How Coss Marte Turned His Past into a $12M Cannabis Business
A Journey of Redemption and Success
Coss Marte, 39, is the embodiment of transformation. Once navigating the shadows of NYC’s Lower East Side as an illegal cannabis dealer, he is now the founder and CEO of Conbud, a thriving legal cannabis dispensary in the very same neighborhood. With an incredible story of resilience and entrepreneurial vision, Marte’s rise highlights the power of second chances and the untapped potential within those society often overlooks.
In September 2024, Conbud hit over $800,000 in monthly sales, cementing itself as one of NYC’s leading dispensaries. With projections targeting $12 million in revenue for 2025, Marte’s business isn’t just about profit—it’s about rewriting the narrative.
From Cell Block to CEO
Growing up on the streets of the Lower East Side, Marte’s early life was marked by hardship and hustle. By his early twenties, he was earning up to $2 million annually in illicit drug sales. But that lifestyle came with a cost: he was arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison for drug-related offenses.
While behind bars, Marte faced a reckoning. He used the time to reflect on his actions, educate himself, and rebuild his mindset. Fueled by determination, he vowed to leave his past behind and turn his entrepreneurial spirit toward legitimate ventures upon his release.
The Birth of Conbud
Marte’s pivot into the legal cannabis industry wasn’t just a business decision—it was a full-circle moment. After New York legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, Marte recognized an opportunity to leverage his expertise while championing social equity. Conbud opened its doors in the Lower East Side, a community that had borne witness to both his struggles and transformation.
Today, Conbud stands as a beacon of opportunity and inclusivity, with a mission to employ individuals from marginalized communities and those impacted by the war on drugs. Marte’s vision is clear: to build a business that thrives while giving back.
Conbud’s Success Formula
How did Marte turn Conbud into a seven-figure business in just a few years?
1. Location, Location, Location
Conbud operates in the heart of the Lower East Side, an area bustling with foot traffic and cultural history. Marte knew the neighborhood like the back of his hand, leveraging his intimate knowledge of the community to position the store for maximum visibility.
2. Social Equity in Action
Marte secured one of New York’s coveted Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses, which prioritize individuals affected by past cannabis convictions. His ability to connect his personal story with his business allowed him to stand out in a competitive licensing process.
3. Community-Focused Branding
Conbud doesn’t just sell cannabis; it represents a movement. Marte’s personal story of redemption resonates with customers and investors alike, building loyalty and trust. Through storytelling, the brand creates an emotional connection, positioning itself as more than just a dispensary.
4. Operational Excellence
Generating $800,000 in monthly revenue isn’t just luck—it’s strategy. Conbud offers a curated selection of high-quality cannabis products and emphasizes exceptional customer service. Marte also keeps a pulse on emerging trends, ensuring Conbud stays ahead of competitors in an ever-evolving industry.
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Looking Ahead: $12M and Beyond
With 2025 projections targeting $12 million in revenue, Conbud is poised for explosive growth. Marte plans to expand operations, introduce delivery services, and launch exclusive product lines. Beyond profits, his mission remains deeply rooted in social impact.
Marte envisions a future where Conbud becomes a model for second-chance entrepreneurs, proving that redemption and success can go hand in hand.
Education Beyond the Classroom
While Marte never pursued a formal college education, he is a lifelong learner. His time in prison became an unconventional classroom, where he studied business, leadership, and personal development through books and self-education. He credits this informal education—and his real-world experiences—with shaping his success.
“Everything I learned, I learned by doing,” Marte says. “It’s not about where you start—it’s about what you do with what you have.”
The Bottom Line
Coss Marte’s story is more than a tale of business success—it’s a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the human capacity for change. From illegal cannabis dealer to CEO of a $12M empire, Marte has turned his past into a platform for empowerment and progress.
For anyone doubting the potential of second chances, Conbud proves that transformation is not only possible—it can be wildly successful.
