BETHEL  — Previously just a general market on State Route 17B in Bethel, the Woodstock Oasis has pivoted to a business model reminiscent on the history of its namesake – a cannabis dispensary. Owner Mark Moore, along with his wife Marge, settled on the historic location because “what goes better [with cannabis] than the Woodstock site?”

Since opening on January 11, Moore takes stock in selling CBD and TAC (Total Active Cannabinoids) products, along with disposable vapes and marijuana gummies. However, his stock is not limited to the cannabis sector. Moore fully embraces his location, 2166 NY-17B, Bethel, as he also sells Woodstock Music Festival memorabilia.

And it is not just the product that has historical ties to the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Festival of 1969. The building that houses the dispensary was opened on the 25th anniversary of Woodstock Festival in 1994, cementing its place in the ongoing story of what happened on that hill for three days and nights.

Unfortunately, the lead up to fully opening as a dispensary was not all just about blowing smoke as the process did not come without its challenges. Moore noted he has faced some obstacles right from the get-go prior to opening up.

“When I first put the application in [to become a dispensary], I was 197th on the list. Because so many people applied, I was in a cube,” recounted Moore. “This added eight months to my wait.”

But regardless of challenges in getting the dispensary off the ground, Moore noted that he has people from all over who come back every year, and has already seen a boost in positive feedback with the dispensary. He expressed gratitude to the Bethel and surrounding communities as being “very supportive.”

For his increase in customers, Moore said that safety and education on his products is at the forefront of his priorities. To enforce the State’s cannabis regulations, the owner ensures that everyone who comes in to purchase his products has a state issued ID, as well as sends the State inventory reports every week. 

In addition to being upfront on cannabis education with posters around the in-