Grand opening of cannabis shop, nail salon in Colonie

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A Capital District business owner has taken relaxation to a higher level. She’s combined two separate industries under one roof. NEWS10 was there for the grand opening of Cussin’s Cannabis & Nail Salon. 

The nail salon was previously located in Schenectady on Jay Street but they’ve just upgraded to a new location on Lisha Kill Road and Central Avenue but this time with some additional offerings.

Cannabis flower, edibles, vapes and other products are all on sale right next door to the salon. Owner Cori Rodriguez said this is a first-of-its-kind business.

“We have a dispensary that shares a wall with the salon, so a separate entrance and separate operation. You don’t have to have a nail appointment to come and shop cannabis, and you don’t have to shop cannabis if you want to get your nails done, but for the people who like to do both we do offer both,” said Rodriguez.

It’s illegal to consume cannabis at a dispensary, but customers can make both purchases in this one-stop-shop.

Rodriguez said when people get their nails done, they’re thinking about self care and providing mindful space for themselves to relax and unwind. 

“And I liked carrying that same theme and energy into the dispensary, that sometimes can have a bit more of a clinical energy to it,” said Rodriguez. She said they’ve seemed to clear some legal hurdles, for now. 

“I think there’s always a little piece of all licensees that are like, ‘What challenge is going to be next?’ But at the moment I’m glad we’re open,” said Rodriguez. “We just gotta stay positive and be here for our customers and clients and providing a service and I think we’ll be alright.” 

She’s glad to offer a new space where clients can practice mindfulness and self care in the different aspects of their life. And the President of the Colonie Chamber of Commerce Tom Nolte agrees.  

“We talk about great combinations out there in the world, peanut butter and jelly and milk and cookies, and of course nail salons and dispensaries. This is such a unique business, as far as we know, it’s the only combination of that in the country,” said Nolte. “We’re here to support local business and we are just so grateful when they ask us to be part of their success. This is all about them. We’re just here to support them.”

He said he’s glad to see Rodriguez expand the nail salon, all while getting the license to open the dispensary.

Rodriguez paved her own way in the beauty and cannabis industries, while pregnant. She had a baby July 18 and looks forward to spending more time with her family.

“We are off to a great start and I’m glad to be doing this with the team of people that I have behind me and I really want to thank my friends and my family for all supporting me through this crazy idea and thank you,” said Rodriguez.