When Rockland Dispensary opened its doors, the event wasn’t just about welcoming a new business into New York’s growing market. It was also a moment of reflection and advocacy, as legendary race car driver–turned–activist Randy Lanier stood alongside co-owner Donny Moskovic to remind the crowd that while the industry expands, justice is still incomplete.
Lanier, founder of Freedom Grow and Octane Cannabis, has one of the most remarkable stories in the cannabis space. A former Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, he built his career and wealth smuggling cannabis — until he was arrested in 1988 and sentenced to life without parole. After serving 27 years behind bars, he walked free, determined to ensure others wouldn’t have to endure what he and his family did.
Freedom Grow: Supporting Cannabis Prisoners and Families
At Rockland’s opening, Lanier introduced himself simply: “I'm Randy Lanier of Freedom Grow and Octane Cannabis. Freedom Grow is a nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3). It's nationwide. We support cannabis prisoners and their families. Currently we have close to 300 men, six women, and close to 190 children that have an incarcerated parent for cannabis.”
He didn’t stop there. Lanier explained the human cost behind the numbers: “I myself was a cannabis prisoner. I spent 27 years incarcerated. I was sentenced to Natural Death Life with no parole in 1988, and now I'm out. When I got arrested, my son was seven days old and my daughter was seven years old, and that's who picked me up 27 years later.”
Freedom Grow’s mission is not abstract. It provides direct support to incarcerated people and their families, from financial help to amplifying their voices through blogs and bios on freedomgrow.org. “You can hear what they have to say, their perspective on what it's like being in jail for three decades on a plant where people are out here making money and making an industry. It's billions of dollars,” Lanier emphasized.
The Dual Reality of Cannabis
Lanier’s words struck a chord with the Rockland crowd. On one side, a brand-new dispensary opening in New York’s legal market — a symbol of progress, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. On the other, the stark reminder that people are still behind bars for the same plant.
“While there are people making an industry,” he said, “there’s still people that are suffering. And not only are the prisoners suffering, but it goes back to their families, to their children, to their wives, to their mothers, to their fathers. So it affects a ton of people. Just one person getting arrested, and I'd like to see it come to an end.”
Rockland’s Moment, and the Road Ahead
For Donny Moskovic and his team at Rockland Dispensary, having Randy Lanier present was more than symbolic — it was a statement of values. The dispensary’s launch isn’t just about retail. It’s about connecting New York’s emerging market with the broader conversation on justice, equity, and responsibility.
Lanier’s story is one of resilience, tragedy, and redemption, but also one of urgency. Even as ribbon-cuttings mark the growth of legal cannabis, his presence is a reminder that legalization without expungement leaves justice unfinished.
Donny Moskovic’s Vision for Rockland Dispensary
For co-owner Donny Moskovic, Rockland Dispensary isn’t just about opening doors to a new business — it’s about creating a hub for the local community. Moskovic’s vision is rooted in accessibility, education, and authenticity. The shop is designed to be more than a retail space; it’s a place where customers can learn about products, connect with knowledgeable staff, and feel part of a larger movement.
Moskovic emphasized that Rockland’s opening is about serving neighbors and building trust: making sure the space reflects the needs of the community while aligning with the broader push toward normalization. By bringing in voices like Randy Lanier’s, Moskovic underscores Rockland’s commitment to acknowledging the history behind the plant while looking forward to a future built on transparency and opportunity.
The Rockland opening celebrated a milestone for New York’s cannabis industry. But as Randy Lanier reminded everyone, it also underscored the work still left to do. “I’d like to see it come to an end,” he said simply — a call for a future where cannabis no longer destroys families, but builds communities.
