On March 31, 2021, New York became the 15th state in the nation to legalize recreational cannabis. Adults 21 and over were now legally able to possess up to 3 ounces and cultivate a limited number of plants at home. This landmark decision followed years of debate and legislative effort.

Fast forward to April 2024, when Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York’s cannabis sector had surged, generating over $237 million in revenue, with $77 million from early 2024 sales alone.

Yet, this legalization is bittersweet for many, especially people of color. The ACLU reports: On average, Black people are nearly 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession compared to white people, despite similar usage rates.” The irony of a substance that once led to incarceration now being legalized and seen as a financial opportunity. 

Walter C. King III, 27, a Peekskill native and serial entrepreneur, recently opened Westchester County’s largest dispensary—Kings House of Fire. The 13,000 square foot dispensary is the third dispensary in the county and the first in its area. 

“Throughout college, I was really always infatuated with cannabis. Not from a user perspective, but more from the business side,” says King. “It was one of those things where I could never openly speak about it, because it has such a negative stigma to it.” 

The former college athlete vividly remembers researching dispensaries in California and Oregon, two of the pioneering states to legalize cannabis, after games. However, openly discussing it was taboo back then. Known for his business mindset, King helped many friends in California and Oregon establish their own businesses and build their brands.

“The minute I saw the law change in New York, I saw my opportunity. I knew that I was going to try to capitalize off of it,” says King. The Cortlandt Manor-based dispensary opened on July 13, 2024 and is already well-known for its experience-type vibe upon entry. 

Formerly a renowned fun house owned by the King family, the dispensary now offers a diverse array of cannabis products—flowers, topicals, oils, pre-rolls, and more—to adults (21+) seven days a week. Patrons can engage in-store with a life-sized Mike Tyson and antique car or opt for seamless online orders, ensuring accessibility for all.

For a deeper dive into Kings House of Fire, visit kingshouseoffire.com.