place, especially if they’re first-time users.”
Unlike the dime-a-dozen “smoke shops” that populate seemingly every corridor in Suffolk, dispensaries have a long list of protocols to ensure safety and regulation. Upon walking into Top Grass, or any dispensary, identification is checked – one must be 21 or older to enter – and there’s a secondary check at the register upon checkout. Cameras, motion detectors, and panic buttons are also installed at the Bellport location. Singh took The Messenger on a tour of the facility, showcasing an AI system that regulates temperatures to ensure quality control of the products.
“We want to make sure we’re providing the customer with the best product that we can.”
All of Top Grass’ products are third-party lab-tested. Additionally, information can be provided by the “bud-tenders” on where the flower was grown, when it was harvested, when it was put into the vault for curation, and its expiration date.
Singh’s wife, Mandeep Kaur, resigned her job with J.P. Morgan in the city to join the project. He owes much of the logistics, operation, and interior design to her.
“I’ve really put my heart and soul into this,” Kaur told The Messenger. The interior is reminiscent of a New York City-style establishment, with high ceilings, plenty of flora, and comfortable couches for potential buyers to sit with a “bud-tender” to determine what product might be right for them.
Moreover, the store is also partnering with local artists. The store is currently displaying the work of Hunter Mestman.
As part of their community involvement, Top Grass cut three $500 checks for local partners: Pronto Long Island, Branches Long Island, and Island Harvest. Representatives for the MacArthur Business Alliance (MBA) also attended to welcome Top Grass to the area.
Top Grass Cannabis Dispensary is located at 22 Sawgrass Drive in Bellport. Hours are 10:00a.m. to 10:00p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. on Sundays. They can be reached at 631-914-3596.
