Nuna Harvest, a new cannabis dispensary in Fleetwood, was born from a deep passion for cannabis and a desire to create a dispensary that prioritizes quality, education, and community impact. Owner Howard Rondinone is a Bronx native and comes from a long line of cannabis entrepreneurs, making him a third-generation advocate for the industry. With deep roots in cannabis culture and business, Rondinone has a unique understanding of the legacy market and the emerging legal industry.
“Howard’s passion for cannabis is not just about business – it’s about community, education, and creating a space where people can access high-quality products in a responsible and welcoming environment,” shares Sherri McGee, the general manager for Nuna Harvest. “His leadership at Nuna Harvest ensures that the dispensary is not just a retail space, but a hub for empowerment, knowledge, and positive change.”
McGee, who has extensive experience in event planning, branding, and hospitality, plays a crucial role in merchandising, event planning, and community partnerships at Nuna Harvest. McGee is the owner of event experience company Curated People and has previously owned and operated some of New York City’s most premier nightclubs and restaurants. She is dedicated to creating a space where cannabis education, lifestyle, and culture intersect, making Nuna Harvest a standout in the industry.
“We recognized the need for a trusted, welcoming space where consumers could explore cannabis products with confidence, regardless of their level of experience,” McGee explains. “With the legalization of adult-use cannabis in New York, we saw an opportunity to help shape the industry in a way that promotes responsible consumption, supports local economic growth, and empowers customers through knowledge.”
Inside Nuna Harvest
Nuna Harvest, which opened in October 2024, offers a selection of cannabis and wellness products to ensure that every customer finds something suitable for their needs. Its inventory – exclusively sourced from New York growers – includes flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, topicals, and beverages.
Those looking for high-quality cannabis strains will find options from Revert and Runtz, both known for their exceptional genetics and potent effects. For those interested in cannabis-infused products, Aryloom and Gron both provide a range of edibles and tinctures designed for precision and flavor. Nuna Harvest also stocks WYLD, which has built a strong reputation for its delicious, all-natural THC and CBD gummies. For those interested in vape and extract products, Mfused and Stiiizy are both renowned for their smooth, high-potency formulations.
The products offered at Nuna Harvest undergo rigorous lab testing to “ensure purity, potency, and safety, reflecting the dispensary’s adherence to state regulations and its commitment to offering only the finest hand-picked cannabis.”
Beyond THC products, Nuna Harvest also offers a variety of CBD and wellness products designed for therapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects. Some of the offerings include tinctures, capsules, and topicals formulated to support relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being.
“Understanding that pet wellness is just as important, Nuna Harvest also carries CBD products for pets, providing natural solutions to support anxiety relief, joint health, and overall vitality in dogs and cats,” McGee adds.
Prioritizing Accessibility
Nuna Harvest was founded with a commitment to social equity, and the company believes that the legal cannabis industry should be accessible to those disproportionately affected by past prohibition laws. The dispensary is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and, by opening in Mount Vernon, it aims to contribute to the city’s revitalization by creating a hub for education, job creation, and community collaboration.
“By maintaining commitment to quality, safety, and compliance, we are fostering trust within the community and demonstrating that legal cannabis businesses can be both successful and socially responsible,” McGee explains.
One of the ways in which Nuna Harvest is safe and responsible is through its greeting station. Prior to entering the dispensary, customers have to stop at the greeting station, where security will check and scan identifications to ensure that customers are of age and eligible to enter the dispensary.
“We want everyone to know that we’re doing everything by the book. You’re getting clean service and products that have been tested and verified,” she shares. “It’s not for everybody, but it’s also nothing to be scared of. If you want to learn more, we’re happy to have that conversation.”
Another cornerstone of Nuna Harvest’s mission is job creation; they are dedicated to hiring locally and providing employment opportunities for Mount Vernon residents, as well as offering career growth within the cannabis industry. The opening of Nuna Harvest contributes to Mount Vernon’s economy by generating tax revenue that can be reinvested in the community.
“Legal cannabis sales provide a new and sustainable source of income for the city, helping to fund public services, infrastructure improvements, and local programs,” McGee says. “In essence, Nuna Harvest is more than just a dispensary; it is a community partner, an educator, and an economic driver. We are proud to be a part of Mount Vernon’s growth and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the city’s economy, job market, and cannabis landscape.”
Cannabis Education & Consumer Awareness
One of Nuna Harvest’s top priorities is ensuring that staff are well-versed in their cannabis knowledge and that customers are informed. More than just jobs, Nuna Harvest also offers training programs that help employees gain valuable skills in retail operations, compliance, and customer education, all of which position them for long-term careers in the cannabis industry.
Nuna Harvest also offers comprehensive budtender training programs which equip their team with in-depth knowledge about the latest cannabis products, strains, and trends. This ensures that the staff can confidently guide both new and experienced consumers in selecting the best products for their needs.
“Additionally, we offer vendor-led training sessions where brand partners educate our team on the specifics of their products. This not only enhances our budtenders’ expertise, but also strengthens relationships with the brands we carry, fostering a collaborative industry environment.”
For customers, Nuna Harvest provides in-store consultations with their budtenders, who educate consumers on product selection, dosing, and safe consumption methods. Nuna Harvest also hosts free educational workshops and seminars featuring industry experts, medical professionals, and brand representatives.
“These sessions aim to dispel myths, promote safe consumption, and highlight the medicinal benefits of cannabis for various conditions such as pain management, anxiety relief, and sleep support,” McGee notes.
Further extending its educational impact, Nuna Harvest has announced plans for a cannabis museum at the Mount Vernon location. This museum – free and open to the public – will serve as an immersive exploration of cannabis through multiple lenses, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its rich history, cultural significance, and modern applications.
The museum will feature distinct sections, each designed to educate and engage: a historical exhibit tracing cannabis from its ancient origins in Asia and its use in traditional medicines to its role in American counterculture and the war on drugs; a medicinal area showcasing the science behind cannabinoids like THC and CBD, with interactive displays on their therapeutic benefits for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety; an innovation gallery highlighting cutting-edge advancements in cannabis cultivation, extraction techniques, and product development, including sustainable farming practices by New York growers; and a cultural corner celebrating cannabis in art, music, and social justice movements, with a focus on its evolving perception in society.
The museum will also include a rotating exhibit space for temporary installations, ensuring fresh content that keeps visitors coming back. By blending education with experience, this museum will empower Mount Vernon residents and beyond to appreciate cannabis as a plant with a profound past and a promising future.
Going forward, Nuna Harvest plans to partner with local wellness and senior centers to integrate cannabis into broader wellness conversations. The dispensary also hosts workshops and classes in the event space (which has a separate entrance from the dispensary itself), for residents to access without having to engage with cannabis.
“Our approach stems from a belief that cannabis can be a positive force when used responsibly, and it aims to destigmatize its use by providing clear, accessible information to customers and the wider community,” McGee shares. “The goal is to build connections, educate the community, and contribute to a healthier, more cannabis-informed Mount Vernon.”
Nuna Harvest
696 Locust St, Fleetwood
Website
Related: The Cannabis Industry Has High Hopes for Westchester County
