Memorial Day is a moment to pause and honor the men and women who gave everything in service to this country. For some who returned home, the mission continues in the form of managing injuries, chronic pain, or the invisible weight of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
At Flor de Fred, Queens’ licensed cannabis dispensary, we mark this Memorial Day by spotlighting something we are proud to carry: veteran-owned cannabis brands rooted in New York and built by people who understand that mission firsthand.
We also offer a discount for everyone who walks in with valid military identification.
Why Veteran-Owned Cannabis Brands Matter
The transition from military to civilian life is rarely simple. Many veterans come home dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders, but the standard pharmaceutical toolkit comes loaded with side effects of its own.
As legal cannabis has expanded across New York State, more veterans have turned to it as a complementary option for managing their symptoms.
Multiple studies and patient reports have explored how cannabis may support relaxation, sleep, discomfort management, and stress relief for some adults.
Veteran-owned cannabis companies go a step further. They have built businesses rooted in the same discipline, loyalty, and community care that defined their service. When you buy from them, you are supporting their mission directly.
The Veteran-Owned Cannabis Brands We Carry
Veterans Choice Creations is a family-owned operation founded by Jason Ambrosino, a 10-year Army veteran, whose portfolio includes three distinct New York brands: Spacebuds, New York Honey, and Pot & Head. Each brand reflects a strong focus on consistency, quality and attention to detail.
Spacebuds
- Format: Flower and Pre-rolls
- Experience: Flavorful, gradual onset with long-lasting effects
- Best for: Experienced consumers who want full-spectrum, slow-building sessions
- Heads up: Not the best starting point for first-time users, start slow
Stiiizy
California-born Stiiizy entered the New York market in 2025 and has built a reputation for reliable, consistent quality across vapes and infused pre-rolls. Co-Founder and CEO James Kim is an Army veteran, who served a 13-month combat tour in Iraq.
- Format: Pre-rolls and Vapes
- Experience: Clean flavor, smooth and calming
- Best for: Occasional consumers who want a predictable, repeatable experience
- Heads up: Infused pre-rolls hit differently than standard ones so go easy if you are not used to them
Silly Nice
Harlem-based Silly Nice is both Black owned and veteran owned, with every product in their lineup cultivated, packaged, and distributed entirely within New York State. That means fresher products and money staying in the community.
- Format: Concentrates (Diamond Powder)
- Experience: Immediate onset, intensely flavorful, high potency
- Best for: Topping off bowls, joints, or blunts; for experienced consumers wanting extra intensity
- Heads up: If you have never dabbed or used concentrates, talk to our budtenders first because concentrates are not for beginners.
All three brands are available in-store for pickup or via delivery to Eastern Brooklyn, Southern Queens, and Western Long Island.
Harm Reduction Is Part of the Work Too
Supporting wellness means more than carrying products. It also means showing up for the community beyond sales.
Caring for the community does not stop at the dispensary counter. Flor de Fred offers free Narcan (naloxone) training and xylazine test strips as part of our harm reduction commitment in Queens because our real goal has always been safety and wellness for everyone.
The impact of this work is measurable. New York City saw overdose deaths peak in 2023, then fall by 28% in 2024, a drop that likely reflects wider access to treatment programs and the growing availability of Narcan.
Queens has recently posted the lowest overdose death rate among all five boroughs, and that is not an accident. It reflects the community showing up for itself and we intend to keep that momentum going.
Cannabis for Memorial Day in Queens: Start Summer Right
Memorial Day weekend also opens the door to everything that makes a New York summer worth living, like beach days in the Rockaways, cookouts in the backyard and graduation parties. Flor de Fred is stocked and ready for all of it.
Whether you are celebrating, grieving, healing, or just finally getting outside after a long winter, we have the products and the delivery range to meet you where you are.
Browse online for pickup or delivery, or stop by the shop and talk with our team. Our knowledgeable budtenders can help you find the right product for your preferences and experience level.
Stay Local. Stay Queens.
FAQs: Veteran-Owned Cannabis in Queens
Which cannabis brands at Flor de Fred are veteran owned?
We currently carry Silly Nice, Stiiizy, and Spacebuds (by Veterans Choice Creations). We may also carry Pot & Head and New York Honey depending on inventory. Check our menu or ask a budtender for the latest.
Does Flor de Fred offer a military discount?
Yes. Bring valid military ID and ask about our veteran discount at the counter.
Can cannabis help veterans with PTSD?
Some consumers use cannabis to support relaxation and stress management, but dosage matters. We recommend starting low, going slow, and talking with our staff about which products are gentle entry points.
Can cannabis help with insomnia?
Certain Indica-dominant strains are associated with sedative effects that may support sleep. Results vary by individual and product. Our budtenders can point you toward options that other customers have found helpful for sleep.
Can cannabis replace prescription medications for veterans?
Cannabis is not a replacement for medical care, and we are not doctors. What we can do is give you honest, knowledgeable guidance on products and encourage you to discuss cannabis as a complementary option with your VA provider or healthcare team.
*Flor de Fred is a licensed cannabis dispensary serving Ozone Park, Queens, NY and surrounding areas including Eastern Brooklyn, and Western Long Island. In-store pickup and delivery available.
