FLUENT Corp is raising the bar for premium flower in New York. The multi-state cannabis operator has officially launched its new 68,000-square-foot cultivation facility in Buffalo, a move that doubles its capacity in the state and signals a major leap for East Coast consumers chasing California-level quality.
Alongside the expansion, FLUENT announced an exclusive partnership with Connected New York Inc., part of the California-based Connected International Inc. family. The deal positions FLUENT as the sole provider of Connected’s powerhouse brands—Connected Cannabis, AlienLabs, and Smoken Promises—across New York through both wholesale distribution via ENTOURAGE and its own retail stores.
California Royalty Lands in New York
Connected has long been considered a gold standard in cultivation, known for its proprietary genetics and devotion to flavor-forward flower. Within its portfolio, AlienLabs has built a cult following for exotic strains that push the limits of indoor craft. Connected Cannabis is synonymous with innovation, while Smoken Promises offers more affordable options without sacrificing authenticity or quality.
“This is about pairing technology with expertise to bring genetics that already have legendary status in California to one of the most discerning cannabis markets in the country,” said David Vautrin, Interim CEO of FLUENT. “With this facility, we’re prepared to meet the surging demand for top-shelf flower in New York, which is growing at over 80% year-over-year.”
Caleb Counts, CEO of Connected, added, “New York deserves the same standards and the same quality that we’ve perfected in California. Partnering with FLUENT lets us deliver exactly that—no compromises.”
Timing and Market Impact
The first drops of Connected Cannabis and AlienLabs products are expected to hit New York shelves in the fourth quarter of 2025. Smoken Promises will follow, giving consumers a tiered range of options across price points while maintaining consistency and craftsmanship.
In the meantime, FLUENT and its wholesale division ENTOURAGE will continue building out their in-house portfolio, which already includes consumer favorites like MOODS, Knack, Wandr, Bag-O, and Hyer Kind.
The Bigger Picture
FLUENT’s Buffalo expansion and Connected partnership underline a growing trend: East Coast markets are hungry for the kind of curated, premium flower that has defined California’s cannabis culture. With established retail operations in Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York, FLUENT is positioning itself as the bridge between legacy West Coast genetics and emerging East Coast demand.
As AlienLabs and Connected Cannabis prepare to make their New York debut, one thing is clear—the state’s cannabis shelves are about to get a lot more competitive, and consumers are in for a taste of California’s most coveted strains.
👉 For more information, visit getFLUENT.com, connectedcannabisco.com, or look for FLUENT at the Revelry NYC trade show this September.
