From Arrest to Achievement: Jennifer Tzar Becomes First Woman Licensed to Sell Cannabis in New York

From bars to buds…

People Magazine reports that Jennifer Tzar, once arrested for cannabis possession in 2011, has now become the first woman licensed to operate a legal cannabis dispensary in New York State.

Tzar, a former model and photojournalist, opened Dagmar Cannabis in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood earlier this year. Her journey—from being criminalized for cannabis to becoming a pioneer in the state’s legal market—highlights the shifting landscape of marijuana laws and the growing opportunities for those once penalized by prohibition.

She plans to expand with a second location in Williamsburg and hopes to build a platform that supports other women and entrepreneurs affected by the war on drugs. “There’s a certain poetic justice in being able to come full circle,” Tzar said in the interview.

Her success story also reflects New York’s broader goal to prioritize cannabis licenses for individuals with prior convictions, a key aspect of its legalization policy. Dagmar Cannabis offers a curated selection of flower, edibles, and tinctures, all sourced from local, women-led farms and producers.

What’s your take?

What do you think about New York’s effort to uplift formerly incarcerated individuals in the cannabis industry? Should more states follow this model?