On Friday, May 15th, we welcomed Rohan Marley to the store as part of the official Lion Order tour, and we were honored to be the very first stop in New York City.
The visit brought together customers, staff, longtime supporters, and cannabis enthusiasts for an afternoon rooted in culture and community. Throughout the day, Rohan spent time connecting directly with guests, sharing the story behind Lion Order and what it means to bring the brand to NYC through HWCC and its partners.
When asked in our previous interview why launching Lion Order in New York felt so important, Rohan reflected on the city’s deep history with cannabis culture, resistance, and music:
“New York is legacy, music, resistance, the herb that moved through these streets when nobody was supposed to touch it. To come home through Housing Works, a shop that gives back to the same communities the war on drugs took from, that’s righteousness.”
The conversation also touched on the shared values between Lion Order and Housing Works. Jesse highlighted Housing Works’ roots in ACT UP activism and its long-standing commitment to communities impacted by systemic neglect and the war on drugs.
Rohan connected that mission to his own upbringing and legacy:
“My father didn’t look away either. He sang about it. He built around it. We as Rastafarians were told this plant was illegal while we knew it was medicine—for the body, for the mind, for the community.”
Throughout the event, guests had the opportunity to learn more about Lion Order’s philosophy and products, including their indoor-grown flower, legacy genetics, 3.5g bags, and 1g pre-rolls.
When asked what quality means to him, Rohan kept it simple:
“It means my brothers smoke it and call me back. That’s the test.”
More than anything, the day felt like a meaningful meeting of missions, bringing together cannabis, culture, advocacy, and community under one roof. We’re grateful to Rohan Marley and the Lion Order team for choosing Housing Works Cannabis Co as the first NYC stop on the tour and for sharing such an intentional conversation with our community.
