The Founder Story Behind Cannadreams
Cannadreams was built from real experience, long hours, and a deep understanding of how emerging industries evolve in New York City.
Founded by Jerry Lin, Cannadreams is the result of years of hands on work across vape, CBD, and now licensed cannabis retail in one of the most competitive markets in the country.
Jerry’s journey began in 2016 with the launch of King Kong Vape in White Plains, New York. At a time when the vape industry was still developing, he focused on building a compliant, customer focused retail environment centered around safe and legally approved products. As demand grew, he expanded into Queens, New York in 2017, strengthening his footprint and learning how to scale operations in a fast moving industry.
In 2018, Jerry made a strategic shift into the CBD space, opening a dedicated hemp and CBD store in Manhattan under the name Natural Releaf. Positioned in one of the busiest parts of New York City, Natural Releaf quickly became a trusted CBD store in Manhattan known for carrying compliant hemp products and educating customers on quality and usage. This move placed him directly in the center of New York City’s evolving cannabis and hemp market. By December 2019, he expanded Natural Releaf again, further establishing its presence as a go to hemp store in NYC just before the pandemic changed the retail environment overnight. While many businesses struggled to survive, Jerry kept his locations open through discipline, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his customers.
That resilience is now embedded into Cannadreams.
Built on Real Cannabis Knowledge and Experience
What separates Cannadreams from other dispensaries is not just location or product selection, it is real industry knowledge.
Jerry Lin has spent years understanding cannabis from both a product and customer perspective. From troubleshooting vape cartridges and all in one devices to understanding proper voltage settings for oil consistency, his technical knowledge translates directly into better recommendations for customers.
He also has a strong understanding of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in how cannabis interacts with the body. From how cannabinoids bind to receptors to how different terpene profiles can influence mood and experience, this knowledge allows the Cannadreams team to guide customers with clarity. Whether someone is new to cannabis or experienced, the goal is always to provide informed and responsible recommendations. Customers looking to explore products can browse our curated selection of premium cannabis through our menu or shop by category including flower, vapes, and edibles.
From Early Hustle to Licensed Operator in New York
Jerry’s entrepreneurial mindset was shaped early. Growing up in New York City, he understood the realities of supply, demand, and customer behavior firsthand. That early exposure to cannabis helped shape his understanding of quality, consistency, and what customers actually look for.
When New York launched its legal cannabis program under the CAURD initiative, Jerry secured one of the early licenses issued by the Office of Cannabis Management. The CAURD program is a social equity license designed to support individuals who were directly impacted by cannabis prohibition, including those who were previously justice involved.
Being awarded a CAURD license reflects both eligibility and the ability to operate within a highly regulated system. It represents a shift in the industry, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs with firsthand experience navigating the challenges of past cannabis laws.
This positioned Cannadreams among the first wave of legally operating dispensaries in New York State, reinforcing its foundation as a compliant, licensed, and community rooted business.
Today, Cannadreams stands as a fully licensed cannabis dispensary in Manhattan, serving both local customers and visitors looking for a trusted and compliant place to buy cannabis near Times Square, Columbus Circle, Midtown West, and the Upper West Side. If you are searching for a dispensary near Times Square, Cannadreams is conveniently located for easy access and fast service.
A Manhattan Dispensary Built for Customers
Cannadreams is designed around convenience, quality, and trust.
Customers can shop a full range of products including premium flower, pre rolls, edibles, vapes, concentrates, and accessories. Every product is sourced from licensed New York brands and meets strict regulatory standards.
The business also focuses heavily on accessibility, offering fast in store pickup and same day weed delivery in Manhattan through our dedicated delivery service. Whether you are looking for quick pickup or reliable cannabis delivery, Cannadreams makes the process simple and efficient.
A Brand with Purpose and Long Term Vision
Cannadreams is more than a storefront. It represents a long term vision to build a trusted cannabis brand in New York.
As an Asian American entrepreneur, Jerry Lin takes pride in representing minority ownership in a highly competitive and regulated industry. His goal is not just to operate a dispensary, but to create a brand that stands for consistency, knowledge, and customer experience.
New York City is one of the most competitive markets in the world. Succeeding here requires more than just opening a store. It requires understanding people, adapting quickly, and maintaining high standards every day.
Cannadreams was built with that mindset.
Why Customers Choose Cannadreams
Customers choose Cannadreams because they want more than just a transaction.
They want:
- A licensed NYC dispensary they can trust
- Knowledgeable guidance backed by real cannabis understanding
- Fast and reliable weed delivery in Manhattan
- A prime Manhattan location near Times Square, Midtown, Columbus Circle, and the Upper West Side
- A consistent and professional experience every time
That is what Cannadreams delivers.
Looking Ahead
The goal is simple. Continue building one of the most trusted cannabis dispensary brands in New York City while expanding access, improving customer experience, and staying at the forefront of the legal cannabis industry.
Cannadreams is here for the long term.
And this is only the beginning.