'Nothing Was In Vain' Says Happy Munkey CEO After Securing NY Retail License, Wants To Empower Latino Entrepreneurs

From the heart of Harlem to pioneering a renowned 'legacy-to-legal' cannabis brand in New York City, Happy Munkey LLC CEO and co-founder Vladimir Bautista's journey is a testament to the power of belief and resilience.

"If it weren't for that [marijuana medical benefits], I wouldn't be here with you," Bautista says in an exclusive interview with Benzinga, encapsulating his 25-year-long journey with cannabis that has not only provided him solace but also sparked his passion for the plant and its benefits.

Bautista, by the way, will be speaking at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Sept 27-28 and he'd love to meet you and share his story.

Challenges To Thrive In Cannabis Industry

Born to Dominican parents and raised by a single mother, Bautista's formative years were challenging. He grew up in a “low-income, violence and drug-related issues neighborhood.”  However, he discovered the therapeutic properties of marijuana, which became his beacon of hope and ignited his interest in the cannabis industry.

See Also: Latinx Cannabis Community Unites In NYC To Advocate For Legalization In The Dominican Republic

Bautista, along with his ‘socio’ (partner) Ramón Reyes, founded Happy Munkey, which recently obtained a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license, granting it permission to open a cannabis shop in the Big Apple.

“Happy Munkey is currently exploring the NY real estate, seeking a place for dispensaries in the districts of Midtown/Downtown Manhattan and some neighborhoods in Brooklyn,” says Bautista who expressed Happy Monkey’s vision of providing premium cannabis products at budget-friendly prices.

A Vision Beyond Profit: Empowering Latino Entrepreneurs

The license is not just a commercial achievement for Bautista, it also holds immense symbolic significance. "Nothing was in vain, and we want to inspire people from minority and impoverished backgrounds that if we can succeed, they can too," he said.

Happy Munkey aspires to shape the cannabis industry's diverse landscape. "With statistics revealing that 97% of the legal cannabis industry in the US is dominated by White Americans, the brand seeks to empower Hispanic and BIPOC communities," he noted. 

Bautista's goal extends beyond financial gains. "Every dollar spent at Happy Munkey's dispensary contributes to providing jobs for Latinos, fostering economic growth in their community."

Vladimir Bautista, image courtesy of Chris Ayala 

Bautista's vision stretches beyond U.S. borders. He is committed to dispelling the stigma associated with cannabis and to promoting its medicinal benefits, especially in Latin American countries. "Education for a Better Economy in Latin America" is his mantra as he stresses the importance of scientific research and financial reports to challenge marijuana prohibition.

See Also: Latino Influence: Meet Vladimir Bautista, Key Figure In The Legalization Of Cannabis In New York

Bautista encourages entrepreneurs to hold on to their belief in the plant's holistic benefits. “New York cannabis industry shows potential for rapid growth and consolidation in 2024," he says.

Education Is Essential To Change Perceptions About Cannabis

On 7/10 Day, Happy Munkey and the Museum of Sex collaborated in an unforgettable 'Sensual Soiree' party in Manhattan. Attendees enjoyed various activities, including Yoga sessions and enlightening educational discussions about the history of sex and the potential benefits of cannabis. The event provided a unique space for guests to engage with interactive stations, uncovering the fascinating connections between cannabis and intimacy, all while enjoying exciting performances that added to the overall experience.

Image courtesy of  Chris Ayala

Education is the cornerstone of Happy Munkey's mission, "to grandma, to mom, to the neighbor and to the friends," said Bautista, who says it's possible "to unite people of all ethnicities and social classes through of consciousness, with the aim of creating a more inclusive and empowered society," and all thanks to cannabis.

Come and meet Vladimir Bautista and other entrepreneurs like him and learn more about inclusion and social equity in the industry. Join us at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Sept 27-28. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Read Next: New Yorkers Love Weed, First Legal Shop Rakes In Millions After Only Six Months Of Sales

All Images Are Courtesy Of Happy Munkey LLC