He was locked up for selling drugs. Now he’s opening a dispensary

Coss Marte grew up in New York’s drug-infested Lower East Side in the 1990s. He started smoking marijuana at 11 and selling drugs at 13. By his 20’s, Coss was locked up on kingpin charges for his sophisticated drug delivery business. Since his release, Coss has run a successful prison-style workout studio called Conbody, which primarily employs formerly incarcerated people. This week’s Stay Tuned feature chronicles his battle to open CONBUD, a legal dispensary, just a few blocks away from where he was first arrested. This time around, he wants to sell marijuana legally and he’s calling it “poetic justice.”
Stay Tuned is an NBC News brand dedicated to bringing the trusted, accurate, premium journalism to Gen Z News consumers. We think like our audience and highlight the stories that resonate and are relevant to them. Stay Tuned each week for new videos on Mondays.
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##conbud #marijuana #dispensary

[@petermercado-reyes8477]

They’re OPEN, 85 Delancey, 11am-11pm❤

[@rashaunwilliams6121]

I was over there last Friday

[@kenswireart88]

It shows it at the end of video

[@TRICHOMETRIST]

​@@rashaunwilliams6121how's the prices ? NJ. Is sky high Cali they can't give it away

[@PoopBIDEN1]

11pm that awesome 👏🏼

[@mariejiminez1733]

Where is this??

[@Mach11976]

I'm 65 and a non violent felon. I tried in Illinois and they laughed me out of the place. Sure i made mistakes and I paid for it. Im honorably discharged Navy veteran and just trying to find anything. Thank you for helping us.

[@Booklook111]

As a fellow veteran, thank you for your service. The VA can help. Also, look into Clearpath for Veterans. The VA is hiring too. There’s opportunities open for you. I’m a Marine Corps veteran and worked for fellow veterans at the VA. There’s help available and you are not alone.

[@Mach11976]

@@Booklook111 I appreciate your help, I worked at James A Halay VA in Tampa as a Phelbotomist and CNA. I hurt myself in 2003, I was late for work and was running up the steps to the 3 floor to Nuclear Medicine. I tore my hamstring in my right leg. That began my downfall, and 160 Percocet every 21 days. I left Florida in 2017 a rehabilitated, clean individual. I recently today actually was hired in Iowa as a Lab Courier for a hospital in Iowa. The VA continues to monitor my recovery with Suboxone and bi monthly visits with a great psychiatrist. Been with him for almost 6 years. Been a ride and today I can finally say I F--ing got there. Brother, thank you really.

[@Martehoffmann8]

Come to Denver where we need you

[@Martehoffmann8]

Thank you for your service

[@katiesiouxlamoureaux7757]

Colorado also blocks felons from working at dispensaries

[@tmcjmusic2087]

Remember this guy from a video a while back talking about his come up. Cool to see him still doing big things

[@tmcjmusic2087]

@plowe6751 yessir. I believe it's posted on inside edition and Quartz. The videos are from like 6-7 years ago 👍😎

[@calvinsplan4774]

This is one of the best things I've seen in 2023. I hope you do fantastic, giving fellow cons a chance at life when every one slams the door in their face is the write thing to do. You have made this old man grin from ear to ear.

[@ronaldhellengreen7063]

Hey bro, congrats on opening Conbud!!!! Really cool to see you succeed in a business that should have been legal a long time ago! I'm 70 now and have been burning since I was in the 7th grade! I really hope you and your partners have much success, and happiness! Can't wait to see more!!!!! PEACE ✌️

[@Southern_Sun]

I’m divinely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend his grand opening. As a Military veteran in the Las Vegas industry and legacy NYC member, it’s an inspiration to see CONBODY/CONBUD. “PATRIA y VIDA ” 🇩🇴

[@user-wo7dl6tb2q]

I moved to NYC in 1995 & left in Dec 2020 during the lockdown. The countless tales of traveling UPTOWN to bodegas to get Chocolate Thai, Haze, etc! Then the many delivery services throughout the years. And NOW, the shut is legal & sold everywhere after I left, it’s surreal & amazing! I hope his shop makes it, he deserves the best! Haven’t been back to NYC since I left but one day I’ll return & purchase from his shop!!

[@stephen_lee10]

Sweeeeeeet, I feel ya. Inspiring! And most importantly hopeful! Thank you

[@Celeste_92]

Thinking about how I went to jail 13 years ago in New York for having a weed pipe on me with weed resin in it to now. It’s pretty phenomenal.

[@WestVirginia_vs_Coleman]

Great story of redemption. Well done.

