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License Number: CAURD-2024-000135

Beginner’s Guide to Shopping at a Dispensary

Written by seo-analytics on . Posted in Community.

Walking into a cannabis dispensary for the first time can feel overwhelming. With so many products, consumption methods, and brands available, it’s easy to wonder where to start. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, wellness support, or a recreational experience, understanding the basics can help you shop with confidence.

This beginner’s guide will walk you through the most common cannabis products and help you make informed decisions during your first dispensary visit.

What to Expect at a Cannabis Dispensary

A licensed cannabis dispensary or marijuana dispensary is designed to provide customers with safe, regulated cannabis products. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions, explain product options, and help match products to your goals and experience level.

Before visiting, be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID and familiarize yourself with local cannabis laws.

Understanding Different Cannabis Products

Marijuana Flower

Marijuana flower is the traditional form of cannabis and remains one of the most popular options. Flower can be smoked using pipes, bongs, or other marijuana accessories, making it a great choice for consumers who want a classic cannabis experience.

Pre-Rolls

If you’re not interested in grinding flower and rolling your own joint, pre-rolls offer a convenient alternative. These ready-to-use products are perfect for beginners who want simplicity and consistency.

Edibles and THC Gummies

Edibles provide a smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis. Popular options include chocolates, baked goods, and THC gummies. Since edibles take longer to produce effects than smoking or vaping, beginners should start with a low dose and wait before consuming more.

THC Drinks and Infused Beverages

Cannabis-infused drinks are becoming increasingly popular. THC drinks and other infused beverages offer a discreet and refreshing way to consume cannabis. Effects typically appear faster than traditional edibles, making them an appealing option for many consumers.

Vape Pens and Vape Cartridges

For those seeking convenience and portability, vape pens and vape cartridges are excellent options. Vaping produces fewer odors than smoking and allows users to enjoy cannabis with minimal preparation.

Cannabis Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that are typically placed under the tongue. They provide precise dosing and are often favored by consumers looking for a discreet, smoke-free experience.

Marijuana Concentrates

Experienced consumers often choose marijuana concentrate products because of their potency. Concentrates can be consumed in several ways, including using specialized equipment like dab rigs. New consumers should approach concentrates carefully and start with lower-potency options whenever possible.

Essential Marijuana Accessories

Many dispensaries also carry useful marijuana accessories, including grinders, rolling papers, storage containers, vaporizers, and smoking devices. Having the right accessories can improve your overall cannabis experience and help you use products safely and efficiently.

Tips for First-Time Dispensary Shoppers

Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to explain your goals, whether you’re seeking relaxation, better sleep, creativity, or social enjoyment.

Start Low and Go Slow

This is especially important with THC edibles, tinctures, and concentrates. Begin with a low dose and gradually increase as you learn how cannabis affects you.

Consider Your Preferred Consumption Method

Think about whether you prefer smoking, vaping, eating, drinking, or topical application. Each method offers a different experience and onset time.

Visit Hold Up Roll Up for Premium Cannabis Products

Whether you’re a first-time cannabis consumer or an experienced enthusiast, Hold Up Roll Up is committed to providing a welcoming shopping experience and a carefully curated selection of premium cannabis products. From marijuana flower, pre-rolls, THC gummies, and THC drinks to vape cartridges, cannabis tinctures, and cannabis topicals, you’ll find everything you need in one trusted destination.

Browse our menu, place your order, and experience why customers trust us for all their cannabis needs. We proudly serve Albany, NY and beyond.

Hold Up Roll Up Brooklyn Celebrates Grand Opening

Written by Hold Up Roll Up on . Posted in Community.

What a day!

We officially celebrated the grand opening to our second location, Hold Up Roll Up Brooklyn on May 29, and the response from the community was nothing short of incredible!

From the moment we opened, Brooklyn showed up and showed love. Neighbors, customers, supporters, and cannabis enthusiasts came together to help us celebrate a major milestone—not just for HURU, but for the community we’re proud to be a part of.

The grand opening was packed with great energy, amazing people, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Guests enjoyed free tacos with every purchase, live rolling demonstrations from Krys Wolf sponsored by Left Coast, music from DJ Rhonda Rox, exclusive merch giveaways for the first 50 customers, and special deals running throughout the day.

The atmosphere felt less like a store opening and more like a neighborhood block party. Friends connected, new faces discovered HURU for the first time, and our team had the opportunity to share what makes Hold Up Roll Up more than just a dispensary.

Opening in Brooklyn represents an exciting new chapter for us. As a Black-owned and operated business, expanding into one of New York City’s most vibrant communities is a milestone we don’t take lightly. Every customer who stopped by, every vendor who partnered with us, and every supporter who shared a post or spread the word helped make this day possible.

