Cultivating Community at Little Beach Harvest

By now, you likely have heard that New York State has legalized cannabis and that there is a brand-new, state-of-the-art dispensary right here in Southampton. While that is certainly big news, the real story goes far beyond cannabis, Little Beach Harvest is cultivating community and clearing the air surrounding cannabis and its many restorative and recreational benefits.

For the curious and the connoisseur, Little Beach Harvest is hosting Fry Bread Competitions on February 24. Fun, approachable, and educational, these events are a great glimpse into the passion and people driving Little Beach Harvest.

I love covering local community organizations that make the effort to support and serve the Hamptons year-round. After speaking with John and Cory from Little Beach Harvest,  it’s clear that the seeds of their passion are steeped in community outreach, always aiming to grow new relationships around the Hamptons and the Shinnecock Nation. 

“We are excited to host the community, starting with February’s Fry Bread Competitions. It’s a great way for us to support tribal vendors and artisans and to meet more of our neighbors across the Hamptons. Everyone is welcome—regulars, first-timers, even skeptics. We look forward to dispelling some of the ‘Reefer Madness’ misconceptions surrounding cannabis and sharing our mission,” says Cory Williams, assistant general manager.

Little Beach Harvest’s commitment to the Shinnecock Nation is iron-clad and much more than words: 4% of ALL PROCEEDS go directly to the Nation’s many vital community support programs. “Daycare, eldercare, youth services, food drives—people rely on these services, and we are more than honored to contribute. It’s important that our community see the value and feel the benefit from what we bring to the Nation,” adds John.

The brand-new building is beautiful, and you can’t miss it when you arrive. The tall arched entry appears like a cresting wave, and there is a gorgeous whale tale mosaic made from Wampum, connecting the space with the Shinnecock Nation beyond.

As the only dispensary accredited by the Shinnecock Tribal Nation—and fully compliant with NY guidelines—You can trust that safety and wellness are the #1 priority for Little Beach Harvest. So much more than cannabis, LBH has a host of healthy remedies for a range of applications, plus plans for an educational Q-and-A Series.

This was my first visit to a dispensary, and the rules are easy to understand: In New York, Cannabis is legal for those 21+. So, all you’ll need is your ID, and you’re ready to explore. They are open 7 days a week from 10am-7pm. 

I was immediately impressed; it felt more like a wellness retreat or community center than what I expected from a dispensary. In fact, almost all of my preconceptions proved incomplete: Little Beach Harvest is bringing something much bigger and more impactful to our community beyond cannabis.   There is an art center upstairs, and the space is used to host weekly vendors on Fridays, further proving this is much more than a dispensary.

You can tell how seriously they take safety and security. After you scan your ID with the very friendly front desk (hi, Shelly), they buzz you inside, and you are greeted by the smiling faces of LBH’s exceptionally informed team. 

Inside, they have the most comprehensive selection of CBD- and THC-based products, each 100% lab-tested. Gummies, teas, candies, topical creams—you name it—are all available in many different strengths, suited for inflammation, stress, and sleep aids; just ask their team, and they’ll help you find the right product.

Yes, they’ve got flower. A great selection that won’t overwhelm you, even if you’ve never been to a dispensary. All of their flower is grown by tribal nations, the majority grown in the Shinnecock Nation.

Technology is a big part of their operation, boasting a full suite of touchscreen kiosks for ordering and an evolving website complete with inventory (updated every 15 minutes). Plus, they have a drive-thru and curbside pickup. Make sure you sign up for their rewards program with email coupons and a point system for exclusive deals.

Looking toward the Spring and Summer, Little Beach Harvest will be ramping up its community programming and educational curriculum. Cory comes from the commercial agriculture space and is excited about the opportunity to expand local education on the benefits of local farming. “More than just cannabis, we’re excited to help our community discover the abundant bounty that we can cultivate here in the Shinnecock Nation.” 

That vision extends beyond the Tribal Nation and the Hamptons, as shown by their participation in the Last Prisoner Project. Gaining national media attention, the Project works to secure freedom on behalf of those incarcerated for violating now-defunct anti-cannabis legislation around the country.