[@tdauphgolf]

This dude is inspiring! The chair he used in the interview everyone knows this guy from was as fitting as it could possibly get. If you know you know… dude was a King and still is a King good for him!

[@PhillyGirlLivefromthe215]

Poetic Justice 🙌🏾 amazing, everyone deserves a second chance!

[@bridiedoyle9303]

so happy to see this after his video on vice a few years ago 😊 gonna have to stop in during my next nyc trip

[@bluntmcbeefcake]

If this guy was making millions in the drug trade previously, then he was dealing a lot more than weed.

[@ask230]

He was. I believe there are some articles saying as much.

[@MrMeoow91]

“White kid asking a cop for direction while smoking a joint” is straight out of Dave Chappell’s jokes 😂

[@Rascofresco11]

I forgot where I seen the story on him, but it’s quite amazing.

[@Dra741]

I always wanted the people that used to sell cannabis not these new companies, when the Rastaman sold weed it was he made sure that it was safe it didn't have any drugs in it, the people who used to sell weed should be the one selling weed today, not these new companies because they don't employ the people that were arrested for selling weed and what a charge you know make it legal, but don't make anything else legal, the buck stops there, the other drugs keep them illegal

[@Ronda_Frank]

This is Amazing!! Good for you and every other felon that's moved on. To the ones still on the road.. YOU GOT THIS! I'm just a grandma from "Ohio" working in the Dispensary! 100% believe in Cannabis!

[@evolutiongaming1421]

These are the stories that’s should millions of views.

[@KarolsCorner]

Wow! Con Bod to Con Bud is GENIUS

[@tiffanymarie9254]

This is absolutely amazing 👏

[@DaBratlife]

Well I'm glad he turned his life around good luck to him. At least with this program their offering them a second chance and making licenses available for them to open up cannabis businesses.

[@user-tz3yx8dr1j]

On the contrary, he has not been redeemed, but has been vindicated. His victimization by the state, like that of millions of others, helped turn the tide towards legalization.

[@rickypen]

How ABSOLUTELY FRUSTRATING must it be for these people convicted of a crime, that isnt even a crime anymore. Had to live the horrors of the American penal system....ffs

[@gregorehorror]

You are awesome ❤️

[@0Caracalla]

Hope Con Bud takes off!!!!

[@lovedede2002]

Awesome 👌

[@butchcassidy9625]

So awesome. I'm so happy for him and thank you for making this episode. It really inspired me".

[@allisonschneider924]

He sounds more like a Bostonian than a New Yorker to me !

[@kathrinekerns8398]

Toxic people breed toxic environment. Always look to be happy and not striving for money. The love of money is the root of all evil. Do good and never evil. ✌️✌️✌️

[@TT.100]

It helps getting a license when your brother is a politician for the area too. Chris marte 😂

[@andrinabroussard1972]

So awesome! Poetic justice…… you ain’t neva lied!! Marijuana comes from the earth….. they (white early DEA) criminalized this medicinal plant to keep themselves with a job. They knew marijuana should not have been criminalized. So yes…. let OUR PEOPLE benefit from the business that keeps us creative, mellow, peaceful and loving. This is pretty awesome!!

[@cucaracha713]

Should have did a little bit of research in the California market wow 5 million... Good luck .... Hope you are growing organic

[@feralLove]

His grower in Hudson is into organic living, especially with her ability to identify the plants growing wild on the property

[@lsmith8659]

i think he gotta episode on vice "i was a teenage felon" 😂😂🤑

[@jamescaldwell6056]

Homie you need to hear jelly roll for real that what up for real that win

[@kasework]

Congratulations 🎉

[@Martehoffmann8]

Nice last name

[@adeliakimsey4434]

This made my day!😃😂

[@JoMaSaOfficial]

Horrible parents for sure, 11 and doing drugs jeez 🙏 love my legal weed I hate street weed trash and with bugs 💯

[@licensed_beheader]

Them bugs bring out the flavour. The burnt weed and cockroach smell is bliss. Why do you think people love chocolate?? It has the bugs to accentuate the flavour.

[@ivandoinstuff]

This guy had a personal training business. I guess he gave that up for the weed business.

[@KeePenne]

Love this guy!

[@Jamhael1]

Huh, a "thematic" weed shop! Who would believe that...