We’re incredibly grateful for the warm welcome Brooklyn has given us. Thank you to everyone who came out, grabbed a taco, enjoyed the music, supported our vendors, and celebrated alongside us.

This is only the beginning.

As we continue growing, our mission remains the same: provide quality products, create meaningful community connections, and build spaces where people feel welcome, informed, and appreciated.

From all of us at Hold Up Roll Up, thank you for believing in us and helping us grow—one step, one community, and now, one Brooklyn location at a time.

Brooklyn, we here! We can’t wait to see you again soon.

Hold Up Roll Up Albany: 4/20 Recap!

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Cannabis Education, Community.

We hope you had the chance to join our star-studded 4/20 event weekend at Hold Up Roll Up – Albany! The celebration featured some of our household brands as vendors, an on-site engraving station, a live DJ, food, and exclusive deals and prize giveaways that we offered all weekend!

April 20th, the infamous stoner holiday, started in 1971, with a group of 5 California high school students. They used 420 as a code to communicate the time (4:20pm) they wanted to meet up behind their school to smoke. One of those student’s later worked with Phil Lesh, the bassist of the band Grateful Dead, who helped popularize the term. They handed out flyers with the logo “420” on it, inviting people to smoke weed on April 20th at 4:20pm.

One of the invitees was Steve Bloom, a reporter of the popular cannabis magazine, High Times Magazine. He printed the flyer in the magazine, and it developed into a worldwide symbolfor marijuana. April 20th has evolved into a day to celebrate the herb and promote education,,recognize advances in cannabis reform, and, of course, partake.

Hold Up Roll Up participated in the holiday by holding an entire 4/20 weekend experience. We hosted a kickoff event on April 18th, featuring music by DJ Landlord and food from LA Dawgz’s taco and hotdog stand. We had great vendors, including Valz Custom Creations, who created custom engraved metal lighters for our customers. 

Throughout the weekend, Stiiizy, Layup, Skyrose, Revert, Green Revolution, Jetty, Cannibals, and High Peaks made special pop-up appearances. Purchasing customers were invited to spin-the-wheel for prizes and enter a raffle featuring 24 winners!

As always, Hold Up Roll Up is incredibly grateful to all of our customers, brands and their brand reps, staff, and everyone who continues to contribute to our growth. We look forward to hosting more events, returning positive energy we receive.

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Hold Up Roll Up named Capital Region Living’s #1 Best Dispensary of 2026!

Written by Hold Up Roll Up on . Posted in Cannabis Education, Community.

We’re incredibly grateful to share that Hold Up Roll Up has been voted the #1 Best Dispensary in Capital Region Living’s 2026 Bestie Awards!

Being in the heart of Albany, we’ve always set out to be more than just a dispensary. Hold Up Roll Up was built to be a welcoming, community-driven space where people feel comfortable, respected, and confident in what they’re choosing. As a Black-owned and operated business, that responsibility means a lot to us, and we carry it with pride every day!

This win belongs to our team first and foremost! The people behind the counter, on the floor, and behind the scenes show up every day with intention, knowledge, and a genuine love for what they do. The way you show up for our customers is what makes this place special.

And to our patrons & community of Albany — thank you for supporting us, and continuing to show love!! Every visit, recommendation, and kind word has helped us grow into what we are.

—

“HURU is such a vibe! Great atmosphere, amazing staff, nice variety of products.”

“Everyone was friendly, beautiful building and great selection! One of the best dispos so far in the 518.”

Love this place! Great deals, quality products and amazing staff 🙌🏽 10/10

“Very friendly and professional staff. Honestly the way customer service should be! Knows the products and what’s in stock, nothing reasonable is ever beyond them to help you. Polite and helpful people. A joy to visit even when you can’t stay to chat!”

—

We’re honored to be recognized, and even more motivated to keep growing, improving, and showing up for Albany!

If you want to check out the full list of winners, take a look at the 2026 “Besties” here 👉
crlmag.com/the-2026-bestie-awards-shopping/

There are so many incredible Capital Region businesses featured, and we’re very proud to be among them!

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Carmelo Anthony & StayME7O: Black History Month with HURU

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Cannabis Education, Community.

For the final week of our Black History Month spotlight, we proudly recognize the legendary Carmelo Anthony. For his elite, culture-shifting performance as a professional basketball player and his newfound role in the cannabis industry.

