At MetroBud, we’re more than just a cannabis delivery service—we’re a community-driven brand that was built from the ground up with a deep commitment to providing fast, reliable, and convenient cannabis delivery across New York City. Our story isn’t just about selling cannabis; it’s about the people we serve, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the values that have shaped us.
A Military-Driven Foundation
The journey of MetroBud began with two brothers: Joseph and his brother, Jason – a combat engineer and Purple Heart recipient. Joseph served as an Army Ranger, completing two deployments to Afghanistan. Jason bravely completed one deployment in southern Afghanistan, conducting route clearance, finding the most buried Improvised explosives in the Task Force with his bomb detecting vehicle. Both brothers faced the physical and emotional challenges of combat, and like many veterans, they struggled with the mental scars of war, notably PTSD.
For Joseph, cannabis was an essential part of his healing process, helping him manage the daily challenges of PTSD long before it became a mainstream therapeutic option. Jason, who started using cannabis after returning from his deployment, found it also provided significant relief. The healing power of cannabis became personal and transformative—a belief that would later shape the mission of MetroBud.
Building MetroBud
MetroBud was born out of necessity. Joseph recognized that cannabis was more than just a recreational substance—it was a therapeutic ally that helped both him and his brother live with a clearer, more balanced mind. However, living in NYC, Joseph quickly saw the limitations of access to high-quality cannabis. As cannabis delivery services were still scarce and slow, MetroBud was founded as an answer to a problem many New Yorkers face: getting fast, reliable cannabis without the hassle.
Starting with one small location on the Upper West Side, MetroBud quickly became a familiar name for those who needed a dependable cannabis delivery service. Our early days weren’t easy, but they were powered by determination and passion.
Expanding and Facing Setbacks
As MetroBud grew, we opened two more locations—one in the Lower East Side and another in Williamsburg—serving more neighborhoods and expanding our customer base. Our mission was clear: to provide New Yorkers with a dependable, fast, and affordable cannabis delivery service.
At MetroBud, we’ve faced significant setbacks in the pursuit of legitimacy within the cannabis industry, particularly when it comes to applying for licenses. Despite being veterans and having served our country, we were denied access to New York’s CAURD (Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary) program—despite the fact that veterans were supposed to be prioritized as social equity applicants. Joseph’s experience, having been arrested for cannabis possession in Buffalo in 2020, made the application process even more frustrating. It felt corrupt and unjust when we saw individuals who had no connection to the struggles of veterans or the cannabis community being granted licenses—people who were simply federal informants and snitches. These individuals were rewarded for their cowardice, while those of us who’ve fought for our country and the cause of cannabis reform were left behind. The process was not only broken, but it was disgusting to witness, and it highlighted the deep flaws within the system—leaving honest people like us out in the cold.
But no journey is without obstacles. In a shocking turn of events, our uptown location became one of the many businesses caught in Operation Padlock, a controversial police crackdown that targeted unlicensed cannabis businesses. The raid was a devastating blow, both emotionally and financially, but it didn’t stop us. We’ve always been about resilience—rising from adversity and continuing to provide our customers with what they need.
Rebuilding and Reimagining MetroBud
While MetroBud’s retail locations were a significant part of our growth, the challenges of navigating the complex regulatory landscape eventually led us to pivot our business. We made the strategic decision to focus solely on cannabis delivery. This pivot was born out of necessity but became a new opportunity to grow and expand our reach.
Today, MetroBud operates as one of NYC’s most trusted delivery services. We offer fast delivery times (typically within 60 minutes) to every corner of the city, from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. Our commitment to quality products, affordable prices, and customer satisfaction remains at the core of everything we do.
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges we’ve faced, we continue to expand our footprint in the cannabis delivery space, focusing on customer loyalty, community engagement, and delivering the best possible service.
Our journey isn’t over—we’re just getting started. As we look to the future, we’re committed to growing MetroBud into a business that not only provides great cannabis delivery but also supports those who need it most. We continue to evolve, grow, and build the MetroBud family, ensuring that New Yorkers have access to the best products and service around.
The MetroBud Mission
MetroBud isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to provide high-quality cannabis to those who need it, when they need it. Our commitment to reliability, community, and support is woven into the fabric of everything we do, from the products we offer to the relationships we build with our customers.
Thank you for being a part of the MetroBud journey. We couldn’t have gotten here without your trust and support. As we continue to grow, we’ll remain dedicated to providing New York City with fast, reliable, and convenient cannabis delivery, all while staying true to our roots and our mission.
