What should a modern cannabis dispensary feel like? For years, the answer leaned clinical or transactional—think bright lights and glass counters. There was a quiet sense that you needed to know what you were doing before you walked in. Seaweed RBNY turned that expectation on its head with a space that feels natural, not intimidating—familiar, not formal.
Situated in Rockaway Beach, New York, Seaweed Dispensary moves at the pace of the neighborhood. People drift in after a surf or on their way home from work. Some know exactly what they want, while others are stepping into a legal dispensary for the first time.
As the iconic New York punk rock band Ramones once said about Rockaway Beach, “It’s not hard, not far to reach.” The same could be said for Seaweed.
An Oceanside Oasis
Seaweed’s curated “coastal magic” vibe didn’t happen by accident; it was built through a story that’s as local as the storefront itself.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions began to lift, Founder Adam Linet started exploring New York’s newly legal cannabis market. Like many, he saw opportunity—but more importantly, he saw a chance to build something meaningful for the community after a period of isolation.
The idea for Seaweed took shape through conversations with staff, friends and neighbors. The name clicked early, and the project quickly became a collective effort. Linet, his wife Sam, and close collaborators began shaping what would become a deeply community-backed venture. In the end, 40 investors came on board. They were made up of neighbors, friends and family who believed in the vision—not sterile, outside capital or distant, faceless stakeholders. From its inception, Seaweed was built by the people it serves.
“It’s been a long journey to get Seaweed open,” Linet comments. “There’s a rare sense of trust within the group—in large part thanks to time spent together at parties, weddings and, of course, warm days on the beach. In the post-COVID isolation era, we neighbors actually like each other and enjoy spending time together.”
The road to opening wasn’t a fast one. Seaweed took more than four years to bring to life, navigating New York’s evolving cannabis regulations, licensing hurdles and construction timelines. When the doors finally opened in December 2025, it was the result of persistence, patience and a clear intention from the start: to make shopping for weed relaxed, easy and fun.
Riding the Wave of Legalization
Seaweed’s focus on New York-grown cannabis reflects a market still taking shape. Since New York legalized adult-use cannabis under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in 2021 and the launch of legal sales in 2022, the state has aimed to build an equity-driven industry. This means prioritizing licenses for communities impacted by prohibition and reinvesting tax revenue back into those areas.
However, the rollout hasn’t been seamless. Licensing delays and a strong illicit market slowed early momentum. As the legal market expands, dispensaries like Seaweed play a role beyond retail—they help define how cannabis fits into everyday life. Seaweed approaches this with a familiar model: wine retail. Customers ask questions, explore and learn over time—without needing expertise upfront.
Linet’s 20 years of experience in the boutique wine and liquor business informs this approach. Products are curated with intention, and staff guide rather than push. The focus is on helping customers understand what they’re consuming and how it fits into their lifestyle.
“I think we’re moving into a phase where cannabis becomes a lot more normal and less hyped,” Linet says. “We built Seaweed to help normalize the cannabis shopping experience. Nobody walks in here and feels shame.”
High Tides, Higher Standards
Seaweed RBNY offers a wide selection of legal cannabis products that you would expect to see in a modern dispensary, including top-shelf flower, pre-rolls, edibles, cannabis beverages, vapes, concentrates and topicals. The range is broad enough to serve both new and experienced consumers, with a focus on sustainable and high-quality products.
But the real difference is how that selection is presented. Rather than focusing on trends or potency, Seaweed’s dispensary menu is organized around real-life use: How do you want to feel? What kind of experience are you looking for? Where does cannabis fit into your day?
That philosophy extends to the in-store experience. Cannabis can feel complicated, especially for new consumers, but Seaweed removes that friction with knowledgeable staff who explain things in plain language. Questions are encouraged and no one is rushed. When people feel comfortable, they are more likely to learn, explore, and return with the confidence to shop again.
Despite its curated feel Seaweed offers one of the largest cannabis selections in Rockaway, and potentially across Queens. The balance between variety and simplicity is intentional: lots of choices without being overwhelming. Many of the products come from New York cultivators and producers who emphasize small-batch growing, careful formulation and transparency. This keeps the offering aligned with the state’s emerging cannabis identity.
“I wish more people realized that cannabis doesn’t have to feel complicated,” Linet says. “At Seaweed, we focus on making the experience easy to navigate, so people can explore the plant without feeling like they need to be an expert first. We’re part of the larger mission to normalize cannabis—it should be no different than going to a bar or liquor store.”
Designed for Real Life
Spend time inside Seaweed Dispensary, and one thing becomes clear: There is no single type of customer. Locals shop regularly while visitors stop in for a day at the beach. Veterans, first-time buyers and experienced consumers all share the same space. There is even a local nickname for some of the visitors: “DFDs,” or Down for the Day guests who come out to Rockaway for a quick escape.
That flexibility extends beyond the store. Customers can browse and order through the Seaweed app for pickup or local delivery where permitted, and the Poseidon Club loyalty program rewards repeat visits. These systems reflect a broader shift toward convenience and consistency in cannabis retail.
Eyes On the Horizon
Since opening, Seaweed has become part of the rhythm of Rockaway Beach— both a neighborhood fixture and a destination. Locals return for the experience as much as the products, while visitors add it to their list of stops.
Looking ahead, Seaweed plans to deepen its community ties through local partnerships and expanded education, with ambitions for a dedicated event space that would offer new ways for people to gather and engage with cannabis in a social setting. The goal is to grow thoughtfully while staying true to their roots.
“Ultimately, the goal is simple: to keep building a dispensary that people trust and that feels like a natural part of the Rockaway landscape,” Linet says.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, the businesses that endure will be those that remove friction and make people feel comfortable. Seaweed does exactly that: a breezy, beachside dispensary where cannabis fits seamlessly into everyday life.
So, take the Ramones’ advice and hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach. When you do, make sure Seaweed is on your list.