Anthony was born in Brooklyn, NY, moving to Baltimore, MD around age eight, where he began his phenomenal basketball journey. He attended Towson Catholic High School for his first three years before transferring to the renowned Oak Hill Academy. He dominated at the high school level, earning national attention and leading to his commitment to Syracuse University. He led the program to its first NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

After one season at Syracuse, Anthony declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected 3rd overall by the Denver Nuggets. He spent eight career defining seasons with Denver before being traded to the New York Knicks, where he played for another seven memorable seasons. He continued his career with several NBA teams before his heartfelt retirement in 2023.

Throughout his NBA career he became a 3-time Olympic gold medalist, 10-time NBA All-Star, the 2013 NBA scoring champion, and a 6-time All-NBA team member. In 2025, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying him as one of the game’s all-time greats. 

After retiring from the NBA, Anthony expanded his influence into the cannabis industry. He launched his brand STAYME7O™ more than cannabis; it’s a mindset. Rooted in Carmelo Anthony’s vision of balance, performance, and presence, STAYME7O™ celebrates the cultivars we love as tools for living better, moving with intention, and finding our flow. 

Originating in Oregon in April 2024, the brand branched to New York by April 2025. STAYME7O™ offers flower, vapes and pre-rolls, centered around its “TRIPLE THREAT OF EFFECTS” concept: a sativa to “rev,” a hybrid to “recover,” and an indica to “rest.”

Each product is personally curated by Carmelo Anthony himself, with the intention of sharing his unique smoking experience with consumers. Be sure to check out STAYME7O products as they are available for purchase at Hold Up Roll Up!

We honor Carmelo Anthony and his contributions to Black history, our history.

Shop STAYME7O at Hold Up Roll Up: https://holduprollup.com/menu/brands/stay-melo-510712

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Louis Armstrong: A Voice for Culture & Cannabis Reform

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Cannabis Education, Community.

This week, for our Black History Month Highlight, we’re taking it back and recognizing the great Louis Armstrong – not only for his exceptional musical talent, but also for his outspoken support of legalizing marijuana and its many benefits. 

Louis Armstrong, also known as “Satchmo”, or “Pops”, was born August 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He gained recognition in the 1920s through his outstanding trumpet playing and scat singing, which paired perfectly with his unmistakable raspy voice. His work was deemed revolutionary, as it helped transform American jazz music through the Civil Rights era and beyond. Two of his most notable songs are, “What a Wonderful World,” and “La Vie en Rose”. 

Armstrong was also nicknamed “King of the Vipers”- the term “viper” describing an individual who smoked marijuana. He was a strong advocate for the use of cannabis and educated on its stress-relieving properties. Armstrong began smoking marijuana in the late 1920’s, before it was criminalized in 1937. This came as a shock to many, as the plant was always viewed medicinally. 

Before it was criminalized, Armstrong would openly smoke marijuana during his studio sessions and shows. He gave ode to cannabis in pieces such “Muggles,” and “Song of the Vipers”.

After its criminalization, he often criticized lawmakers for their decision and constantly highlighted the plants’ benefits, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, stress and anxiety relief, and enhanced creativity. 

Today, we have Louis Armstrong and other artists and musicians of the early 1900’s such as Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Baise, to thank for their efforts to reform the public view of cannabis, leading us to reopen the doors of the cannabis industry that were once closed.  

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Black History Month: Celebrating Wallace Turner Law

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community.

This week, during our Black History Month spotlight, we are honored to recognize the outstanding women of Wallace Turner Law. 

Kimberley F. Wallace, Esq. and Raysheea T. Turner, Esq. founded Wallace Turner Law in February 2020. The firm specializes in real estate, business law, general counsel services, mergers and acquisitions, and personal injury, proudly serving New York’s Capital Region.

Turner and Wallace first met at the Renaissance Albany Hotel in 2019, where through conversation, they quickly discovered they shared more than a passion for law. Both were assistant public defenders and alumni of Russell Sage College in Troy and Albany, NY.

They learned they each had a broader vision than their current roles – a desire to serve the people of their community, while also becoming more accessible to those who need them. Thus, the idea of Wallace Turner Law was born, beginning their services in 2020.

Their firm recently moved into a new office located in Albany, which was the former home of Peter Pryor, a remarkable Black civil rights attorney who served Albany during the Civil Rights era.

Clients and community members consistently recognize the team’s professionalism, efficiency, passion, and positive attitude. We at Hold Up Roll Up would like to thank Wallace Turner Law for all they have done- and continue to do for the Capital Region. 

Learn more about Wallace Turner Law here: https://www.wallaceturnerlaw.com/

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Rooted in Albany: Celebrating BHM with Mayor Dorcey Applyrs

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community.

This Black History Month, Hold Up Roll Up would like to take the time to recognize an influential Black figure of Albany, NY each week. This week we would like to highlight Albany’s first black mayor, Dorcey Applyrs.

