Gahrey Ovalle and NewYork Cannabis Community Members at The Long Island Cannabis Coalition Dispensary Tour

The Long Island Cannabis Coalition: Shaping the Future of Cannabis on the Island

Long Island’s cannabis scene is at a crossroads, with its future still being charted by the advocates and entrepreneurs determined to see the region embrace the green revolution. Leading this charge are Hugo Rivas and Gahrey Ovalle, the co-founders of the Long Island Cannabis Coalition (LICC), an advocacy group dedicated to pushing for the widespread acceptance and growth of the cannabis industry on the Island. Despite a challenging political landscape, decades of prohibition’s impact, and lingering misconceptions, Rivas and Ovalle are resolute in their mission to steer Long Island toward a legal, thriving cannabis market.

In an in-depth conversation with Honeysuckle the two shared their insights into how the cannabis industry is unfolding on Long Island, the unique challenges of introducing cannabis to local communities, and why they see Long Island’s cannabis scene as a potential model for the rest of New York State.

Roots in the Legacy Market, Eyes on the Future

Rivas and Ovalle have been immersed in the world of cannabis, but their paths to advocacy are strikingly different. Ovalle, whose professional background is steeped in construction and renewable energy, came to cannabis advocacy not from the legacy market, but through a more strategic route. After retiring from his 17-year career in renewable energy, Ovalle found himself helping his younger brother navigate New York’s complex cannabis licensing system. That’s when he recognized a glaring need for political and legislative advocacy to break through the local resistance to cannabis.

“It wasn’t just about running a business,” Ovalle reflects. “It was about understanding the local government and how we could shift attitudes in the municipalities. That’s where the Coalition came in.”

Community members enjoy at packed house at the LICC x Plane Nugg Experience

For Rivas, his journey to cannabis advocacy was driven by both passion and a deep commitment to education. “Long Island has a legacy of resistance to cannabis,” he notes. “The narrative from the '60s and '70s still haunts a lot of municipalities, and that’s something we need to change. Educating the public and the local leadership is essential for normalizing cannabis as part of the economy.”

Together, they represent a fusion of experience: one in grassroots advocacy, the other in navigating the regulatory labyrinth of New York’s cannabis laws. And their combined expertise is now shaping the future of cannabis on Long Island.

One of the biggest roadblocks to legal cannabis on Long Island has been the resistance from local municipalities. The lingering stigma surrounding cannabis—despite its legalization at the state level—has led some towns to opt out of allowing dispensaries altogether. “Some municipalities are simply refusing to even move forward with the legislation,” says Ovalle, frustration creeping into his voice. “A lot of the older political leaders still believe cannabis is this ‘dangerous substance,’ and they're not willing to change.”

Community members enjoy at packed house at the LICC x Plane Nugg Experience

But while the legislative challenge remains at the forefront, another issue continues to plague Long Island: illicit dispensaries. Despite state efforts to curb illegal operations, Long Island is still seeing an uptick in unlicensed shops that threaten to undermine the legal market. “It’s a constant struggle,” Rivas admits. “There are still about 2,900 illegal dispensaries across the state, and that number isn’t decreasing as quickly as it should. The OCM (Office of Cannabis Management) is doing their best, but this problem is particularly prevalent in areas like New York City, and we're seeing the same thing creep up here.”

A Glimmer of Hope: Tax Revenue and Community Benefits

Despite these challenges, Long Island is starting to see tangible benefits from cannabis sales, especially in areas like Farmingdale. With four dispensaries now operating in the town, the region has already generated over $2.6 million in tax revenue, which is being reinvested into community programs. This kind of financial success is a strong motivator for local governments to reconsider their stance on cannabis.

“Once municipalities see the potential tax revenue, they can’t ignore it,” says Rivas. “It’s about proving that cannabis isn’t just a boogeyman. It's about providing new revenue streams and supporting communities. Look at Farmingdale—$2.6 million isn’t small change.”

Ovalle agrees: “Cannabis sales aren’t just adding money to the economy. It’s going to drug prevention programs, education, and local projects. The more towns see this, the more they'll opt in.”

While Long Island’s cannabis industry is still in its early stages, both Rivas and Ovalle are optimistic. They believe that towns like Babylon and the county of Suffolk, which have already seen the economic benefits, will serve as proof to other localities about cannabis’ potential for their bottom lines. “We expect to see between 10 and 20 new dispensaries in the next year,” Rivas says confidently.

The Vision for Long Island: A Unique Cannabis Market

Looking ahead, Rivas and Ovalle are working to establish a cannabis industry on Long Island that is distinctly tied to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Long Island has long been known for its wineries, small-batch craft goods, and locally sourced food, and both Rivas and Ovalle see cannabis as the next step in that tradition.

Community members enjoy at packed house at the LICC x Plane Nugg Experience

“We’re seeing a rise in micro-businesses on Long Island,” says Rivas. “Cannabis cultivation here can be just as artisanal as wine. The micro-business model, where you have small-scale, high-quality cannabis grown in controlled environments, fits Long Island perfectly. Once these businesses take off, we’ll see a new kind of tourism here—cannabis tours, where people can come visit, see how cannabis is grown, and experience the process from seed to sale.”

Ovalle expands on this idea: “Long Island’s agricultural community has a legacy of producing quality, craft products. It’s a natural fit for cannabis. And once people see the high quality of cannabis coming from local farms and micro-businesses, they’ll begin to see cannabis as just another part of Long Island’s thriving agricultural scene.”

Building a Community-Based Cannabis Industry

Jackie Conroy of Florist Farms at the LICC x Plane Nugg Experience

Both Rivas and Ovalle are adamant about the importance of building a supportive, community-driven cannabis industry. As the market continues to grow, they emphasize the need for collaboration with community stakeholders and mutual aid among operators. The Long Island Cannabis Coalition is a key part of this mission, providing networking, mentorship, and educational opportunities to entrepreneurs navigating the new industry.

“We need to support each other,” says Ovalle. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing other cannabis businesses as competition, but we need to remember this is still a nascent industry. Everyone in this space should be working toward a shared goal—creating a sustainable, ethical market. We all rise together.”

Rivas echoes this sentiment: “We’re not just here to make money; we’re here to build something. Long Island’s cannabis industry can be a model for the state—and for the country. But we need to stay committed to community, sustainability, and inclusivity.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to Maturity

For now, Long Island’s cannabis market is still finding its rhythm. But both Rivas and Ovalle are excited about the future. “As more dispensaries open and more towns opt in, we’re going to see real change,” Rivas says. “It’s all about transparency, education, and proving that cannabis businesses can be good neighbors. This market is going to grow, and it’s going to be sustainable.”

The future of cannabis on Long Island is bright, and with leaders like Rivas and Ovalle at the helm, it’s clear that the green rush on Long Island is just getting started. For them, the work is far from over—but their vision is clear: a thriving, community-driven cannabis industry that serves as a model for the rest of New York—and beyond.

Anne Forktuza and her Bodega Boyz Honeysuckle Mag at the LICC Dispensary Tour

Hugo Rivas and Gahrey Ovalle are the co-founders of the Long Island Cannabis Coalition (LICC), a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to expanding cannabis opportunities across Long Island. Through education, transparency, and political advocacy, they are working to create an equitable, sustainable cannabis market that benefits the region and the people who call it home.

For more: Follow Instagram and the LICC website.