[@JoeMama-tl4tr]

Vice did an amazing documentary on his life

[@pinkwarrior11]

God has a great sense of humor! Congratulations stay blessed 🩷

[@kingkawala767]

Everybody needs to thank ex Governor Cuomo and the girl that he was accused of inappropriately engaging with for the marijuana law because he passed that and a few other laws really quickly that weren't going to get past and that even Democrats were against and he also showed us that you don't need the Senate to pass these laws a governor can pass them on their own so we have to thank him for that he gave us a few things

[@brettjohnson536]

I only hope they're paying them properly. But besides that, this is great! No one should be in prison for drugs, but it is good to see somewhere giving them a new chance

[@samy2441]

What does he say at 1:44 the captions couldn’t even catch it.

[@Realitybit]

I was literally a landmark on eldridge and broome.. sitting on a milk crate 24 hrs a day.. didnt want to miss a dollar

[@BadGuyCoffee]

Good for him, but bad idea showing his grow. I hope he has good security.

[@lindamerritt4602]

Nice!!!!

[@user-hi4vo1cn7r]

Congratulations!

[@elitedaimond8232]

how he takescpayment cash only cuz creditcard is federally not legal

[@ourUtopiia]

💚💚💚

[@gabrielvelazquez8062]

You know the black and gold got his back as well. Ifkyk

[@drocketw]

❤❤❤ blessings 🫶💪

[@normaljohn6035]

Isn’t this the guy that Half Baked was kinda based off of? Remember “Mr Nice Guy”. Well, this guy was the real life version except it wasn’t weed, it was cocaine. He handed out these baggies with samples and a phone number and people didn’t stop calling. But as always, you eventually get caught

[@jesbo5898]

Would go there if I lived there

[@shaunsutton4956]

The same guy from "I was a teenage felon".

[@joshbsz]

Coss Tha Boss!

[@rAveSMR]

Doing the lord's work!

[@rafaeldelrio9987]

Idk how he competes with all the illegal pot shops in his arra

[@DarkPrincessOfLight]

🤘🤘🤘💕🌿

[@toroverde9329]

I've never seen so many grown men and women jealous of a woman like Taylor. 😆 Go Taylor!

[@ask230]

His brother, Christopher Marte, is the NYC Councilman for that district. Should we be surprised he got one of the few legal licenses?

[@Franaflyby]

Do ya love me, MaryJane ♡

[@damienkearns3654]

This is great and all but medical marijuana to people suffering chronic pain in Ireland is still completely taboo and something that is unobtainable. Sh!tty synthetic painkillers and all their side effects are completely available though. 🙄

[@carltonmiller7889]

Holla at BAF win, win,

[@mizzury54]

So he was only selling cannabis and made that much money?

[@nakiah45]

that’s what i’m saying.. more power to him if he was, but i find it hard to believe

[@kevincesarsozeparas9404]

😃🌟”❕THAT’S WHAT’S UP❕🌟😃

[@Shawnryanshorts22]

🇩🇴

[@Realitybit]

🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴

[@shawnbates393]

Show me the black man in this same situation and then I will believe it’s possible

[@tomjakobs328]

Well not saying how you described the WHITE KID but i was that white kid who been in prison for protecting my family race has nothing to do with the law green. Is the only color that matters in this country.

[@sassoscrib]

wood pallet storage under a freeway!! WHat were they thinking?

[@repentandfollowjesuschrist6170]

Hire the ppl that'll rob you 🤣

[@KeePenne]

Grateful people don't rob their employers. He clearly has the ability to show love and kindness to others, traits that inspire loyalty. Judging others is never a good idea.

[@dragonmybaggage]

Awesome!

[@bendershome4discountorphan859]

Stay away from the China weed you will do great

[@georgekowalczyk6779]

420

[@user-yn1rq5jj4v]

This was that kid from vice

[@alvinb.52]

I wish I could get hella grants to start a business just because of my skin color.

[@sweetiepie4328]

There are grants for every thing..

[@_mikeybuddzz_otffrmdben7825]

I seen this dude on a show i think i almost got away w it

[@brodyllc]

dudes big goofy 😂😂😂

[@LindaShepherd-lx1op]

ISN'T THERE SOMETHING ELSE THAT COULD BE SOLD FOR MONEY🧐📌 BEING IN MY SITUATION IT STOPS A LOT OF WHAT I COULD DO BESIDES SELLING WEED OR MYSELF... 11/14/2023- TUESDAY 2:26PM LINDA FAY SHEPHERD LFGSL

[@Therealpiffhaze]

@straightfromthemata 🇩🇴🌱💨💨💨

[@flybabyjake]

Now we are idolizing convicted felons? Lol what are we teaching our innocent children?

[@allaboutroofing2]

Not just idolizing, but giving priority to felons over law abiding applicants. 🤯