Applyrs earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Delaware State University before moving to Albany, NY, where she went on to earn both her Master and Doctor of Public Health from the University at Albany. It was during this time that her interest in public service took shape through her involvement with the Center for Women in Government at UAlbany, helping her recognize her potential impact in the political arena.

Her political career began with her election to Albany’s Common Council, representing the City’s First Ward, in 2013. Re-elected in 2017, she later served as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, where she championed key legislation, including making Albany’s city parks tobacco-free.

In 2020, she was appointed Albany’s City Auditor. She went on to make history with a landslide victory in the November 4, 2025 mayoral election, earning 86% of the vote and becoming Albany’s first Black mayor.

Applyrs is deeply committed to improving Albany’s public health and safety, ensuring city funds are used efficiently and equitably, and advancing economic inclusion to meet the needs of all Albany residents. She consistently highlights the city’s diversity, vibrancy, strong sense of community, deep-rooted history, and the limitless potential of what Albany can become.

Hold Up Roll Up congratulates Mayor Dorcey Applyrs for all her outstanding achievements and looks forward to her leadership in building a brighter, stronger Albany! 

Visit the website of the Mayor’s office here: https://www.albanyny.gov/214/Mayors-Office

About Hold Up Roll Up

At Hold Up Roll Up, our commitment to holistic education drives our mission. We empower our community with knowledge, transforming the cannabis narrative and enabling responsible choices. Beyond being a dispensary, we provide a supportive space for community members to connect, uplift one another, and create a legacy of positive change.

Elevating Wellness at Hold Up Roll Up’s December Yoga Pop-Up

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community, Holistic Wellness.

On Friday, December 19, Hold Up Roll Up hosted its second Yoga Pop-Up class held inside the dispensary from 8:00–9:00 a.m. We partnered with The Hot Yoga Spot of Albany, NY, and instructor Kendra, who led the class with poise and grace. She thoughtfully guided participants through each movement, using intentional language to ground both body and mind. Throughout the session, Kendra remained highly attentive, moving through the room to assist with stretches and reminding participants to thank their bodies for all they do.

The event was sponsored by Papa & Barkley, based in California, and Eaton Botanicals of Eaton, NY. Both brands utilize THC and minor cannabinoids such as CBD, CBC, and CBG to promote relaxation and overall wellness. Papa & Barkley specializes in topicals and balms applied directly to targeted areas, while Eaton Botanicals offers a selection of edible and pre-rolled products. Their effect-based gummies also feature a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms, supplements, and herbs.

At the conclusion of the event, participants received a take-home gift featuring products from both brands, all of which are available for purchase at Hold Up Roll Up!

Catering was provided by Bare Blend, featuring their Ginger Zing and Ocean Breeze fresh-pressed juices, alongside their OG Mini Waffles. Following the class, participants were invited to enjoy a massage in our VIP room from the incredible Cordelia Jones of Albany, NY, using Papa & Barkley balms.

Collectively, the experience created a soothing, mind-freeing environment that allowed participants to fully de-stress, connect, and recover. Thank you to our partners, participants, and staff who came together to make this event a success.

Hold Up Roll Up’s 2nd Annual Turkey Drive

Written by Jariah Russell on . Posted in Community.

On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, Hold Up Roll Up had the pleasure of hosting our 2nd Annual Turkey Drive. Over 100 turkeys, along with the non-perishable items and canned goods donated by our customers and staff during our November food drive were given out to the community outside of the dispensary between 12pm-3pm. We welcomed nearly 100 community members, each receiving a frozen turkey and a selection of non-perishables to bring home to their loved ones this holiday season.

At the time of the drive, Channel 13 News arrived, recognizing Hold Up Roll Up’s community efforts. We were featured on their, “The Greater Good” segment that aired at 6:30pm that evening. When reporters asked about our reason for giving back, our team members shared that following the recent government shutdown and SNAP closures – as a company deeply rooted and supported by the residents of Albany, NY – we must do our part and give to those of the city in need this Thanksgiving.

It is important that we uphold our mission statement, “Rooted in Community, Built on Legacy,” and sow into those who help our business run and operate every day. The impact of the recent SNAP closures was evident as the participants of the drive were heavily moved, and thankful of Hold Up Roll Up’s efforts to reach those looking at an unplentiful Thanksgiving.

We would like to thank everyone who assisted in spreading the word to make this year’s Turkey drive a success. Compared to last year’s drive, we distributed the same number of turkeys in a significantly less time. We’re committed to continuing events like this to show our appreciation for Albany and its residents, and to give back to the community that Hold Up Roll Up proudly calls home.