Cannabis Retail Alliance Of New York
CRANY is a nonprofit alliance led by licensed dispensary owners, committed to advancing equity, shaping smart cannabis policy, and building a thriving, unified retail industry across New York State.
Meet the board members who started it all.
President
Jeremyriv@crany.org
Jeremy Rivera is the President of the Cannabis Retail Alliance of New York (CRANY) and Co-founder and CEO of Terp Bros Dispensary, the first licensed cannabis dispensary in Astoria, Queens. After being released from prison in 2018 for cannabis and other non-violent drug offenses, Jeremy turned his life around and committed himself to uplifting and uniting his community. Formerly involved in criminal life, he became an OSHA instructor and successfully founded a construction safety and compliance company prior to entering the legal cannabis industry. Jeremy actively advocates for cannabis legalization, prison reform, and creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen local communities.
Vice President
Cossmar@crany.org
Coss founded CONBODY, a prison style bootcamp that has gained over 70,000+ clients and has hired 50+ formerly incarcerated individuals to teach fitness classes. Since the launch of his company he’s been featured in over 200 major media outlets such as NBC, CNN, The New York Times, Men’s Health and has been a 3 time TED Talk Speaker.
He launched CONBUD, which is hiring formerly incarcerated individuals that have been affected by the war on drugs to build a personal and impactful presence in the cannabis market in New York State through dispensaries that he’s opening under the NYS conditional licensing program.
Director
matthewrob@crany.org
Matthew Robinson has been a cannabis advocate for more than 25 years. With experience in cannabis retail for over 25 years, he has become a prominent figure in the cannabis industry. Matthew was the first TDO (temporary delivery only) in NYS. He has helped the governors office pave the way for hundreds of retail dispensaries to open. He has also lobbied with CANY, the CFA, and others to create cannabis reform in NYS. He is well known for his Cannabis Growers Showcase (CGS) and delivery success. With multiple operational dispensaries Matt has helped over 20 stores get open and operational by being a pillar in the community and sharing as much information as possible with licensees. His goal is to remove the stigma cannabis has attached to it, help give opportunity to those that are disadvantaged and were severely impacted by the war on drugs, and create equity for those that deserve an opportunity. He also sponsors several youth leagues and youth teams as a way to help keep kids in disadvantaged neighborhoods stay off the streets. When the words Legacy to Leadership – which was created by Scheril Murray-Powell – are spoken, it is people like Matthew that they are intended for.
Chairwoman
Zymialew@crany.org
Zymia Lewis, Co-Founder of Big Gas Dispensary and a proud member of the CRANY Alliance. With over five years of experience in New York’s cannabis industry, she has built a leading minority-owned brand focused on quality, community, and creating equitable opportunities for others. She is passionate about using her experience to lift others up — whether it’s helping CAURD licensees, operators, or new entrepreneurs navigate challenges. She believes real change starts with action, and she is committed to using her voice and experience to help shape a stronger, more inclusive cannabis industry in New York.
Treasurer
Vanessalee@crany.org
Vanessa Yee-Chan, a second-generation Asian American from NYC, comes from a family of refugees from Mozambique who built a legacy through small businesses. Inspired by her roots and personal journey with cannabis as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety, Vanessa saw an opportunity to blend her family’s real estate legacy with a passion for wellness. In 2024, she founded alta dispensary, NYC’s first Asian woman-owned dispensary, located in Nolita–Chinatown. Alta offers premium, effect-based cannabis products in a welcoming space focused on wellness, community, and heritage. As an advocate, she put on industry events in the early NYS legalization days to help fellow entrepreneurs operate in the New York cannabis industry.
