Jim Belushi Opens Retail Cannabis Dispensary on Tribal Land in Upstate New York

A business in partnership with actor Jim Belushi’s cannabis company was awarded a license to sell cannabis on Saint Regis (Akwesasne) Mohawk Tribe territory in upstate New York. Belushi’s Farm Akwesasne, majority owned by Zachary Oakes, will operate as a license partner of the Oregon-based Belushi’s Farm, which has additional license partners in California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Illinois, Massachusetts, and other states.

The fees collected from the retail sale of cannabis products help support community programs and services for the Tribe and its members, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council said in a press release. 

A tribal spokesperson told Syracuse.com that there are now at least a dozen licensed adult-use dispensaries on Akwesasne territory. The Tribe began issuing licenses last year after several unauthorized shops opened following the legalization of cannabis in New York. The state has not yet issued licenses for businesses under the purview of the state but last week released regulations for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licenses, including guidance for in-house, drive-thru, and delivery options.   

Belushi was previously a cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” appeared on “Twin Peaks,” and was the star of the television series “According to Jim.” He’s also appeared in the films “Trading Places” and “Only the Lonely.” His Oregon cannabis farm was featured in a Discovery Channel series called “Growing Belushi.” 

Belushi was present at the October 27 ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the location along with members of the tribal community and government. 

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly said Belushi’s Farm was awarded the cannabis retail license by Saint Regis (Akwesasne) Mohawk tribal authorities but the license is actually held by Belushi’s Farm Akwesasne, owned by Zachary Oakes.