Allegany County’s First State-Licensed Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Alfred
Southern Tier Cannabis Inc., a mother‑and‑son owned retailer, opened its doors earlier this year at 30 N. Main St. in the Village of Alfred, home to both Alfred University and Alfred State College. The location marks Allegany County’s inaugural state‑licensed cannabis dispensary.
Donna Brayton and her son Bruce Brinthaupt originally planned to launch the business in their hometown of Elmira, but a two‑year licensing wait made that timeline impractical. After reviewing a statewide map of legal dispensaries, they noticed a sizable gap in the Southern Tier and chose Alfred, where the village had recently switched from an opt‑out to an opt‑in stance on cannabis retail.
The dispensary occupies roughly 1,200 square feet in a building that previously housed an art studio and, before that, a bar/restaurant. Brayton and Brinthaupt, who hold a rent‑to‑own agreement on the property, renovated the flooring, ceilings, walls, and electrical system, and added a dedicated office space.
Since opening, the shop has reported a steady weekly increase in sales. Brinthaupt notes that the Alfred community has welcomed them warmly, and he feels optimistic about the business’s trajectory.
Focus on Customer Service and Education
Southern Tier Cannabis emphasizes a curated selection of lab‑tested, locally grown products, aiming to promote wellness, responsible consumption, and informed choices. The inventory includes whole flowers, pre‑rolls, cartridges, disposables, edibles, drinks, tinctures, and concentrates.
Recognizing that the variety can be overwhelming, the staff prioritizes education. “Many customers aren’t familiar with the science behind cannabis,” Brinthaupt explained. “Our goal is to guide them to the product that best matches their needs.”
Whole flowers remain the top‑selling item, while disposables are especially popular among the college‑student demographic.
Locally Sourced Merchandise
All products carried by Southern Tier Cannabis are cultivated within New York State, with several growers from the Southern Tier region represented on the shelves. Prices listed on the dispensary’s website include taxes, so the amount shown is what customers pay at checkout.
For a complete product list and current pricing, visit the store’s website or call 607‑247‑5021.
Store Hours and Contact Information
Southern Tier Cannabis operates six days a week and is closed on Sundays.
Store hours
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Monday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Friday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Customers must be at least 21 years old to purchase cannabis products.
For additional information, email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com.
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