For years, hip-hop culture spoke openly about cannabis long before legalization became policy. Now one of Queens’ own is stepping into the legal side of the industry. G-Unit veteran Tony Yayo is exploring the business of cannabis while connecting with leaders shaping New York’s regulated market.
According to Black Cannabis Magazine, the Queens native recently opened up about his interest in the cannabis industry, his plans to build business opportunities in Queens, and why the upcoming New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA) industry event matters for entrepreneurs entering the legal space.
The conversation highlights a larger shift happening across hip-hop and business, as artists increasingly move from cultural influence to ownership in emerging industries.
From Queens Streets To Legal Opportunity
For Tony Yayo, cannabis is not a trend. It’s part of the culture he grew up around.
Long before dispensaries existed, cannabis circulated through neighborhood networks across New York City. But during those years, the consequences were serious. Even small cannabis transactions could lead to arrests and criminal records.
That history still shapes how Yayo views the industry today.
“I picked Queens because that’s home,” Yayo explained. “That’s where we grew up. That’s where we got locked up for cannabis. And now it’s legal.”
The contrast between those two eras is exactly why he believes legalization represents opportunity for communities that were once criminalized.
“There were times we took chances going to jail just for weed,” he said. “Now it’s legal, and people who went to jail can finally benefit from it.”
NYCRA Event Bringing The Industry Together
Yayo’s comments come ahead of the New York Cannabis Retail Association’s fourth annual industry event taking place in Brooklyn at The Chocolate Factory. The gathering is expected to bring together more than 1,500 cannabis professionals, retailers, brands, and operators from across the state.
Founded by Britni Tantalo and Jayson Tantalo, NYCRA has become a leading trade organization advocating for licensed cannabis retailers in New York. The association focuses on education, policy advocacy, and helping operators navigate the state’s evolving cannabis regulations.
For Yayo, attending the event is about learning the industry from the inside.
“This event is going to bring much needed information,” he said. “Information is everything to me. When you have the right information, you have power.”
He also praised the association’s ability to bridge cannabis culture with professional strategy.
“They bring street-level awareness and translate it into a professional, strategic political approach,” Yayo said. “That’s how they get things done and drive real regulatory change.”
Learning The Legal Cannabis Industry
While celebrity cannabis brands have become increasingly common, Yayo says he wants to understand the industry before expanding further.
Entering the legal cannabis space requires more than recognition. Regulations, licensing requirements, compliance rules, and supply chains all play critical roles in building sustainable businesses.
“I want to know more about what it is I can do to help raise awareness and better help build my businesses along the way,” Yayo explained.
He also mentioned his venture The Unit Powered by Indoor, which he hopes will grow as he continues learning the industry.
“I know this event will be able to bring The Unit Powered by Indoor to the next level,” he said.
Cannabis As Wellness And Lifestyle
Yayo also spoke about how the cannabis industry has evolved far beyond traditional smoking culture. Today’s legal market includes products designed for wellness, recovery, and lifestyle support.
“Cannabis is not just for smokers,” Yayo said. “It’s for cancer patients, people with anxiety, and people dealing with pain.”
The market now includes edibles, concentrates, topical products, and even CBD wellness items designed for pets.
He also believes consumers should understand the difference between potency and quality.
“I love smoking the best of the best,” he said. “But I’m not trying to be stupid high where I can’t drive.”
A Cultural Shift In New York
New York’s legal cannabis market continues to grow as dispensaries expand across the city and surrounding regions. At the same time, artists and entrepreneurs from hip-hop culture are increasingly entering the space as ownership opportunities grow.
For Yayo, the goal goes beyond simply launching products. He wants to build businesses that create opportunities in communities that were once heavily targeted during cannabis prohibition.
“The best part is that I’m growing and learning every single day,” he said. “We’re not here just to profit off this plant — we’re here to uplift and invest in our people.”
As New York’s cannabis industry continues evolving, Yayo believes Queens should be part of that growth.
Readers can view the original reporting at Black Cannabis Magazine:
https://blackcannabismagazine.com/tony-yayo-talks-legal-cannabis-and-building-business-in-queens/
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