Luxury Cannabis in the City: The Rise of Upscale THC for Moms
In the heart of New York City, a new trend is emerging among Upper East Side moms: swapping wine for weed. These moms are trading in their evening glasses of pinot noir for sleek, luxury cannabis products, courtesy of Charlie Fox, a high-end cannabis store in Times Square. The store has become the go-to destination for moms seeking THC-infused gummies, pre-rolled joints, and other upscale cannabis products tailored to their refined tastes. For these moms, cannabis is no longer about getting high; it’s about unwinding after a long day, enhancing their social experiences, or even substituting for a glass of wine. The store’s elegant vibe, complete with silver platters, marble bars, and expert cannabis sommeliers, has made it a hotspot for moms looking to embrace cannabis in a sophisticated way.
Charlie Fox: A New Kind of Retail Experience
Charlie Fox is redefining the cannabis shopping experience, especially for moms who have long felt underserved by the industry. While other cannabis shops in the city may feel “shady” or cater to a younger, male demographic, Charlie Fox is designed to be welcoming and chic. The store’s second floor features a rose-hued lounge with baby pink banquettes, chandeliers, and a marble bar where customers can enjoy tastings tailored to their needs. The atmosphere is reminiscent of luxury department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, making it a haven for moms who value discretion and style. The staff, including cannabis sommeliers like Ari Botsford-Cohen, are dedicated to helping customers find the perfect product, whether it’s a relaxing night in or a “mom’s night out.”
Moms’ Night Out with a Twist
For moms like Alice Garretti, a 39-year-old Upper East Side mom of two, Charlie Fox has become a game-changer. Garretti, who runs an upscale catering company, discovered the store after a fellow parent recommended it. She was immediately drawn to the store’s elegant presentation and the variety of products, including THC-infused gummies and pre-rolled joints. Garretti, who describes herself as a “quiet cannabis consumer,” appreciates that Charlie Fox offers a more refined approach to cannabis. She has even started gifting boxes of passion fruit-flavored gummies at dinner parties and fundraisers, signaling a shift in how cannabis is perceived in social circles.
Tailored Experiences for Discerning Customers
One of the standout features of Charlie Fox is its focus on creating personalized experiences for customers. The store’s cannabis sommeliers take the time to understand each customer’s lifestyle and preferences, offering tailored recommendations. For Garretti, this meant finding a product that wouldn’t knock her out but would help her relax after a long day of juggling work and parenting. She found the perfect solution in a box of passion fruit-flavored gummies made from an Indica strain, known for its relaxing effects. Other moms, like Janell Vantrease, a 45-year-old marketing professional, have also found success with Charlie Fox’s products. Vantrease, who discovered the store after seeing a Broadway show, praised the store’s tangerine-flavored Social Gummies, which she uses to unwind before a night out with friends.
A New Staple in Mom’s Night Out
Cannabis is quickly becoming a staple in the social lives of these Upper East Side moms. Instead of bringing bottles of wine to dinner parties, moms are now showing up with boxes of elegantly packaged gummies. These products are not only stylish but also offer a subtle and controlled way to enjoy cannabis. For many moms, the appeal of cannabis lies in its ability to take the edge off without the hangover or guilt associated with drinking. Ari Botsford-Cohen, one of Charlie Fox’s sommeliers and a mom herself, has even started connecting with other moms through social media groups, where she recommends low-dose edibles for sleep, stress, and even perimenopause symptoms. For these moms, cannabis has become a Tool for self-care and socializing.
Cannabis Culture Evolves in NYC
The rise of Charlie Fox and its popularity among Upper East Side moms reflects a broader cultural shift in how cannabis is perceived and consumed. What was once stigmatized as a rebellious or countercultural activity is now being embraced by mainstream, high-achieving professionals who value discretion and sophistication. For these moms, cannabis is not about getting high; it’s about finding balance in a fast-paced, high-stress world. As more women like Alice Garretti and Janell Vantrease share their positive experiences with cannabis, the taboo surrounding it begins to fade, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting cannabis culture in the city.
